Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese Water Dog has two coat types: curly and wavy. Both types are a single coat, meaning there’s no undercoat. That’s why the Portie doesn’t shed as much as some breeds and why he’s often considered to be hypoallergenic. (Although all dogs shed hair and dander to some degree–there’s no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog.)

The Portie’s coat can be black, white, various shades of brown, or black or brown with white. It’s popular to give the Portie a lion clip or a retriever clip. In the lion clip, the muzzle, mid-body, and rear end are short, with a tuft at the end of the tail. In the retriever clip, the coat is clipped or trimmed all over to about an inch in length, following the outline of the body.

Brush or comb your Portie two or three times a week to keep the coat tangle-free. Clip or trim the coat monthly to keep it looking neat.

With any dog who spends a lot of time in the water, it’s important to give a thorough fresh-water rinse after swimming to remove chemicals, salt, and other substances that can cause coat or skin problems. Wipe out and dry the ears thoroughly as well to prevent infections.

Trim nails once or twice a month. If you can hear them clicking on the floor, they’re too long. Short, neatly trimmed nails keep the feet in good condition and protect your shins from getting scratched when your Portie enthusiastically jumps up to greet you.

Dental hygiene is also important. Brush your Portie’s teeth at least two or three times a week to keep his breath fresh and prevent tartar buildup and periodontal disease. Daily brushing is even better.

Start grooming your Portie when he’s a puppy to get him used to it. Handle his paws frequently–dogs are touchy about their feet–and look inside his mouth and ears. Make grooming a positive experience filled with praise and rewards, and you’ll lay the groundwork for easy veterinary exams and other handling when he’s an adult.