How often should a Portuguese Water Dog be groomed?

The Portuguese Water Dog’s long, wavy to curly coat sheds very little but mats easily, especially in moist conditions. Regular grooming is essential to keep their coat healthy and comfortable. Brush or comb your dog 3 to 5 times per week, paying special attention to areas behind the ears and under the armpits where tangles form quickly. Light trims around the sanitary areas and feet between full grooms help maintain cleanliness and comfort. Bathing every 3 to 6 weeks is recommended, followed by thorough drying to prevent matting. A full professional groom every 4 to 6 weeks keeps the coat manageable and neat. Their coat colors—black, brown, or white with possible white markings—don’t require special stain management but do benefit from regular cleaning to keep the white areas bright. - Brush 3–5 times weekly - Focus on ears and armpits - Trim sanitary and feet lightly - Bathe every 3–6 weeks - Full groom every 4–6 weeks Pro tip: Use a slicker brush combined with a metal comb to gently detangle without damaging the coat.