7. The Portuguese Water Dog

As their name suggests, Portuguese Water Dogs were bred to be all-purpose helpers for fishermen along the coast of Portugal. Their job included herding fish into nets, retrieving lost tackle, and carrying messages between ships. Their robust, waterproof, single-layered coat was essential for this work but requires significant upkeep on land.

The Coat and Its Challenges

The Portuguese Water Dog (PWD) has a coat of continuously growing hair that can be either curly or wavy. It is a single coat, meaning there is no undercoat, which contributes to its low-shedding quality. However, like the Poodle’s coat, the hair grows constantly and will mat if not cared for properly. Because they are active, athletic dogs who love water, their coats can easily pick up debris and form tangles after a swim if not brushed out promptly.

The Required Grooming Regimen

A PWD needs to be brushed thoroughly several times a week to prevent mats. A slicker brush and a metal comb are necessary to work through the dense curls or waves. Because the hair grows continuously, they require a full haircut from a professional groomer every 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the desired coat length.

There are two traditional clips for the breed. The “lion clip” involves shaving the hindquarters and muzzle, leaving a mane of long hair on the front half of the body. The more practical “retriever clip” involves clipping the entire coat to a uniform length of about one inch (2.5 cm). Most pet owners opt for the retriever clip for its ease of maintenance. Regardless of the clip, the commitment to regular brushing and professional appointments is fundamental to dog care for this breed.