Breed facts
| FCI group | Group 8: Retrievers, flushing dogs and water dogs |
| Origin | Portugal |
| Weight | 16–25 kg |
| Height | 43–57 cm |
| Life expectancy | 11–14 years |
Temperament
Energetic, intelligent and very attached to the family, it loves water and work. It needs daily exercise.
History
An old Portuguese fishermen’s dog, used to carry messages between boats, retrieve lost gear and guard the vessels.
Fun facts
It came close to extinction in the 20th century and was saved by dedicated breeders; it became famous as the Obama family’s dog.
The Portuguese Water Dog coat
A curly or wavy coat that sheds little but tangles and mats if not brushed.
It has two coat types (wavy and curly) and the traditional “lion” and “retriever” clips; it sheds little but mats if not brushed.
What we do in the salon
We bathe, dry and brush thoroughly, then do a clipper-and-scissor trim or a scissor-only cut, as you prefer (breed clip or practical).
Recommended services
- Bathabout 1 h
- Clipper & scissor trimabout 2 h
- Scissor cutabout 2 h
How often?
| Bath | every 3 to 4 weeks |
| Cut / upkeep | A cut every 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the style. |
Care at home between visits
- Brush thoroughly 2 to 3 times a week, down to the skin, not just the surface.
- Check behind the ears, armpits and paws, where the coat mats fastest.
- Wipe around the eyes with a damp cloth to prevent staining.
- Don't put off the cut: a badly matted coat may need a short clip.
Frequently asked questions about the Portuguese Water Dog
Does the Portuguese Water Dog shed a lot?
It sheds little. Even so, the coat can tangle or build up, so it should be brushed regularly.
How often should I bring my Portuguese Water Dog to the salon?
In general, a bath every 3 to 4 weeks. A cut every 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the style. It depends on the coat, the cut you like and the condition of the coat: we will advise you at the first visit.
How long do a bath and a clip take?
When you book online, 1 hour is reserved for a bath and 2 hours for a clip, scissor cut or hand stripping. Very dense coats or large breeds may need more time: talk to us.
Can I keep the coat long?
Yes, but it needs deep, regular brushing. If the coat starts to mat, a shorter cut is best so the skin is not hurt.
Weight and height values are approximate and vary from dog to dog. Based on FCI standards and public breed profiles; care text: DogsClub. Last updated: October 2026.