What Are the Traits and Care Requirements of the Portuguese Water Dog?

Portuguese Water Dog: two coats and two familiar finishes

The Portuguese Water Dog has two recognized coat textures: longer, looser waves and shorter, tighter curls. Neither has undercoat. The chosen finish changes the outline, but both coats require regular maintenance, so choose a routine you can sustain rather than relying on the appeal of a particular clip.

Own size and body

FCI gives heights of 50–57 cm for males and 43–52 cm for females, with ideals of 54 cm and 46 cm. Weights are 19–25 kg and 16–22 kg. The earlier UK guide uses the height and weight ranges. A nearly square body and level back sit beneath the coat; the lack of undercoat is a texture description, not a promise about allergies or household cleaning.

Waves, curls and clipping

The wavy coat is longer and has a slight sheen; the curly variety forms denser cylindrical curls. The standards describe a traditional partial clip. AKC care guidance discusses both a lion clip and a retriever clip, the latter about one inch all over. These are named choices for a groomer discussion, not a requirement to combine features from both or to copy a Barbet or Lagotto finish.

Regular care

AKC describes extensive regular grooming, including weekly work and occasional bathing. Its practical health guidance also supports regular ear checks and frequent tooth brushing. The earlier UK category is daily grooming, so allow checks and handling between the longer sessions. Ask the groomer how to work through the actual wavy or curly coat and what to watch between appointments; a short clip still leaves a dog needing routine care.

Daily activity and alternatives

The UK category is up to an hour of daily exercise, with a large house and small or medium garden in town or country. AKC suggests daily activity shared with the owner, including walks and play, with water activity as an option. Introduce water outings according to the individual dog’s experience and the conditions, alongside ordinary land-based walks and play. Compare the Barbet and Lagotto on their own coat texture, trimming choices and daily routine instead of treating all three as identical curly water dogs.