The 3 Best Dog Brushes for Portuguese Water Dogs (Porties)

 

Portuguese Water Dogs are intelligent, athletic, and full of heart. They love to work, swim, and be with their people. Their coat is part of their charm. It can be wavy or curly and it’s considered low-shedding, but that doesn’t mean low-maintenance. A healthy Portie coat needs regular brushing to prevent tangles, mats, and that felted look that can happen fast if you skip a few days.

Grooming isn’t just about looks. Brushing keeps the skin clean by lifting dirt and dander. It spreads natural oils so the coat stays soft and shiny. It also helps you spot problem areas early—like a hidden mat behind the ear, a skin irritation under the collar, or debris after a lake day. And honestly, brushing time can be bonding time. Most Portuguese Water Dogs love the extra attention once they learn that the brush won’t hurt.

Because Porties have hair rather than fur, their coat behaves more like human hair. It can knot, coil, and tighten. Water play makes tangles worse if you don’t brush out the coat afterward. If you keep your dog in a longer, fluffy style, you’ll need a good routine several times a week. If you keep a shorter clip, you’ll still want quick maintenance brushing to keep the coat healthy between grooms. Either way, the right tools make everything easier. With the right slicker brush, a safe dematting tool, and a sturdy metal comb, you can keep your PWD looking neat, comfortable, and ready for any adventure.

Below are the three tools I recommend most for Portuguese Water Dogs. I’ve tested many options and these are the ones that actually make brushing faster, safer, and more effective. I’ll walk you through how I use each one, and at the end you’ll find a simple step-by-step routine you can follow at home. I’ll also include a detangling spray that helps prevent breakage and makes brushing smoother—especially for curly coats and behind the ears where Porties tend to mat.

1) Best Overall Slicker Brush for Everyday Brushing

Your main tool will always be a slicker brush. It reaches through the topcoat and lifts out shed hairs and small tangles before they turn into mats. This slicker is my top pick for Porties because it grabs tangles without scraping the skin and it glides nicely through wavy and curly textures:

I like this slicker for daily or every other day use. The pins are fine enough to catch knots but flexible enough to be gentle. You’ll notice that the brush “bites” into the hair a little when it finds a tangle, but it doesn’t jab. That’s important for sensitive areas like the inner thighs, armpits, and behind the ears. The handle is comfortable for longer sessions, which matters when you’re brushing a full-coated Portie after a swim.

Use short, light strokes. Don’t rake. Let the pins do the work. If you hit resistance, stop and reset a smaller section. Slickers work best when you “line brush,” lifting the hair with one hand and brushing the base of the coat in small layers. I’ll describe this more in the routine below, but this slicker makes line brushing simpler because it grips well without yanking.

Another plus is versatility. This slicker works whether your PWD has a tight curl or a looser wave. If your dog swims often, salt or lake water can leave the coat grippy and sticky. This brush helps break that up so you can get back to a smooth finish without a ton of effort. It’s also the tool I reach for right after bathing and drying, to fluff and finish the coat.

2) Safest Dematting Tool for Stubborn Knots

Even with great brushing habits, Porties get mats. The usual suspects are behind the ears, under the collar or harness, the base of the tail, and the armpits. If you skip a few days or come home from a wet, muddy adventure, you’ll find little felted areas that a slicker alone can’t clear. That’s when I switch to a dematting rake:

This tool has sharp, curved blades that cut through a mat safely. You don’t saw back and forth. You use slow, gentle scoops from the edge of the mat outward. Start at the outer fuzz and work toward the center. The goal is to reduce the mat into smaller tangles that your slicker can finish. I like this specific tool because the teeth are polished and shaped to minimize pulling on the skin. It’s a big deal for comfort. Porties have active lifestyles, and the last thing you want is to make a sensitive spot more tender.

If your dog has a dense, curly coat, this dematter is a lifesaver in spring and summer when water play is constant. It also helps when you’re catching up after a busy week. Don’t overuse it—save it for true knots, not everyday brushing. Used correctly, it prevents you from resorting to scissors near the skin, which is risky and can cause accidental cuts. I also reach for this tool when I find that tight little marble of hair behind the ear. A couple of careful passes and then a follow-up with the slicker usually does it.

3) Essential Metal Comb for Finishing and Checking

A sturdy metal comb is your truth-teller. It doesn’t lie about tangles. You’ll think a section is smooth after the slicker, then the comb catches a hidden snag. That’s not a failure—it’s exactly why you need the comb:

The comb also fluffs curls, parts hair for line brushing, and helps with face and feet. On a Portuguese Water Dog, I use it a lot around the muzzle and under the ears where the hair mats in layers. The comb is also perfect for checking work. If it slides from root to tip without snagging, you’re done with that area.

This comb is durable and has a good weight in the hand, which makes a difference when you’re working through a thick, curly coat. It pairs perfectly with the slicker and dematter. Think of the comb as your final pass to confirm everything is smooth, clean, and mat-free.

Bonus: Detangling Spray That Actually Helps

I recommend using a detangling spray before brushing, especially on dry hair or after swimming. It reduces friction so the brush glides and hair breaks less. It also adds a light slip that helps prevent new tangles from forming as fast. Here’s the one I like:

Spritz lightly over the coat and let it sit for a minute. You don’t need to soak the hair. A light mist is enough. I focus on trouble zones first—ears, armpits, tail base, and any area that feels “grabby.” Then I line brush. You’ll notice the brush moves easier and your dog relaxes faster because it’s more comfortable. If your Portie has a cottony texture or you keep a fluffy style, this spray makes a clear difference in time and coat quality.

How These Tools Work Together for Porties

Here’s the flow that keeps a Portuguese Water Dog easy to maintain. I use the detangling spray to reduce friction. I reach for the slicker to remove loose hair, lift dirt, and prevent small tangles from turning into mats. When I hit a true knot, I pause and use the dematting tool to safely break it apart without forcing the slicker. Then I finish each section with the metal comb to confirm I didn’t miss hidden snags. This combo keeps the coat airy and comfortable, which matters for an active breed that runs, swims, and plays hard.

Consistency matters more than marathon sessions. I prefer short, regular brushing over occasional big jobs. For a Portie who swims weekly, I do a quick brush-out after drying each time and a fuller session on the weekend. If the coat is kept longer, I add an extra mid-week touch-up. The goal is to stay ahead of mats so grooming feels easy and your dog actually enjoys it.

Simple Care Tips for PWD Coats

If your Portie swims in saltwater, rinse the coat with fresh water after every swim. Salt leaves residue that tightens curls and creates friction. If your dog swims in lakes, a quick rinse helps too. Always brush after the coat is fully dry or lightly damp with detangling spray. Brushing a soaking wet coat can stretch and weaken hair. If you bathe at home, dry thoroughly before you finish with the slicker. Air-drying into a tight curl without brushing can lock in tangles you’ll fight later.

Pay attention to gear that rubs. Collars, harnesses, and even cute bandanas can create friction mats. I remove collars for longer naps and grooming time. I also run the comb under the collar line every couple of days. It takes one minute and saves a lot of trouble.

For Porties kept in a shorter clip, you still need maintenance brushing. Shorter hair mats less but can still knot at friction points. A weekly quick pass with the slicker and a comb check keeps the coat and skin healthy. It also helps your dog stay used to grooming, which makes full grooms at the salon calm and quick.

Step-by-Step: How to Brush Your Portuguese Water Dog

Below is the simple routine I use at home. It’s fast, gentle, and it works. Use it three to four times per week for longer coats. Twice a week is often enough for shorter styles, with a quick once-over after swims.

1. Lightly mist the coat with the Detangling Spray. Focus on behind the ears, under the collar or harness area, armpits, and the base of the tail. Give it a minute to work.
   
   
2. Start at the back end on one side and “line brush” with the Slicker Brush. Use your non-brushing hand to lift a small layer of hair. Brush the hair beneath that layer with short, gentle strokes, moving from the skin outward. When it’s smooth, drop a tiny bit more hair and repeat. Work in small layers until you’ve finished the section.
   
   
3. If the slicker hits a snag that won’t budge, stop and switch to the Dematting Comb. Place the curved blades at the edge of the mat with the curve facing away from the skin. Use slow, outward scoops to thin the mat. Do not saw. As the mat loosens, return to the slicker and brush the area smooth.
   
   
4. After you finish a section with the slicker, check it with the Metal Comb. If the comb snags, go back to the slicker for a few more light passes, then recheck with the comb.
   
   
5. Move methodically around the body: hind leg and thigh, side, rib cage, shoulder, front leg, chest, and neck. Repeat on the other side. Then brush the back, tail, and rump. Leave the head and ears for last, as most dogs tolerate those better when they’re already relaxed.
   
   
6. For the ears, support the leather with your fingers and use the slicker gently on the hair. If you feel a tight knot, use the dematter with tiny, careful scoops. Follow with the comb to make sure the entire ear area is smooth from base to tip.
   
   
7. Finish by combing the whole dog. The comb should pass from root to tip without catching. If it catches, revisit that spot with the slicker and a little detangler mist.
   
   
8. Reward your dog with praise and a treat. Keep it positive so your Portie looks forward to brushing time.
   

Portuguese Water Dogs are special. They’re smart, loyal, and happiest when they’re part of everything you do. A clean, well-brushed coat lets them stay active and comfortable. With a solid slicker, a safe dematting tool, and a reliable metal comb, you’ll spend less time fighting mats and more time enjoying your dog. Add a light detangling spray and the process becomes even smoother.

If you keep up with this routine, you’ll notice fewer knots, less groomer time fixing problem areas, and a healthier, shinier coat. Most of all, your Portie will feel better. And that’s the point. Regular brushing is one of the simplest ways to care for your PWD—one small habit that pays off every single day.

FAQ: Grooming Portuguese Water Dogs (Porties)

How often should I brush my Portuguese Water Dog?
At least three to four times a week if your Portie has a long or curly coat. If you keep a shorter trim, two quick sessions a week can be enough. Always brush after swimming or bathing once the coat is dry—wet curls tighten and can mat fast if not brushed out.

What is the best shampoo for Portuguese Water Dogs?

A great shampoo for Porties is one that cleans deeply without drying out their coat or skin. Because their hair can get tangled and dry from frequent swimming, it’s best to use a gentle, moisturizing formula that also helps with detangling. I recommend the Freshly Bailey Doodle Shampoo & Conditioner. It’s designed for curly and wavy coats like your Portie’s and contains aloe and oatmeal extracts to soothe the skin while keeping the coat soft, clean, and easy to brush. It also has a nice “slip effect,” which helps prevent mats and makes brushing afterward much smoother.

Can I brush my Portie when the coat is wet?
Not soaking wet. Brushing a dripping coat can stretch and damage the hair. Wait until it’s mostly dry or mist it lightly with the detangling spray before brushing. This gives you slip without breakage.

What’s the best way to prevent mats?
Consistency and the right tools. Use the slicker regularly, especially in high-friction spots like behind the ears, under the collar, and under the legs. Use the detangling spray before brushing, and check your work with the metal comb. Small, frequent sessions prevent big mats later.

My Portie hates brushing—what can I do?
Start slow. Use the detangling spray to make it more comfortable, and brush in short sessions while rewarding with praise or treats. Try brushing after playtime when your dog is tired and relaxed. Using gentle tools like the recommended slicker makes a big difference in how they feel about grooming.

What if I find a mat that’s too tight to brush out?
Never yank. Use the dematting comb carefully, working from the outer edge of the mat toward the center with small, controlled motions. If it’s too close to the skin or too tight, it’s safer to cut it out or ask a groomer for help to avoid hurting your dog.

Do Portuguese Water Dogs shed?
They’re considered low-shedding, but that doesn’t mean zero maintenance. Their hair still grows, tangles, and traps loose strands. Regular brushing removes that buildup before it mats, and it keeps the coat breathable and soft.

Should I brush my Portie after swimming?
Yes—always after they’re dry. Saltwater or lake water leaves residue that makes tangles worse. A quick rinse, towel dry, and then brushing once dry keeps the curls healthy and prevents matting.

Can I use human conditioner or detangler on my Portie?
It’s better not to. Human products can leave residue or irritate a dog’s skin. Use a pet-safe detangler like the one recommended—it’s formulated for their pH balance and coat type.

What’s the best brush for puppies?
Start with the same slicker brush but go slowly and keep sessions short. Introduce the detangling spray early so they associate grooming with something pleasant. A puppy that gets used to brushing young will grow up loving the routine.

How long should a full brushing session take?
For a full coat, around 20–30 minutes if done regularly. If you’re catching up after a week or two, it can take longer. Keeping up with short, frequent sessions will save time and keep your Portie happier overall.