Spanish Water Dog

Brushing Routine

Do NOT brush the Spanish Water Dog's coat -- this is one of the few breeds where brushing is prohibited. Their coat forms natural cords or curls that should never be brushed out. Instead, separate any clumping cords by hand every few days. Use your fingers to feel for mats near the skin and gently pull them apart.

Bathing Tips

Bathe every 4-6 weeks by soaking the coat thoroughly and applying a moisturizing shampoo, squeezing it through the curls rather than rubbing. Rinse completely -- trapped shampoo causes skin irritation under the cords. Squeeze water out with towels and air-dry only. Never blow-dry, which destroys the cord formation.

Common Issues

• Matting at the skin level hidden beneath the cords
• Trapped moisture and mildew in dense cords if not dried properly
• Ear infections from excess ear hair and moisture
• Skin issues invisible beneath the thick corded coat
• Coat becoming too heavy and pulling on the skin if not clipped regularly

Extend Your Grooming Results

Clip the entire coat to 1-2 inches every 3-4 months to reset the cord formation and prevent excessive weight. Check the skin under the cords weekly by parting them with your fingers. Keep ears clean and pluck excess hair from ear canals. Ensure the coat dries completely after baths or swimming -- trapped moisture is the biggest risk.

Seasonal Care

Spanish Water Dogs do not shed in the traditional sense. In Houston's humid climate, the corded coat is at high risk for mildew and musty odor -- ensure complete drying after any water exposure. In summer, keep the coat clipped shorter to prevent overheating. The coat provides sun protection, so never shave to the skin.

Maintenance Schedule

Hand-separate cords every few days (NO brushing), bath every 4-6 weeks with complete drying, ear cleaning weekly with hair plucking monthly, full body clip every 3-4 months, skin checks under cords weekly, professional grooming every 6-8 weeks.