A PWD in the show ring in Australia has the almost the
whole of back half of its body shaved. This is known
as the lion clip. It is a traditional clip which has its
origin in its function. The front half of the coat, which
is left long, provides warmth and protection, while the shaved
hindquarters give added freedom for swimming.
Judges and Exhibitors please note: the only
allowable trim in the show ring in Australia is the lion trim.
There are no exceptions to this. Worse still, a considerable
number of faults across the whole dog get and do get hidden
under a retriever trim. Hence, this has led to the creation
of a number of structural and movement problems in the breed
in Northern America. It can be said that the worse thing
to ever happen to the PWD, is the allowance in the ring
of the retriever trim.
If your water dog does not need to be in a show coat, you can
have him/her trimmed right back. The coat will continue to grow,
so will require regular trimming, and brushing. Be prepared
to put in a bit of time every couple of days to make your boy
look his best. Matts and knots will need to be brushed out.
A PWD with a coat that is looked after well looks magnificent.
You don't need to buy a lot of gear to groom a PWD. But you do need to buy the right gear. That is critical. Late Night Dog © have lots of experience with the PWD, and will help you to make an appropriate purchase of quality gear. Click here to access the site.
Or see our page about contacting us directly: click here
The Portuguese Water Dog has two basic coat types - curly and wavy. Both are considered correct.Late News!!!!
In mid October, the Australian National Kennel Council voted on the issue of whether the retriever trim would be allowed in Australia. The vote was unanimous. ie: all owners of the PWD in Australia, and all members of the ANKC voted that the lion trim is the ONLY acceptable trim in Australia. This means that it is not permitted for a dog to be shown in any other trim in Australia! 
Improper coats -
there is a small incidence in the breed with what is called an improper coat.
These dogs are no less healthy than the "normal" coated dogs. Their coats appear more smooth, with tuffs. This is only a cosmetic fault, and an improperly coated PWD is still all PWD. It has the same temperament, the same working potential. There is some evidence that they do shed more than the properly coated PWD.
(Thanks to Lisa Baird for supplying this photo of Asta, seen here on the right.)
Suggested links from here:
Puppies- available for placement