Spanish Water Dog coat care: why you never brush it
The Spanish Water Dog coat is easier to care for than most curly coats, as long as you unlearn everything you know about brushing.
The coat
The SWD has a single, woolly coat that curls tightly and forms cords if left to grow. Loose hair stays caught in the curls, so the breed sheds very little. That is different from saying it is hypoallergenic: allergen levels in SWD coats are similar to other breeds.
Do not brush or comb
Brushing breaks the curl into frizz. The frizz then felts at the skin, which hurts and is hard to undo. The AKC standard says the coat is never brushed or combed. Leave the slicker brush and the high-velocity dryer for other breeds.
Shearing
The traditional working clip takes the whole coat to one even length with clippers. The standard calls for this once or twice a year. Most companion and service dog owners clip more often, usually every few months, and keep the coat to about half an inch to an inch. Whatever the length, keep it even: no scissoring, sculpting, or topknot.
Bathing
Wet the coat thoroughly. Squeeze a mild shampoo through it instead of rubbing; diluting the shampoo in a jug of water helps it penetrate. Rinse well, because leftover shampoo causes felting. Press the water out with a towel, then let the dog air-dry or use a crate dryer.
Cords
If you grow the coat out, check it weekly. Where cords start joining into a mat, pull them apart with your fingers, working down to the skin. It takes a few minutes a week and prevents the large felted patches that end in a full shave-down.
Everyday care
After a muddy walk, rinse the coat and let it dry; do not rub it with a towel. After swimming, rinse off salt or chlorine. Check ears often, because curly-coated ears trap moisture.
This guide is general information, not legal or medical advice.