Best Brushes for Portuguese Water Dogs

By PetEssentialist Editorial · Updated July 2026

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🏆 Quick answer

Our top pick is Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush — best for Curly coats prone to matting. Why it wins: Gently teases out tangles without causing breakage.

The Portuguese Water Dog's curly single coat is a unique trait that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. Despite being a low-shedding breed, their curly coat can be prone to matting, especially if not brushed regularly. With their high energy level and love for swimming, it's essential to find a brush that can keep up with their active lifestyle. A surprising fact about Portuguese Water Dogs is that their curly coat can be prone to 'feltting', a process where the curls mat together, forming a thick, impenetrable layer. This makes it crucial to choose a brush that can gently tease out tangles without causing breakage or damaging the coat. When it comes to brushing a Portuguese Water Dog, the right tool can make all the difference. A brush that is designed to handle curly coats, with flexible pins or rubber fingers, can help to detangle and prevent matting, while also being gentle on the skin.

What to look for

Coat Type

Portuguese Water Dogs have a curly single coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. A brush with flexible pins or rubber fingers is ideal for this coat type, as it can gently tease out tangles without causing breakage or damaging the coat. The brush should also be designed to handle the breed's low-shedding nature, without pulling or tugging on the coat.

Size and Ergonomics

A medium-sized dog like the Portuguese Water Dog requires a brush that is comfortable to hold and maneuver, with an ergonomic handle that fits well in the hand. The brush should also be sized appropriately for the breed, with a head that is large enough to cover a significant area of the coat, but not so large that it becomes unwieldy.

Matting and Tangling

Portuguese Water Dogs are prone to matting and tangling, especially in areas where the coat is longest, such as the legs and tail. A brush that is designed to handle these issues, with flexible pins or rubber fingers, can help to gently tease out tangles and prevent matting, reducing the risk of skin irritation and coat damage.

Grooming Frequency

Portuguese Water Dogs require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, ideally 2-3 times a week. A brush that is easy to use and comfortable to hold can make this process more enjoyable, while also helping to reduce the risk of skin irritation and coat damage.

Our top picks

SponsoredHow we choose →

#	Product	Best for
1	Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush	Curly coats prone to matting
2	Andis Premium Curved Slicker Brush	Curly coats with moderate matting
3	Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush	Curly coats with heavy matting
4	KONG ZoomGroom Dog Grooming Brush	Curly coats with light matting
5	Safari Combo Brush for Dogs	Curly coats with moderate matting

Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush

Best for Curly coats prone to matting

The Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush is a top choice for Portuguese Water Dogs, with fine bent wire bristles that penetrate deep into the coat without scratching. The self-cleaning button retracts the bristles, making it easy to remove loose hair and prevent matting. This brush is ideal for curly coats prone to matting, and is suitable for medium-sized dogs like the Portuguese Water Dog.

✓ Gently teases out tangles without causing breakage
✓ Self-cleaning button makes it easy to remove loose hair
✓ Ergonomic non-slip handle is comfortable to hold

✕ May not be suitable for dogs with extremely sensitive skin

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Andis Premium Curved Slicker Brush

Best for Curly coats with moderate matting

The Andis Premium Curved Slicker Brush is a close second, with a curved head that follows the body contours of the Portuguese Water Dog. The fine stainless steel pins are gentle on the coat, while the soft-grip handle makes it comfortable to hold. This brush is ideal for curly coats with moderate matting, and is suitable for medium-sized dogs like the Portuguese Water Dog.

✓ Curved head follows body contours for effective grooming
✓ Fine stainless steel pins are gentle on the coat
✓ Soft-grip handle is comfortable to hold

✕ May not be as effective for dogs with severe matting

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Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush

Best for Curly coats with heavy matting

The Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush is a great choice for Portuguese Water Dogs with heavy matting, with an oversized paddle head that makes quick work of tangles. The long flexible rounded pins prevent coat damage, while the lifetime guarantee gives owners peace of mind. This brush is ideal for curly coats with heavy matting, and is suitable for medium-sized dogs like the Portuguese Water Dog.

✓ Oversized paddle head makes quick work of tangles
✓ Long flexible rounded pins prevent coat damage
✓ Lifetime guarantee gives owners peace of mind

✕ May be too large for smaller areas of the coat

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KONG ZoomGroom Dog Grooming Brush

Best for Curly coats with light matting

The KONG ZoomGroom Dog Grooming Brush is a great choice for Portuguese Water Dogs with light matting, with flexible rubber fingers that massage the skin while grooming. This brush is ideal for curly coats with light matting, and is suitable for medium-sized dogs like the Portuguese Water Dog.

✓ Flexible rubber fingers massage the skin while grooming
✓ Easy to use and comfortable to hold
✓ Can be used wet or dry

✕ May not be as effective for dogs with severe matting

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Safari Combo Brush for Dogs

Best for Curly coats with moderate matting

The Safari Combo Brush for Dogs is a great choice for Portuguese Water Dogs with moderate matting, with a dual-sided design that features a pin brush on one side and a bristle brush on the other. This brush is ideal for curly coats with moderate matting, and is suitable for medium-sized dogs like the Portuguese Water Dog.

✓ Dual-sided design makes it easy to switch between pin and bristle brushing
✓ Pin side detangles, while bristle side smooths and shines
✓ Wooden handle is comfortable to hold

✕ May not be as effective for dogs with severe matting

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Frequently asked questions

How often should I brush my Portuguese Water Dog's coat?

Portuguese Water Dogs require regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling, ideally 2-3 times a week. This can help reduce the risk of skin irritation and coat damage, while also keeping their curly coat looking its best.

What type of brush is best for a Portuguese Water Dog's curly coat?

A brush with flexible pins or rubber fingers is ideal for a Portuguese Water Dog's curly coat, as it can gently tease out tangles without causing breakage or damaging the coat. A slicker brush or a pin brush with flexible pins can be a great choice for this breed.

Can I use a brush with metal bristles on my Portuguese Water Dog's coat?

While metal bristles can be effective for some breeds, they may be too harsh for a Portuguese Water Dog's curly coat. Instead, look for a brush with flexible pins or rubber fingers, which can be gentler on the coat and help prevent breakage.

How can I prevent matting and tangling in my Portuguese Water Dog's coat?

To prevent matting and tangling in your Portuguese Water Dog's coat, brush their coat regularly, ideally 2-3 times a week. Use a brush with flexible pins or rubber fingers, and be gentle when working out tangles. You can also try using a detangling spray or conditioner to help make the brushing process easier and less painful for your dog.

Can I brush my Portuguese Water Dog's coat when it's wet?

Yes, you can brush your Portuguese Water Dog's coat when it's wet, but be careful not to pull or tug on the coat, as this can cause breakage or matting. Instead, use a brush with flexible pins or rubber fingers, and work gently through the coat, starting at the ends and working your way up.

When it comes to choosing the right brush for your Portuguese Water Dog, consider their curly coat and high energy level. A brush with flexible pins or rubber fingers, such as the Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush or the KONG ZoomGroom Dog Grooming Brush, can be a great choice for this breed. By investing in the right brush and following a regular grooming routine, you can help keep your Portuguese Water Dog's coat looking its best and reduce the risk of skin irritation and coat damage.

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