Best Nail Clippers for Portuguese Water Dogs

By PetEssentialist Editorial · Updated July 2026

We independently research and pick every product. When you buy through our links we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. How this works.

🏆 Quick answer

Our top pick is Safari Professional Nail Trimmer for Dogs — best for Medium-sized dogs with thick nails. Why it wins: High-quality stainless steel blades.

Portuguese Water Dogs, weighing between 35-60 lbs, require nail clippers that can handle their medium-sized nails. Their high energy level and affectionate temperament mean they can be restless during grooming, making it essential to choose clippers that are easy to use and provide a safe, comfortable experience. The right clippers will help prevent over-cutting and make nail care a breeze for both dog and owner. When it comes to nail thickness and growth, Portuguese Water Dogs have nails that are relatively thick and fast-growing, due to their active lifestyle and love of swimming. This means they need clippers that are sturdy and can handle regular use. The clippers should also be designed with safety features to prevent accidental cuts and make the experience less stressful for the dog. Handling temperament is also crucial when choosing nail clippers for Portuguese Water Dogs. They are highly trainable and energetic, but can be sensitive during grooming. Therefore, clippers with comfortable, non-slip handles and a smooth cutting action are essential to make the experience enjoyable for both dog and owner.

What to look for

Nail Clipper Size and Strength

Portuguese Water Dogs require nail clippers that are designed for medium-sized dogs. The clippers should be sturdy enough to handle their nail thickness and growth rate. Look for clippers with high-quality stainless steel blades that can provide a clean, smooth cut.

Safety Features

Safety features such as a safety stop or guard are essential to prevent over-cutting and accidental cuts. This is particularly important for Portuguese Water Dogs, as they can be restless during grooming and may require more frequent nail trimming.

Ergonomic Design

An ergonomic design with comfortable, non-slip handles is crucial for making the nail clipping experience comfortable and stress-free for both dog and owner. Look for clippers with contoured handles that fit comfortably in your hand.

Ease of Use

Portuguese Water Dogs are highly trainable, but they can be sensitive during grooming. Look for clippers that are easy to use and provide a smooth cutting action, making the experience less stressful for the dog.

Our top picks

SponsoredHow we choose →

#	Product	Best for
1	Safari Professional Nail Trimmer for Dogs	Medium-sized dogs with thick nails
2	Dremel 7300-PT 4.8V Pet Nail Grooming Kit	Dogs with extremely thick or hard nails
3	Boshel Dog Nail Clippers and Trimmer	Dogs with medium-sized nails
4	Millers Forge Pet Nail Clip	Dogs with medium-sized nails and a classic scissor style
5	Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder Upgraded Professional	Dogs with extremely thick or hard nails and a need for quiet operation

Safari Professional Nail Trimmer for Dogs

Best for Medium-sized dogs with thick nails

The Safari Professional Nail Trimmer is a top choice for Portuguese Water Dogs due to its high-quality stainless steel blades and safety stop feature. The ergonomic design and non-slip handles make it comfortable to use, even for dogs that are restless during grooming. The medium/large size option is perfect for Portuguese Water Dogs, providing a clean, smooth cut every time.

✓ High-quality stainless steel blades
✓ Safety stop feature prevents over-cutting
✓ Ergonomic design with non-slip handles

✕ May not be suitable for very large or very small breeds

Check price →

Dremel 7300-PT 4.8V Pet Nail Grooming Kit

Best for Dogs with extremely thick or hard nails

The Dremel 7300-PT is a great option for Portuguese Water Dogs with extremely thick or hard nails. The rotary grinding action provides a gradual, safe shaping of the nails, and the 2-speed settings allow for customization based on the dog's comfort level. The safety guard prevents over-grinding, making it a great choice for dogs that are sensitive during grooming.

✓ Rotary grinding action for safe, gradual shaping
✓ 2-speed settings for customization
✓ Safety guard prevents over-grinding

✕ May take some time to get used to the grinding action

Check price →

Boshel Dog Nail Clippers and Trimmer

Best for Dogs with medium-sized nails

The Boshel Dog Nail Clippers are a great choice for Portuguese Water Dogs with medium-sized nails. The safety guard prevents cutting too short, and the sharp stainless blades provide a clean, smooth cut. The non-slip handles make it comfortable to use, even for dogs that are restless during grooming.

✓ Safety guard prevents cutting too short
✓ Sharp stainless blades for clean cut
✓ Non-slip handles for comfortable use

✕ May not be suitable for very large or very small breeds

Check price →

Millers Forge Pet Nail Clip

Best for Dogs with medium-sized nails and a classic scissor style

The Millers Forge Pet Nail Clip is a great option for Portuguese Water Dogs that prefer a classic scissor style. The carbon steel blades provide a clean, smooth cut, and the easy-squeeze handles make it comfortable to use. However, the lack of a safety stop feature may make it less suitable for dogs that are extremely sensitive during grooming.

✓ Carbon steel blades for clean cut
✓ Easy-squeeze handles for comfortable use
✓ Classic scissor style

✕ No safety stop feature

Check price →

Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder Upgraded Professional

Best for Dogs with extremely thick or hard nails and a need for quiet operation

The Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder is a great option for Portuguese Water Dogs with extremely thick or hard nails and a need for quiet operation. The whisper-quiet 50 dB operation makes it perfect for dogs that are sensitive to noise, and the 3 grinding ports allow for customization based on the dog's nail size. However, the lack of a safety guard may make it less suitable for dogs that are extremely sensitive during grooming.

✓ Whisper-quiet 50 dB operation
✓ 3 grinding ports for customization
✓ USB rechargeable

✕ No safety guard feature

Check price →

Frequently asked questions

How often should I trim my Portuguese Water Dog's nails?

The frequency of nail trimming for Portuguese Water Dogs depends on their individual nail growth rate. As a general rule, you should trim your dog's nails every 4-6 weeks to prevent overgrowth. However, if your dog is highly active or has a tendency to wear down their nails quickly, you may need to trim them more frequently.

What is the best way to trim my Portuguese Water Dog's nails?

The best way to trim your Portuguese Water Dog's nails is to use a high-quality nail clipper specifically designed for medium-sized dogs. It's also essential to trim your dog's nails in a quiet, comfortable environment, and to reward them with treats and praise for good behavior.

Can I use human nail clippers on my Portuguese Water Dog?

No, you should not use human nail clippers on your Portuguese Water Dog. Human nail clippers are designed for human nails, which are much thinner and more fragile than dog nails. Using human nail clippers on your dog can cause injury, pain, and discomfort.

How can I prevent my Portuguese Water Dog from getting nervous during nail trimming?

To prevent your Portuguese Water Dog from getting nervous during nail trimming, it's essential to introduce them to the process gradually and positively. Start by getting your dog accustomed to the sight and sound of the nail clippers, and then gradually introduce the trimming process. Reward your dog with treats and praise for good behavior, and make the experience as comfortable and relaxing as possible.

What are the consequences of not trimming my Portuguese Water Dog's nails regularly?

If you don't trim your Portuguese Water Dog's nails regularly, they can become overgrown, which can cause discomfort, pain, and health problems. Overgrown nails can also lead to arthritis, infections, and other complications. Regular nail trimming is essential to prevent these problems and keep your dog healthy and happy.

When it comes to choosing the right nail clippers for your Portuguese Water Dog, it's essential to consider their unique needs and characteristics. By selecting a high-quality nail clipper specifically designed for medium-sized dogs, you can ensure that your dog receives the best possible care and attention. Remember to always prioritize your dog's comfort and safety, and to seek professional advice if you're unsure about any aspect of their care.

More for your Portuguese Water Dog

Other breed-matched picks worth a look.

Best Nail Clippers for other breeds

The same category, matched to a different breed.