Grooming your Spanish Water Dog is simple if you are careful to avoid damaging their natural cords. You can skip brushing and combing. To help detangle any small knots, gently work through with your fingers. Wash using a shampoo by working it through with your fingers. Rinse ears thoroughly. Then pat with a thick towel. If possible allow to dry naturally. Regularly check ears, nails and early tangles especially before seasonal baths. Keep experimenting to make the process easier and safer.
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Key Takeaways
- Skip brushing and combing; preserve the Spanish Water Dog’s natural curls and cords through regular finger checks.
- Detangle developing knots gently from the skin outward before bathing, because water can tighten existing mats.
- Wash by squeezing and kneading shampoo through the coat, avoiding rubbing that creates friction and tangles.
- Blot and towel-dab thoroughly, then air-dry or use low-heat, low-speed airflow to prevent dampness and mildew.
- Check ears, trim nails, and remove every knot before seasonal baths to maintain comfort and prevent snagging.
Caring for the Curly Coat
As the curls create natural tassels and spirals on a Spanish Water Dog it is not advisable to brush or comb. However, you can help to preserve the natural texture by learning some tassel management techniques.
Regularly check the coat. This is especially important before bathing. Gently work through any tangles with your fingers. Work from the skin outwards, taking small sections at a time.
Do this before getting the hair wet as it can cause the knots to tighten.
If there are any hard mats do not attempt to wash or shampoo to loosen them. Take the dog to a qualified groomer to have the mats clipped out safely. Once this has been done you can continue to manage the curls using careful and consistent hand stripping.
This will keep your dog comfortable and its natural appearance.
Bathing Without Brushing
Brushing and combing should be avoided when bathing your Spanish Water Dog. Instead, gently work any loose knots out with just your fingers. Ensure there are no tangles (see Pre bath Tangles) and work out any knots before getting them wet as they will be much harder to work out once wet.
Work the shampoo through the coat by squishing and rubbing into the skin. Do not rub the curls as this can cause more tangles.
Rinse with a gentle water rinse until the water runs clear. This will ensure that there is no shampoo left in the coat to cause any irritation. Pat dry with towels and do not rub. Allow to air dry or gently dry. Do not brush.
Preventing Mats
Avoid brushing and combing your Spanish Water Dog’s curly, woolly coat. Gently work through any early tangles with your fingers.
Early Cord Checks
Check around the ears, neck, legs and tail area. This is often where mats will form from rubbing. Work through any tangles that form by gently working along the natural lines of the cords. Don’t allow them to become wet as they can cause mats to tighten when wet.
Allow any cords to form naturally. They can be very fine with fish hook curls at the ends and will help to reduce any matting from felting. Coat Texture Training will allow you to learn what good cords should feel like. This will help you identify any issues early and make the grooming process a relaxed experience for you and your dog.
Drying the Coat Correctly
After giving your Spanish Water Dog a bath, dry them without rubbing or scrubbing as this can cause new tangles and matting. Pat dry using a Mega Absorbent PVA towel and then wrap in a large super absorbent Microfiber towel and pat dry.
Whenever possible try to let them air dry, this will help to keep natural curls and cording techniques whilst also preventing any re-matting from the heat.
In the winter use a brush with the heads removed. Start on a low heat and speed and increase if your dogs skin is feeling comfortable.
When they are completely dry give a light finish. Don’t brush or comb. This is a shared task to keep everyone happy.
Ear Care
Regular ear inspections will help to keep your Spanish Water Dog comfortable. The hair around and inside the ears can get matted easily so it is a good idea to check this area at each grooming session.
Do not brush or comb the hair inside the ears. Gently work through the cords with your fingers and untangle any small knots. Rinse thoroughly to ensure there is no shampoo left behind which can cause irritation and matting.
Once dry ensure the ears and surrounding hair are completely dry. If possible allow to air dry or dry in a cage to help control any moisture and prevent mildew. Once dry carefully trim the corners of the ears with scissors to neaten up. Remove any long, messy hair.
Nail Maintenance
To avoid any clicking or catching on your Spanish Water Dogs nails, keep them short. Trim to a point where you just touch the floor.
- Establish a regular routine.
- Trim small amounts and keep styptic powder on hand.
- After their bath and dry, give their paws a once over. Neaten any curls that are holding moisture.
This is a simple routine to keep your dog walking confidently and will create a calming grooming experience. It will help to build trust between you and your dog.
Seasonal Grooming Tips
Grooming requirements will change between seasons. Before bathing in any season it is best to detangle the coat completely.
During winter, you will want to be gentle when drying the coat. Using a low heat and low speed setting will help prevent matting in the winter coat. A drying brush with no brush heads can help maintain natural curl. If skin appears comfortable then you can change the setting.
During summer, swimming can help keep the coat mat free. However it is important to use your fingers to groom around the ears, neck, legs and collar every day. Natural cords should never be brushed or combed.
Pat dry with a towel to avoid causing more matting and mildew.
Have a full even trim every year or so. Using a 4/5F blade to keep the coat neat or a 7F blade if there are lots of mats. Do not shape.
Grooming Mistakes to Avoid
There are many issues that can occur if you treat your Spanish Water Dog like a normal brushing breed. Do not brush or comb the coat as this will cause damage to the natural cords and cause matting. Before bathing check there are no knots in the coat as the water can cause tightening of the felted areas.
- Be gentle when drying. Do not rub harshly or blow out. Pat dry with a towel and leave to air dry or use a dryer.
- Do not leave the coat damp as this can cause mildew and a wet tent smell.
- Do not over trim. Keep the coat neat and useful by keeping the length even. The coat should be clipped at least once a year.
Recommended Grooming Tools
Use the correct tools for grooming your Spanish Water Dog to avoid pulling out their natural cords. Use your fingers to gently separate cords and detangle. Avoid using brushes and combs.
Before bathing, use a 4F/5F blade on your dog to ensure they have no clipped and matted coat. If they have severe mats use a 7F blade. If in doubt ask your groomer for help.
Use shampoos that are safe for your dog’s coat. Pat dry with super absorbent PVA towels or microfiber towels.
In winter use a dryer on a low heat setting with the brush heads removed to keep the curls.
