Curly hair dogs bring joy with their playful curls, lively personalities, and striking coats. These breeds stand out in any dog park and have become favorites for people wanting a dog with less shedding or a bold look.
Curly coats come in all shapes and sizes, from tight ringlets to soft waves, and cover a range of large, medium, and small dogs with curly hair.
Many curly haired dogs offer allergy-friendly qualities, making them a top pick for many families.
Owning a curly haired dog is more than just about looks. These breeds often need frequent brushing, regular trims, and some extra care to keep their coats healthy.
If you’ve ever admired a curly pup and thought about adding one to your life, check out this list of the most popular and unique curly haired dog breeds.
1. Poodle
The Poodle sets the standard for curly hair dogs. Available in Toy, Miniature, and Standard sizes, this breed originated as water retrievers in Germany.
Their dense, tight curls don’t shed much, which helps people with allergies. Poodles are known for their smart minds and friendly tempers.
Their curly coats need brushing several times each week and regular trips to the groomer.
Poodles hold top spots in obedience and agility because they learn quickly and enjoy pleasing their owners, making them one of the most popular curly haired dog breeds.
2. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise looks like a snowball with its plush, curly white hair. Hailing from the Mediterranean, these small dogs with curly hair became favorites in French royal courts.
Bichons are cheerful, gentle, and love spending time with people. Their coat needs daily brushing to keep those fluffy curls neat.
Professional grooming every few weeks keeps their iconic round look. People are drawn to their hypoallergenic qualities and happy attitude.
3. Portuguese Water Dog
Known as a fisherman’s helper in Portugal, the Portuguese Water Dog sports dense, water-resistant curls. This medium-sized breed is athletic, affectionate, and loyal.
Portuguese Water Dogs were bred to work in the ocean, so they love swimming. Their curly fur needs regular brushing to prevent mats, especially after water play.
They have friendly personalities and make great active pets or family companions, as well as excellent choices for people seeking dogs with curly hair.
4. Curly-Coated Retriever
One of the oldest retriever breeds, the Curly-Coated Retriever features a unique layer of tight, crisp curls covering its body.
These large curly-haired dog breeds were developed in England to retrieve game from water. The curls repel water and keep the dog warm.
Curly-Coated Retrievers are energetic and smart, happiest when given a job or plenty of daily exercise.
Grooming is simpler than it looks; a quick brush weekly keeps their curls tidy, but occasional bathing is needed to avoid oily buildup in their coat.
5. American Water Spaniel
The American Water Spaniel shines with its tight, curly or wavy fur and is one of the few breeds created in the United States.
These medium-sized, brown dogs are known for their skill in hunting and retrieving in water and on land. Their friendly, eager-to-please personality makes them love pets.
Regular brushing stops matted fur, and their coats don’t shed much. This breed excels in dog sports and loves being outside with the family.
6. Irish Water Spaniel
As the tallest spaniel, the Irish Water Spaniel features crisp, tight curls and a distinct rat-like tail.
Developed in Ireland for duck hunting, these dogs are rare but loved by those who know them.
Their curly coat is water-repellent, making them strong swimmers. Irish Water Spaniels are energetic, clever, and tend to be comedic in nature.
Their fur needs frequent brushing, and occasional trimming stops mats from forming at the neck or behind the ears.
7. Lagotto Romagnolo
The Lagotto Romagnolo, known as the original truffle hunter from Italy, is a medium-sized dog with a profusion of tight, woolly curls. Their coat looks a bit rough and feels dense to the touch.
Lagottos are affectionate, curious, and lively companions. This breed does best in active homes, as it loves digging and playing outdoors.
Regular brushing and occasional trims keep their curls fluffy and free of dirt or plant matter picked up during adventures.
8. Spanish Water Dog
Another versatile worker, the Spanish Water Dog, was bred in Spain for herding and water work.
This breed’s tight, woolly curls can be corded if left to grow, creating a striking look. Spanish Water Dogs are energetic, intelligent, and devoted.
Their fur doesn’t shed, but grooming can be challenging. Regular cleaning and occasional clipping help keep the coat from matting, especially behind the ears and legs.
They fit with active families and those who enjoy training their pets.
9. Barbet
Barbets, also called French water dogs, feature long, loose curls that set them apart from many curly haired dog breeds.
This French breed nearly disappeared but has seen a resurgence. Barbets are gentle, smart, and affectionate.
They love being part of a family, especially if water play is on the menu. Their curly coats need combing several times a week and trimming a few times a year to maintain good health and a tidy shape.
10. Kerry Blue Terrier
The Kerry Blue Terrier hails from Ireland, known for its soft, curly blue-gray coat. This breed is spirited, friendly, and loyal, making it a favorite for those who want a dog with character.
The Kerry Blue’s fur keeps growing and doesn’t shed much, so it needs regular clipping to prevent mats.
These terriers do well with experienced owners who can match their clever personalities and training needs.
11. Bedlington Terrier
Bedlington Terriers look like little lambs with their arched backs and bushy, curly coats. This English breed was designed to hunt vermin and race.
They’re gentle but have a strong spirit. Their coat feels soft yet stays curly if regularly washed and brushed.
Professional grooming is important to keep their signature look, and, as with many small curly haired dogs, their charm wins over anyone they meet.
12. Maltese
The traditional Maltese usually boasts straight, flowing locks, but some have rare, curly coats.
These variations often need the same high level of grooming as their straight-haired cousins.
These small dogs with curly hair are playful, loving, and an ideal choice for households seeking a compact pet.
For Maltese with curls, daily brushing keeps mats away and helps maintain their elegant appearance. They make for affectionate lap dogs and adapt easily to apartments or small homes.
13. Toy Poodle Mixes
Mixed breeds like Cockapoos (Cocker Spaniel and Poodle), Maltipoos (Maltese and Poodle), and others inherit curly coats from their Poodle parents.
These small curly haired dogs are popular for their cute looks and hypoallergenic fur. They usually keep the intelligence and charm of the Poodle with the character of the other breed.
Grooming needs can be high, as curls tend to mat and tangle without regular care, making professional grooming a frequent routine for many owners.
14. Doodle Breeds
Doodle breeds combine Poodles with Retrievers to create Labradoodles, Goldendoodles, and more. Their coats vary from loose waves to springy curls.
The level of curl often depends on how much Poodle they inherit. Doodles are praised as intelligent, affectionate, and adaptable dogs with curly hair.
Regular grooming, brushing, and trimming are needed to keep their fur healthy and manageable.
They have become favorites in families looking for large curly-haired dog breeds or those aiming for allergy-friendly pets.
15. Miniature Poodle Mixes
Beyond Toy mixes, Miniature Poodle crosses like the Schnoodle (Schnauzer and Poodle) or Cavapoo (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Miniature Poodle) are in high demand.
These friendly, outgoing dogs come with a coat combining curls and waves. They usually weigh a bit more than Toy mixes but are equally lovable. Their grooming needs mirror those of their Poodle parent.
Regular brushing and trims help keep their playful curls in top condition.
16. American Eskimo Dog
American Eskimo Dogs typically have thick double coats, but occasional curly coats appear due to genetic variation or crossbreeding.
These medium-sized dogs are bright, friendly, and devoted to family. Brushing several times a week, paired with the occasional bath, helps keep their coats from tangling.
Although not a standard trait, the curly variety adds personality and charm to this already striking breed.
17. Pumi
The Pumi (from Hungary) stands out thanks to its curly, corkscrew-like coat and perky ears. This small, agile herding dog is prized for its keen smarts and lively spirit.
Pumis are social, quick learners, and stick close to their owners. Their tight curls need weekly brushing and occasional trimming to avoid mats.
With the right care, their coat stays springy and stylish.
Conclusion
Curly haired dog breeds bring charm, character, and unique beauty into any home. They span the spectrum from energetic retrievers and clever spaniels to playful mixes and pocket-sized companions.
Regular grooming is a must, and those lively curls need care and attention to look their best.
Choosing dogs with curly hair means you get a friend with a look as fun as their personality. If you own a curly haired dog, share your story or a photo in the comments. Which breed’s curls are your favorite?
