How can we resist those coiled and wavy locks in curly dog breeds? These curly cuties shed significantly less than other dog breeds, making them less likely to send their pet parents into a sneezing frenzy.
Check out our top 9 curly-haired dog breeds and find your very own kinky canine!
Curly dog breeds are the Poodle, Portuguese Water Dog, Bouvier Des Flandres, Pumi, Bedlington Terrier, Barbet, Bichon Frise, Curly Coated Retriever, and Spanish Water Spaniel.
Let’s Chat About Hair Care
Even though it seems like there are plenty of these adorable curly canines to go around, genuine curly coats are really not that common.
Curly dog breeds must acquire two mutations of the KRT71 gene in order to have true curly hair. Inheriting only one will give pups beautiful wavy hair, but not curly.
Not only is hair care important for these coiled divas, but the right hair care is essential in maintaining their looping locks.
Poodles, for example, often require daily brushing and combing to keep their curls in check and looking pristine.
But for others, such as the Curly Coated Retriever, this intense pampering routine can turn their curly do into a fuzzy frenzy.
Still others, like the Pumik, require just a slight wetting down of their coat for those beautiful curls to spring back to life.
But curly dog breeds are much more than just pretty faces.
Historically, they have been fisherman’s and hunter’s loyal assistants for centuries. Many were bred as herders, hunters, water retrievers, and all-around farm workers.
Their amazing coiled coats provided warmth and protection and served as a great barrier against frigid waters.
But today, these curly cuties are more than happy to just sit back and proudly show off their cute canine curls for all the world to see!
In this post, you will learn all about curly-haired dog breeds, large black curly-haired dog breeds, big curly dog breeds, and small curly dog breeds.
So grab a cup of coffee, relax, and let’s explore the world of these adorable crimped canines!
1. Poodle
It’s no surprise that these sassy water dogs top our list of curly cuties. In fact, the proud poodle is the poster dog for curly dog breeds.
Poodles are elegant but athletic and faithful but proud. And they are wickedly smart!
Poodles are considered one of the most intelligent dog breeds in the world, second only to the Border Collie.
Originally bred to be water retrievers, their primped-up poodle perms served to assist and protect these kinky canines when retrieving ducks, birds, and game from chilly waters and bringing them back to their masters.
In those days, the popular poodle cut was more about function and less about fashion.
Trimming and/or shaving the hair would make these pups more effective swimmers but would expose them more to the frigid waters.
Poodle owners soon discovered that leaving puffs of hair around the joints and upper torso would protect these areas and provide insulation for vital organs.
These quick-witted canines are energetic and animated creatures with gentle and kind personalities.
They love swimming, hunting, and learning new tricks, followed by loads of cuddle time on the couch with their favorite people.
Another Poodle perk is that their coat is made of hair instead of fur, making them hypoallergenic, or at least, very low-shedders.
This makes these curly-haired dog breeds a great choice for allergy-suffering pet parents.
Regular trimming and brushing and the occasional trips to the beauty parlor will keep your devoted diva tangle and mat-free.
Looking for a poodle mix? Check out this post for poodle mixes that will melt your heart!
2. Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog is a beautiful medium-sized curly dog breed with a water-loving personality.
In fact, they are known as one of the best aquatic dogs in the entire world!
These hypoallergenic hounds can sport compact curls or wavy locks with a slight sheen. Their low-shedding, water-proof, curly coat keeps them warm and dry.
There are written descriptions of this ancient breed as early as 1297.
Originating from Portugal, these powerful pups’ job was to swim back and forth between boats to recover lost tackle, retrieve nets, deliver messages, and herd fish into fishing nets for the Portuguese fishermen.
They were considered a fisherman’s right-hand man.
Lovingly called Porties, the energy levels in these big curly dog breeds are off the charts. From swimming and boating to hiking and everything water, they will enthusiastically take on anything you throw at them.
Do Portuguese Water Dogs Make Good Pets?
You bet! Porties are excellent family pups for the active pet family. They take great pride in looking after their family pack and form very close bonds with their humans.
They adore children and will most likely outplay your kiddos.
Brush this big ball of energy daily and give him a little trim so that those big beautiful eyes can shine through!
For more on this water-loving babe, take a look at this post!
3. Bouvier Des Flandres
Meet the Bouvier Des Flandres, one of the largest curly-coated dog breeds out there.
Originating from Flanders, Belgium, these beautiful large black curly-haired dog breeds weigh between 60-88 pounds and stand 23-27 inches tall.
Historically, these working dogs were bred to herd and drive cattle. They would use their brute strength to pull carts, churn butter, and perform other duties around the farm.
Today, these gorgeous pups work as police, rescue, and guide dogs.
Is a Bouvier a good family dog? Yes! Bouvier Des Flandres are huge pups with a heart to match. They are obedient, gentle, and caring canine companions.
These big curly dog breeds are loyal to a fault. They will vigilantly protect themselves, their property, and the people they love.
Bouvier Des Flandres are faithful and intelligent and tend to do well with kiddos. But they don’t always get along with other animals. They have a high prey drive and may express dominance over other pets.
These protective pups may also be a little aloof when it comes to strangers or people outside of their families.
But if you set firm boundaries and make introductions slowly, this gorgeous gentle giant will be loyal and affectionate to the end.
Visit the American Bouvier Des Flandres Club for more on this stunning dog breed.
Check out this post for more gorgeous guard dogs!
4. Pumi
Searching for an adorable compact sheepdog covered in corkscrew curls? Then look no further than the sassy and expressive Pumi.
Pumik (plural of Pumi) are medium to small curly dog breeds that originated in Hungary. Their job duties were to herd, control, and guard livestock.
You just can’t help but smile when you see these animated little creatures.
This rare babe has a long muzzle, semi-erect ears, and zany expressions that scream that he is ready for action.
These curly-tail dog breeds are affectionate, charming, and intelligent. Their happy-go-lucky attitude combined with their sincere devotion to their families makes these fluffy fellows the perfect canine companions.
Pumik are great with kids and will undoubtedly give your bubbly toddler a run for his money in terms of sheer energy.
But beware, these charismatic canines are herding dogs at heart and will often try to “herd” your children.
In spite of that, once your curly cutie has had his exercise, he is perfectly content to veg for the rest of the night with the family he adores.
What breeds have curly and wavy hair? The coat on a Pumi is classified as “corkscrew-curled”, giving them the appearance of fluffy curls. This means that their coat is both wavy and curly, forming tiny corkscrews all over their bodies.
Keeping your Pumi all dolled up requires only a slight wetting of their coat and those amazing corkscrew curls will spring back to life!
Have you ever wanted to own a rare dog breed? Come on over to this post for more stunning rare dog breeds!
5. Bedlington Terrier
Known for their striking resemblance to a lamb, the Bedlington Terrier is sure to turn heads wherever he goes.
Hailing from England, the Bedlington Terrier is one of the most unusual members of the terrier family.
Their coat is a mixture of hard and soft hair standing off the skin, making them one of the softer of the terrier breeds.
Lovingly called Beddies, these comedic little canines love performing tricks, hiding under blankets, and playing peek-a-boo to get your undivided attention.
These white curly dog breeds are playful, cheerful, and affectionate. They make excellent watchdogs and will keep your guests entertained for hours.
But they will also let you know if they think someone’s a little too shady.
Like most terriers, these fierce fellows might not start a fight, but they won’t back down from one either.
Give your Beddie a little exercise and this curly cutie will turn into a cuddly couch potato as long as his family is close by his side.
Bedlington Terriers have wooly double coats with a mixture of soft and wiry hair so they’ll need a little tending to in order to keep their fur from matting.
Brushing these small curly dog breeds several times a week is usually needed.
Want to meet more unique dog breeds? Check out this post!
6. Barbet
Meet the quirky, goofy, and animated Barbet, pronounced “Bar-Bay”, meaning “beard” in French.
Known to be one of the first water dogs, Barbets originated in France in the 16th century and were used to locate, flush, and retrieve birds.
Soon after the World Wars, this amazing breed was nearly extinct.
But thanks to the efforts of a devoted few, these fun-loving and kind-hearted waterdogs are slowly being rejuvenated.
However, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC), there are only about 500 of these curly dog breeds left in the United States.
These rare dog breeds are incredibly smart, have a silly nature, and are very low-shedders, making them the perfect pooch for pet parents that suffer from allergies.
Often times you’ll see these doggie divas sporting a barrette or even a hair tie to help keep their fur out of their eyes.
You’ll need to brush these bushy babes out at least once a week to keep their thick fur from tangling and matting.
Is The Barbet A Good Family Dog?
Yes. Barbets are not pups that you can put out in your backyard by their lonesome. They are extremely family-oriented and expect to spend every waking moment with the people they love.
These social butterflies thrive when they are included in family activities so be sure not to leave them out. They can suffer from separation anxiety if they are without you for too long.
These cuddly canines are alert and intelligent. They will bark when someone comes to your door, but are quick to take their cue from you if you approve of your new visitor.
If you’re looking for a beautiful curly pup that wants to be your total life, then the sweet Barbet is the pooch for you!
For more information on these kind-hearted canines, visit the Barbet Club of America.
Check out this post to learn more about what you can do to help your anxious pup.
7. Bichon Frise
If you’re drawn to small curly dog breeds, then the bubbly Bichon Frise could be your new forever bestie.
We just can’t have a curly dog breeds category without including these lively and happy-go-lucky little creatures.
Their name literally means “curly-haired dog”!
Originating in France, these curly-tail dog breeds love learning new tricks and making their humans laugh.
Bichons are born people-pleasers that have never met a stranger. They are as smart as a whip, are great family dogs, love kiddos, and get along well with other pets in the household.
What more could you ask for?
Bichon Frises are lovers, not fighters. They will stick by your side through thick and thin, ignoring all privacy or personal boundaries that you may try to set.
These white curly dog breeds are loving, sensitive, and caring with a calming touch that makes them great emotional support and therapy pups.
They also make great roomies for seniors that are looking for a little canine company.
Since these small Velcro cuties are prone to anxiety when left home alone, just pack your little Bichon bestie into your purse or bag and take him with you!
They’re sociable, well-mannered, and always up for a good road trip.
These non-shedding bundles of cuteness will need a little spa time when it comes to hair care.
They have a white fluffy cloud-like-curly mix coat that will require frequent brushing, bathing, and trips to the beauty parlor to remain gorgeous and perfect.
Want to know more about the Bichon and other small cuddly canines? Check out this post!
8. Curly Coated Retriever
Searching for a dog that looks like a lab with curly hair? Meet one of the oldest retriever breeds in the world, the Curly Coated Retriever.
Bred as water retrievers, these curly-haired dog breeds are thought to have originated from the English Water Spaniel and the Retrieving Setter — two extinct breeds.
The Poodle was later added to the breeding mix in order to make this curly cutie even curlier.
Curly Coated Retrievers have a specifically designed coat that helps them negotiate through thorns, brambles, and icy waters.
These big curly dog breeds are full of affection, intelligent, and a great choice for first-time pet parents with an active lifestyle.
They are devoted dogs that cherish their families but are a little cautious around strangers.
Nicknamed “Curlies”, these babes are often used as therapy dogs due to their calm, gentle, patient, and reassuring nature.
They crave affection and love returning the favor.
The coat on a Curly Coated Retriever is made up of small, tight, water-resistant curls. They have straight hair on their legs and faces, but kinky curls everywhere else.
Combing may be needed to remove dead hair when their thick curly coat is shedding, which is usually twice a year.
Other than that, steer clear of too much brushing and combing or your curly cutie will become a frizzy fellow.
But beware, even though Curlies have curly hair, their coat is generally oily which can be more likely to cause reactions in pet parents with allergies.
Jump on over to this post for more large cuddly canines that you can cozy up to!
9. Spanish Water Dog
Meet the rustic medium-sized kinky cutie with mop-like locks.
The Spanish Water Dog was developed in Spain many centuries ago, although the exact origin is still unknown.
Bred for many different jobs such as herding, farm work, hunting, and protection, these ancient pups are one of the oldest dog breeds in existence.
Known as SWDs, these devoted dogs are deeply loyal to their families with an impressive instinct to protect.
This protective tendency may cause your strong-willed guardian to be a bit of a bossy pants, but since they love to learn, positive reinforcements can nip this in the bud.
Grouped as herding dogs and not water dogs, these pups will herd anything and everything that moves – including your kiddos, unsuspecting humans on bikes, and even moving vehicles!
They are active little energizers with smarts to match. They need plenty of physical and mental exercise, but once their needs are met, you can count on them to chill on the couch with you for the rest of the evening.
Spanish Water Dogs have one coat that is wooly and curly. If his coat is left long and natural, it will form cords, almost like dreadlocks.
Other than that, yearly grooming should do the trick.
Hunting for medium dog breeds that don’t shed? Check out this post and find your favorite hypoallergenic hound!
Keep in mind that any dog, regardless of the breed, can deviate from its normal breed standards. And although the breeds we’ve discussed in this post are happy, loving, and caring pups, children should never be left alone with dogs in order to prevent unfortunate accidents.
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