Dog Breeds With Curly Hair: 10 Irresistible Companions
Distinctive ringlets demand dedicated grooming and reward owners with boundless loyalty.
Dog Breeds with Curly Hair: The Complete Curly Companion Guide
Curly-haired dog breeds delight dog lovers everywhere with their unique ringlets, fluffy coats, and charming personalities. From the elegant Poodle to rare gems like the Barbet, these dogs bring both style and substance to any household. This guide covers the most beloved curly-coated breeds, their histories, personalities, grooming requirements, and what makes them stand out as pets.
What Causes Curls? The Science Behind Curly Dog Hair
Curly coats in dogs are the result of geneticsâspecifically, variations of the KRT71 gene. This gene affects hair texture, leading to loose, corkscrew, or tight ringlets seen across various breeds. Even among curly-haired breeds, curl types can differ based on hair density, length, and growth patterns. Notably, some mixes, such as Labradoodles, exhibit a range of curl types depending on their parents’ genetics, while purebreds, like the Poodle, have more consistent coat styles.
- Loose curls: Gentle waves, usually easy to manage.
- Tight curls: Small, springy ripples close to the body.
- Wooly coats: Fluffy, dense, and lamb-like.
- Spiral/cords: Unique, rope-like structures (e.g., the Komondor).
Why Choose a Curly-Haired Dog?
- Low-shedding: Many curly breeds shed very little, ideal for allergy sufferers.
- Hypoallergenic qualities: Less dander means less allergic reaction for many owners.
- Charming appearance: Their distinctive looks attract attention and affection everywhere.
- Active lifestyles: Many curly breeds were bred as hunting or working dogs, making them energetic and eager to please.
Top Curly-Haired Dog Breeds
Below are some of the most popular and unique curly-coated breeds around the world. Each has its own story, temperament, and care requirements, but they all share one thing: irresistible curls.
Poodle
The Poodle stands as the archetype of curly-haired breeds. Available in three sizesâstandard, miniature, and toyâPoodles are famous for their intelligence, elegance, and athleticism.
- Origin: Germany/France (originally for water retrieving)
- Coat: Dense, tight curlsâvirtually non-shedding
- Personality: Highly trainable, energetic, good with families
- Grooming: Professional grooming every 4â6 weeks; daily brushing to prevent mats
Poodles often serve as the foundation for curly canine mixes such as Labradoodles and Cockapoos due to their hypoallergenic properties and agreeable temperament.
Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog is renowned for its athleticism and curly, waterproof coat, originally bred to help Portuguese fishermenâretrieving gear, herding fish, and delivering messages among boats.
- Origin: Portugal
- Coat: Tight curls or wavy; water-resistant
- Personality: Affectionate, clever, loves water sports
- Grooming: Regular combing and professional trimming every 6â8 weeks
Known for being playful yet loyal, the Portuguese Water Dog rose to celebrity status as a companion to the Obama family at the White House.
Curly-Coated Retriever
The Curly-Coated Retriever is one of the oldest retriever breeds, distinguished by its dense coat of water-resistant, tight curls. Originally bred in England for beating the brush to find birds, this retriever thrives in the water.
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- Origin: England
- Size: 23â27 inches tall, 60â95 lbs
- Personality: Confident, independent, yet affectionate; great for active families
- Grooming: Minimalârake during coat transition periods, avoid over-brushing to prevent frizz
Curly-Coated Retrievers excel in outdoor pursuits and need plenty of exercise, making them ideal companions for nature lovers.
Irish Water Spaniel
The playful Irish Water Spaniel boasts a signature curly, waterproof coat and a tale of loyalty. Known as the clown of the spaniel family, this breed brings both energy and humor to any home.
- Origin: Ireland
- Coat: Dense, liver-colored curls
- Personality: Playful, intelligent, devoted, sometimes reserved with strangers
- Grooming: Brushing 3 times a week to prevent mats
Bichon Frise
With a powder-puff appearance and a soft, curly coat, the Bichon Frise shines as an affectionate, cheerful companion. This breed is also known for being hypoallergenic and relatively low-shedding.
- Origin: Mediterranean (Spain/France/Belgium)
- Coat: Soft, plush curls that seldom shed
- Personality: Lively, friendly, playfulâgreat with kids
- Grooming: Professional grooming every 4â6 weeks; daily brushing required
Bedlington Terrier
Famous for resembling a lamb, the Bedlington Terrier has a curly, woolen coat and a sweet, spirited nature. This breed was originally developed for hunting vermin and later became a beloved companion.
- Origin: Northumberland, England
- Coat: Mixture of soft and harsh hair, forming distinctive tight curls
- Personality: Loyal, affectionate, alert; loves being the center of attention
- Grooming: Professional grooming every 6 weeks; regular brushing at home
Barbet
The Barbet is a French water dog, relatively rare outside Europe, with a super-coiled, curly coat that requires committed grooming. This affectionate and friendly breed makes an excellent swimming companion.
- Origin: France
- Coat: Long, wooly, curly, and water-resistant
- Personality: Sweet-natured, intelligent, gentle
- Grooming: Regular combing and trimming to prevent mats
Lagotto Romagnolo
The Lagotto Romagnolo is the ultimate truffle hunter, famed for its dense, curly coat and keen nose. Originating in Italy, the Lagotto is also an adept swimmer and loving companion.
- Origin: Italy
- Coat: Dense, tight curls, waterproof
- Personality: Trainable, bright, affectionate
- Grooming: Frequent brushing and professional trims; dense coat easily mats
Pumi
The distinctive Pumi from Hungary sports tight curls and iconic upright, expressive ears. Originally a herding dog, the Pumi is energetic and entertaining.
- Origin: Hungary
- Coat: Dense, curly, harsh to the touch
- Grooming: Regular grooming, usually every 3â4 weeks, to avoid matting
- Personality: Brilliant, agile, alert, responsive
American Water Spaniel
The American Water Spaniel might not be a household name, but its curly and dense coat set it apart among American breeds. Developed for retrieving in cold waters, this breed is versatile and loyal.
- Origin: United States
- Coat: Dense, curly, water-resistant
- Personality: Eager-to-please, energetic, adaptable
- Grooming: Regular brushing; coat is low-shedding but prone to mats
Curly-Haired Designer & Hybrid Breeds
Contemporary breeders have created many designer dogs that often feature curly coats. These mixes often combine hypoallergenic and friendly traits:
- Labradoodle: Labrador Retriever & Poodle mix; coats may vary from curly to wavy, highly popular for their allergy-friendly reputation.
- Goldendoodle: Golden Retriever & Poodle mix; curly or wavy, sociable, and smart.
- Sheepadoodle: Old English Sheepdog & Poodle mix; fluffy, curly coats, and a delightful temperament.
- Cockapoo: Cocker Spaniel & Poodle mix; sometimes curly, always lively and gentle.
Grooming and Care for Curly-Haired Breeds
Curly coats are striking, but they do demand dedicated maintenance. Without proper care, curly hair can become matted, tangled, or dirty. Grooming varies by breed but follows several fundamental principles.
- Brushing: Frequent brushingâdaily for breeds like the Bichon Frise, weekly for othersâprevents mats and tangles.
- Bathing: Use mild dog shampoos; over-bathing strips natural oils. Allow air drying to preserve curls.
- Professional Grooming: Most curly breeds need professional clipping every 4â8 weeks, depending on hair type.
- Tools: Rake-style or metal pin brushes work well for dense, curly coats. Slicker brushes are good for detangling.
- Tangles and Mats: Pay extra attention to areas behind ears, under legs, and around collars where mats often form.
Curly Hair Doâs and Donâts
- Do: Start grooming pups early to make sessions positive.
- Do: Check for skin issues, as dense coats can hide irritations.
- Donât: Over-brush, as it can frizz up certain breedsâ curls (like Poodles or Curly-Coated Retrievers).
- Donât: Ignore regular trims; overgrown curls are more likely to tangle and cause discomfort.
Table: Quick Comparison of Popular Curly-Haired Breeds
| Breed | Coat Type | Size | Energy Level | Shedding | Grooming Needs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poodle | Tight curls | Standard/Medium/Toy | High | Low | High |
| Bichon Frise | Soft, plush curls | Small | Medium | Low | High |
| Curly-Coated Retriever | Tight, water-resistant curls | Large | High | Low | Moderate |
| Irish Water Spaniel | Dense ringlets | Medium/Large | High | Low | High |
| Lagotto Romagnolo | Dense, tight curls | Medium | High | Low | High |
| Bedlington Terrier | Wooly, curly | Small/Medium | Medium | Low | High |
| Portuguese Water Dog | Curly/wavy, waterproof | Medium | High | Low | Moderate |
FAQs About Curly-Haired Dog Breeds
Are curly-haired dogs hypoallergenic?
Many, but not all, curly-haired dogs are considered hypoallergenic due to their minimal shedding and lower dander release. Breeds like the Poodle, Bichon Frise, and select hybrids are well known for this trait.
Do curly-haired dogs need more grooming?
Yesâcurly hair is prone to mats without regular brushing and trimming. Commitment to a grooming routine is essential.
Which curly-haired breeds are best for families?
Poodles, Bichon Frises, Portuguese Water Dogs, and Labradoodles are popular curly breeds that generally get along well with children and other pets.
Are curly-haired dogs good for active owners?
Absolutely. Many curly breeds were bred for hunting or retrieving and thrive on activity and mental stimulation.
How can I prevent my dogâs curls from matting?
Brush frequently, start early in puppyhood, use the right tools, and visit a professional groomer regularly. Pay attention to high-friction areas (ears, joints, collars).
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Perfect Curly Companion
Curly-haired dogs bring flair, intelligence, and personality into any home. Whether youâre seeking a hypoallergenic friend, an agile athlete for outdoor adventures, or a loving lapdog, the ideal curly-haired companion awaits. With proper care, these unique breeds reward their humans with loyalty and years of unforgettable companionship.
References
- https://www.betterpet.com/learn/dog-breeds-with-curly-hair
- https://walkeepaws.com/blogs/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-curly-haired-dog-breeds
- https://iheartdogs.com/curly-haired-dog-breeds-2/
- https://usa.juliusk9.com/blogs/news/5-dog-breeds-with-curly-hair
- https://www.playbarkrun.com/curly-haired-dog-breeds/
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