20 Curly-Haired Dog Breeds With Stunning Waves and Curls

Curly-haired canine breeds provide each an lovable, fashionable look and practical, generally hypoallergenic advantages. From the favored poodle to the cord-sporting puli, these breeds are straightforward to fall in love with.

Listed below are 20 curly-haired canine breeds that vary from recognizable to uncommon.

Why Do Some Canine Breeds Have Curly Hair?

Why do have curly coats whereas others do not? In the end, it comes all the way down to the breed’s growth and genetics. Curly coats seen in breeds like poodles, Portuguese water canine, and Lagotto Romagnolos developed for practical functions tied to their historic roles, says Sabrina Kong, DVM, workers veterinary author at We Love Doodles.

Moreover, mutations within the gene generally known as Keratin-71 (KRT71) affect curl formation. “For instance, the poodle’s iconic curls have been honed for agility in water and sturdiness in harsh climates, whereas the bichon frise’s curls minimized shedding for hypoallergenic friendship,” Kong explains.

  • Poodle

    Portrait of white poodle standing in field

    The playful poodle’s fluffy, curly coat is probably their most distinctive characteristic. Originating in Germany to retrieve waterfowl, the poodle’s title in German, “pudel,” interprets to “puddle” or “to splash.”

    Outfitted with a naturally dense coat that retains them protected against water, it’s no surprise why these fun-loving, athletic canine take pleasure in swimming and enjoying water video games! To not point out, their coat is taken into account to be hypoallergenic, making this breed a terrific choice for individuals with allergy symptoms. With such coarse, curly fur, it’s important to brush your poodle’s coat and see knowledgeable groomer frequently or discover ways to trim your pup’s coat your self.

    Breed Overview

    GROUP: Non-Sporting

    HEIGHT: Commonplace: 15 inches; miniature: 10 to fifteen inches; toy: 10 inches and below

    WEIGHT: Commonplace: 45 to 70 kilos; miniature: 15 to 18 kilos; toy: 5 to 9 kilos

    PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Affectionate, clever, energetic

    ENERGY LEVEL: Excessive

    COAT AND COLOR: Curly, dense, single-layer coat; many strong colours, together with white, black, grey, brown, and apricot

    LIFE SPAN: 12 to fifteen years

  • Pumi

    Pumi dog on bench

    The affectionate and athletic pumi is a Hungarian herding canine who loves enjoying and dealing—however most of all, being with their individuals. The breed has a particular medium-length coat consisting of corkscrew curls and waves, in addition to a tender undercoat and coarser outercoat that’s all one size. Whereas the pumi doesn’t shed a lot, they may want occasional trimmings to maintain their coat wholesome and mat-free.

    Breed Overview

    GROUP: Herding

    HEIGHT: 15 to 18.5 inches

    WEIGHT: 22 to 29 kilos

    PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Lively, clever, protecting

    ENERGY LEVEL: Excessive

    COAT AND COLOR: Wavy, curly coat; black, white, grey, or fawn

    LIFE SPAN: 12 to 13 years

  • Curly-Coated Retriever

    a curly coated retriever stands in water at beach

    The curly-coated retriever, additionally affectionately generally known as a “curly,” is named one of many oldest retriever breeds and has none apart from a attribute curly double coat. “This breed’s curls are small and tight, making them waterproof, they usually naturally repel filth,” Alexandra Bassett, lead canine coach and conduct marketing consultant at Canine Savvy says.

    Curlies’ coats are comparatively low-maintenance in comparison with curly-coated breeds, however they do require some care with occasional hand-raking or combing with a wide-toothed comb to take away particles, she provides.

    Breed Overview

    GROUP: Sporting

    HEIGHT: 23 to 27 inches

    WEIGHT: 50 to 90 kilos

    PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Pleasant, clever, energetic

    ENERGY LEVEL: Excessive

    COAT AND COLOR: Brief, tight, water- and weather-resistant; strong black and darkish brown; feathering fringe on ears, stomach, thighs, ft, legs, and tail

    LIFE SPAN: 9 to 14 years

  • Otterhound

    A closeup shot of a cute otterhound dog on a leash

    The uncommon otterhound is an especially expert swimmer because of their barely wavy, mackintosh, giant webbed ft, and robust, sturdy construct. Their tough, shaggy coat doesn’t want fixed grooming however does require common care, Bassett says. Brushing as soon as per week will stop mats, notably within the undercoat. She additionally recommends frequently cleansing their beard since they have a tendency to tug it alongside the bottom.

    Breed Overview

    GROUP: Hound

    HEIGHT: 24 to 27 inches

    WEIGHT: 80 to 115 kilos

    PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Shiny, pleasant, energetic, boisterous, even-tempered

    ENERGY LEVEL: Excessive

    COAT AND COLOR: Brief, dense coat in black, grey, tan, wheaten, black and tan, liver and tan, or blue and cream

    LIFE SPAN: 10 to 13 years

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  • Havanese

    Little Havanese has fun in the garden

    The Havanese is a toy canine breed with lengthy, silky hair that ranges in curliness however makes an announcement nonetheless. Their tender, low-shedding double coat requires routine grooming to maintain it well-maintained, together with brushing not less than as soon as per week and month-to-month haircuts relying on the size you’d wish to hold it at.

    Breed Overview

    GROUP: Toy

    HEIGHT: 8.5 to 11.5 inches

    WEIGHT: 7 to 13 kilos

    PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Companionable, shiny, even-tempered, clever, playful

    ENERGY LEVEL: Medium

    COAT AND COLOR: Lengthy double coat in a single or two colours together with black, silver, white, cream, tan, fawn, gold, sable, or crimson

    LIFE SPAN: 14 to 16 years

  • Bedlington Terrier

    Bedlington Terrier

    The Bedlington terrier resembles the right mixture of a lamb and poodle with their tender and coarse curly locks. A uncommon breed, the Bedlington terrier has a low-shedding coat that requires weekly brushing and bimonthly coat trimmings since their hair grows shortly. Their signature look can be completed with hand-scissoring.

    Breed Overview

    GROUP: Terrier

    HEIGHT: 15 to 18 inches

    WEIGHT: 17 to 23 kilos

    PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Affectionate, clever, good-tempered

    ENERGY LEVEL: Excessive

    COAT AND COLOR: Shaggy, rugged curls; colours embrace blue, liver, and sandy shades, with or with out tan markings

    LIFE SPAN: 12 to 14 years

  • Lagotto Romagnolo

    Lagotto Romagnolo lying in grass beside a ball

    The Lagotto Romagnolo is an historic Italian working breed with a coat so curly and wooly and character so pleasant and loving, you received’t be capable of assist however assume, ‘That’s amore!’ Their low-shedding coat requires common brushing to maintain it from growing mats or tangles. To make it simpler to take care of, you’ll be able to go for a shorter haircut on your Lagotto.

    Breed Overview

    GROUP: Sporting

    HEIGHT: 16 to 19 inches

    WEIGHT: 24 to 35 kilos

    PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Pleasant, clever, loyal, athletic

    ENERGY LEVEL: Medium

    COAT AND COLOR: Curly, waterproof double coat in strong off-white, white with orange or brown patches, brown, brown roan, brown or orange with white patches, or sometimes tan markings

    LIFE SPAN: 14 to 17 years

  • Puli

    Puli dog

    The fun-loving, energetic puli is a herding canine that hails from Hungary. The breed has thick, corded hair that was as soon as used to guard themselves from harsh climate and potential predators. A puli pet’s wavy-to-curly hair will type into cords once they attain about 9 months previous. To maintain their corded coat clear and wholesome, wash them, rinse out the cleaning soap, and provides ample time to allow them to fully dry.

    Breed Overview

    GROUP: Herding

    HEIGHT: 16 to 17 inches

    WEIGHT: 25 to 35 kilos

    PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Affectionate, clever, loyal

    ENERGY LEVEL: Excessive

    COAT AND COLOR: Naturally corded coat; colours embrace black, silver, and white

    LIFE SPAN: 10 to fifteen years

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  • Barbet

    Barbet dog up close

    The barbet has one of the crucial attribute coats—and beard! In reality, their title is derived from “barbe,” which is French for “beard.” Barbets’ curly, thick, and wooly coats require common brushing not less than a number of instances per week to forestall mats and tangles. “They want trims each six to eight weeks to maintain their coat manageable as properly,” Bassett says. “Paying for grooming—or getting good at doing the grooming at residence—is important for this breed.”

    Breed Overview

    GROUP: Sporting

    HEIGHT: 19 to 24.5 inches

    WEIGHT: 35 to 65 kilos

    PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Joyful, calm, obedient

    ENERGY LEVEL: Excessive

    COAT AND COLOR: Lengthy, dense, curly; black, grey, brown, or fawn

    LIFE SPAN: 13 to fifteen years

  • Kerry Blue Terrier

    Kerry blue terrier standing in green grass

    The Kerry blue terrier boasts a good looking wavy-to-curly coat that is available in variations of blue-gray. The Kerry blue’s eye-catching coat grows constantly and requires month-to-month grooming and brushing not less than each different day. This canine breed doesn’t shed a lot and could also be an appropriate pet for individuals with allergy symptoms or anybody searching for a relatively relaxed furry buddy.

    Breed Overview

    GROUP: Terrier

    HEIGHT: 17 to 19 inches

    WEIGHT: 30 to 40 kilos

    PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Shiny, attentive, loyal

    ENERGY LEVEL: Excessive

    COAT AND COLOR: Brief, tender, wavy with no undercoat; blue-gray; bearded face; heavy eyebrows

    LIFE SPAN: 12 to fifteen years

  • Airedale Terrier

    Airedale Terrier head shot in front of grass

    The daring and energetic Airedale terrier has an eye catching, wiry coat that’s often black and tan and ranges from being wavy to curly. Their distinctive hair texture is low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, requiring a weekly brush out and just some haircuts a yr to maintain it wholesome and tidy. This breed is comparatively hypoallergenic and a good selection for these with allergy symptoms.

    Breed Overview

    GROUP: Terrier

    HEIGHT: 23 inches

    WEIGHT: 50 to 70 kilos

    PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Outgoing, alert, assured

    ENERGY LEVEL: Excessive

    COAT AND COLOR: Tight, curly coat; black and tan; beard on the muzzle

    LIFE SPAN: 10 to 12 years

  • Irish Water Spaniel

    Irish water spaniel in the grass

    The Irish water spaniel has a novel look with tight curls throughout their physique and clean, brief hair on their face and tail. Like different canine breeds on this checklist, the playful, hard-working Irish water spaniel was developed to be an distinctive swimmer and retrieve waterfowl. Their mackintosh doesn’t shed a lot, requiring brushing about as soon as per week and haircuts each two months or so.

    Breed Overview

    GROUP: Sporting

    HEIGHT: 21 to 24 inches

    WEIGHT: 45 to 68 kilos

    PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Affectionate, loyal, playful

    ENERGY LEVEL: Excessive

    COAT AND COLOR: Dense, crisp, and tight curls; darkish brown liver shade; fur on the face and tail is brief and clean

    LIFE SPAN: 10 to 12 years

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  • Komondor

    Komondor dog standing outside.

    Generally known as the Hungarian sheepdog, the komondor is an immediately recognizable breed. This huge canine has lengthy, white corded hair, giving them an enthralling, mop-like look. When not corded, their outer coat is wavy or curly. As one may anticipate, komondor coats have distinctive grooming necessities much like the puli: their cords ought to by no means be brushed or combed—merely washed and totally squeezed out each few months.

    Breed Overview

    GROUP: Working

    HEIGHT: 26 to twenty-eight inches

    WEIGHT: 80 kilos and up

    PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Unbiased, calm, light

    ENERGY LEVEL: Medium

    COAT AND COLOR: Corded coat; white

    LIFE SPAN: 10 to 12 years

  • Portuguese Water Canine

    black and white Portugese water dog on a boat

    The Portuguese water canine, or PWD, is thought for his or her curly fur, floppy ears, and love for water. This energetic and clever working canine is a good companion for energetic households. Their low-shedding coat additionally makes them appropriate for individuals with allergy symptoms. And although they don’t shed a lot, the PWD wants frequent grooming. They need to be brushed day-after-day and get their hair trimmed about each month.

    Breed Overview

    GROUP: Working

    HEIGHT: 17 to 23 inches

    WEIGHT: 35 to 60 kilos

    PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Pleasant, courageous, obedient

    ENERGY LEVEL: Excessive

    COAT AND COLOR: Wavy or tightly curled; black, black and white, and brown, although shade may be white or silver-tipped

    LIFE SPAN: 11 to 13 years

  • Bolognese

    Bolognese dog outside

    The Bolognese, also called the Bolo, is a small companion canine with medium-length curly, ruffled hair. Their longer, cotton-like coat requires day by day brushing to maintain it freed from mats and odors. You’ll be able to go for a shorter haircut, just like the pet reduce, on your Bolo if you happen to’d wish to make their grooming extra manageable. This breed can be thought-about to be hypoallergenic.

    Breed Overview

    GROUP: Basis Inventory Service; this breed isn’t registered by the AKC however could be recorded for breeding and competitors functions

    HEIGHT: 10 to 12 inches

    WEIGHT: 5.5 to 9 kilos

    PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Docile, playful, even-tempered

    ENERGY LEVEL: Low

    COAT AND COLOR: Lengthy, curly coat; strong white

    LIFE SPAN: 12 to 14 years

  • Bouvier des Flandres

    Bouvier des flandres

    Calm, assured, and dependable, the Bouvier des Flandres is an excellent household canine. Identified for his or her fluffy, curly hair and signature beard, this massive canine has important grooming wants. (To not point out, train wants, too.) The Bouvier des Flandres’ thick coat requires frequent brushing a couple of instances per week and common journeys to the groomer to take care of good hygiene and forestall matting.

    Breed Overview

    GROUP: Herding

    HEIGHT: 23.5 to 27.5 kilos

    WEIGHT: 70 to 100 kilos

    PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Pleasant, clever, protecting

    ENERGY LEVEL: Excessive

    COAT AND COLOR: Lengthy, shaggy, tough double coat; salt and pepper, grey, fawn, brindle, or grey and brindle

    LIFE SPAN: 10 to 12 years

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  • Spanish Water Canine

    black and white Spanish water dog

    The Spanish water canine is a herding canine with a low-shedding, distinctive coat. “The Spanish water canine has a naturally curly coat that kinds cords, so their grooming routine is a bit distinctive,” Bassett says. In contrast to most canine, this breed ought to by no means be brushed. As an alternative, their coat must be trimmed to a good size about every year, she explains. Your Spanish water canine’s bathtub time will encompass gently squeezing out extra water and letting them air-dry to maintain their curls intact and frizz-free.

    Breed Overview

    GROUP: Herding

    HEIGHT: 15.75 to 19.75 inches

    WEIGHT: 31 to 49 kilos

    PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Protecting, alert, energetic

    ENERGY LEVEL: Excessive

    COAT AND COLOR: Medium size coat in black, black and white, or brown

    LIFE SPAN: 12 to 14 years

  • Bichon Frise

    bichon frise dog breed profile

    The itty-bitty bichon frise has lengthy, curly white fur that makes them appear like an lovable cotton ball or stuffed animal. In reality, “bichon frise” even interprets to “curly-haired canine” in French!

    Their ever-so tender and plush hair grows constantly and must be brushed not less than a couple of instances per week to forestall mats and tangles. You can even anticipate to take them to get a haircut about each month. These fluffy sweethearts are wonderful companions for all, particularly for allergy victims since they’re a low-shedding breed.

    Breed Overview

    GROUP: Non-Sporting

    HEIGHT: 9 to 12 inches

    WEIGHT: 7 to 12 kilos

    PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Pleasant, affectionate, playful

    ENERGY LEVEL: Medium

    COAT AND COLOR: Fluffy and curly; white hair (might have traces of apricot, buff, or cream), resembling a cotton ball or powder puff

    LIFE SPAN: 12 to fifteen years

  • Cocker Spaniel

    American cocker spaniel laying in green grass

    With expressive eyes, floppy ears, and curly locks, the cocker spaniel’s regal look is unmistakable. Their silky, medium-length fur requires frequent brushing and trimming because it’s vulnerable to matting and tangles. This breed is pleasant and calm, making them an exquisite household canine. Like every other canine breed, they’re at their greatest with day by day bodily exercise and psychological stimulation.

    Breed Overview

    GROUP: Sporting

    HEIGHT: 13 to fifteen inches

    WEIGHT: 20 to 30 kilos

    PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Companionable, affectionate, light

    ENERGY LEVEL: Medium

    COAT AND COLOR: Lengthy, silky double coat in combos of black, brown, buff, silver, tan, white, and brown roan with/with out ran and merle markings

    LIFE SPAN: 10 to 12 years

  • American Water Spaniel

    American water spaniel

    Completely satisfied, vigorous, and sensible, the American water spaniel is a talented swimmer with a curly, water-repellent coat, webbed ft, and curved tail. The American water spaniel has a medium-length, double coat that sometimes wants weekly brushing utilizing a slicker brush. This breed sheds minimally all year long however extra often when the climate warms up.

    Breed Overview

    GROUP: Sporting

    HEIGHT: 15 to 18 inches

    WEIGHT: 25 to 45 kilos

    PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Shiny, companionable, even-tempered

    ENERGY LEVEL: Medium

    COAT AND COLOR: Medium-length, curly double coat in brown, chocolate, silver

    LIFE SPAN: 10 to 14 years

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