15 Dog Breeds With Curly Hair (With Info & Pictures)

Dog coats come in all textures and types, from extra fluffy double coats to dogs with dreadlocks. Some coats can be simple to groom, while others require daily brushing to prevent matting. Your lifestyle and ability to commit may affect the breed of dog you’ll get, especially if you’re looking for a dog with low-maintenance grooming needs.

There are many dogs with curly and wavy hair, and some are more difficult to groom than others. If you love the look of curly hair on dogs and you’re willing to commit to brushing them, take a look at the 15 dog breeds with curly hair below.

The 15 Dog Breeds That Have Curly Hair:

1. Poodle

First on our list of curly-haired dogs is the Poodle. Poodles are known for their adaptability and high intellect, making them one of the most popular breeds today. Poodle puppies have soft, wavy coats that become curlier and coarser as they age. While their show cut is famous, most Poodle owners clip their coats to prevent matting.

2. Barbet

Barbets are medium-sized water dogs with thick, curly coats and bearded snouts. Though their coats need brushing, they don't typically shed their hair like other breeds. Barbets enjoy sports and outdoor activities, especially swimming. As long as their needs are met, Barbets can be great family dogs.

3. American Water Spaniel

American Water Spaniels have dense, waterproof coats that vary between wavy and tightly corded. Originally bred for hunting in icy cold waters, American Water Spaniels are natural watchdogs that are reserved around strangers. They are also playful and affectionate, making them ideal for families with older children.

4. Bedlington Terrier

Often seen with their “lamb clip” in breed competitions, Bedlington Terriers have wooly double coats with a unique mixture of soft and wiry hair. These curly-haired dogs may seem small and dainty, but they have strong hunting instincts with lean muscular builds. Bedlington Terriers are good-tempered dogs that are generally easy to please.

5. Spanish Water Dog

Spanish Water Dogs are versatile herding dogs that have thick, curly coats, often forming into tight cords. They are highly intelligent dogs that love to work, which is important to keep them from destructive tendencies. Spanish Water Dogs develop strong bonds with their families but aren't comfortable around strangers.

6. Irish Water Spaniel

Irish Water Spaniels have curly double coats with wavy feathering on their legs. They have playful and clownish personalities but can become stubborn and defiant without proper leadership. Irish Water Spaniels are natural hunters, so they’re better suited as the only pets in the house.

7. Portuguese Water Dog

Portuguese Water Dogs are active dogs that love vigorous sports and exercise. They are incredibly clever and will try to take over the household, so consistent and confident leadership is vital to keep them happy. President Obama owned two Portuguese Water Dogs during his second term in office.

8. Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise dogs are popular lapdogs and quiet companions, prized for their soft, curly, white double coats. They are affectionate and love nothing more than going on adventures with their owners, genuinely happy to meet new people. Although Bichon Frises are smart, they can be hard to train.

9. Lagotto Romagnolo

Lagotto Romagnolos have thick, rough coats that grow into tight curls. They have bearded snouts and expressive eyes. They are more popular in Italy and are often used to hunt down elusive underground truffle mushrooms. Lagotto Romagnolos are affectionate and bond easily with their owners.

10. Kerry Blue Terrier

Kerry Blue Terriers are medium-sized dogs with a strong prey drive. They were once bred to hunt vermin and other smaller animals. Though these curly-haired dogs can be sensitive and moody if teased too much, Kerry Blue Terriers develop tight bonds with their families. Once their needs are met, they are happy companions.

11. Bolognese Dog

Related to the Bichon Frise, Bolognese Dogs have naturally white coats with wavy, flowing locks. These intelligent and curious dogs often diligently follow their owners. Bolognese dogs are the perfect companion for quieter homes, making them a popular choice for the elderly.

12. Pumi

Next on our list of dog breeds with curly hair is the Pumi. Pumis are Hungarian sheepdogs with dense, curly, semi-upright ears. They're similar to the Poodle in that they're versatile and adaptable yet gentle enough to be around children. Pumis are often confused with Pulis, the sheepdogs famous for their dreadlocks.

13. Bouvier Des Flandres

Bouvier Des Flandres dogs have shaggy, slightly curly coats and a happy demeanor. They were bred to protect farm animals in France but are now loyal pets. They are friendly and gentle when playing with children. Regular grooming is needed to keep Bouvier coats from matting.

14. Curly Coated Retriever

Curly-coated retrievers are the tallest dogs in the retriever group, with solid black and liver being the only allowed colors. Similar to the more popular Labrador Retriever, Curly-Coated Retrievers are still used for hunting and other physical activities. With enough exercise, they make excellent family pets.

15. Mixed Breeds

Last on our list of dog breeds with curly hair isn't a breed, but all dogs crossed with poodles or other dogs with curly hair will most likely have curly or wavy coats, depending on the genetics of the other dog. Designer dog breeds have become a booming market. The Labradoodle is the most popular designer “breed,” but most kennel clubs do not recognize them.

Final Thoughts

Typically, curly-haired dogs don't shed as much as those with thick, wavy fur but require extensive grooming. If you love the look of curly coats as much as we do, you're probably trying to determine which breed is ideal for your home. Hopefully, this list has helped you decide which curly-haired canine will be your new best friend.

Featured Image Credit: otsphoto, shutterstock