Curly-haired dogs are often adored for their distinctive, charming look and soft, bouncy coats. These curly coats not only give dogs a unique appearance but also often help with allergy-friendly qualities due to less shedding. If you’re a fan of these adorable, curly companions, here are 10 popular dog breeds known for their gorgeous, curly hair.
1. Poodle (Standard, Miniature, and Toy)
The Poodle is one of the most well-known curly-haired breeds, famous for its hypoallergenic coat. Their curly fur is dense and water-resistant, and they come in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. Poodles are highly intelligent and trainable, making them fantastic family pets and show dogs.
- Key Traits: Intelligent, friendly, easy to train
- Weight: 4-70 pounds (depending on size)
- Height: 10-15 inches (Toy) to 22-27 inches (Standard)
2. Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog is known for its curly, thick coat that is perfect for working in water. Historically bred for fishing, they have a love for swimming and are highly energetic. Their curly coat requires grooming but is often seen as hypoallergenic.
- Key Traits: Energetic, loyal, good for active families
- Weight: 35-60 pounds
- Height: 17-23 inches
3. Curly-Coated Retriever
As the name suggests, the Curly-Coated Retriever is a breed that boasts a unique curly coat. This water-loving dog is known for being highly active, friendly, and easy to train. Their curly fur helps them stay warm while swimming and hunting in cold waters.
- Key Traits: Energetic, friendly, intelligent
- Weight: 60-95 pounds
- Height: 22-27 inches
4. Bichon Frisé
The Bichon Frisé is a small dog with a cheerful personality and a soft, curly coat. These dogs are known for their hypoallergenic qualities, as their curly hair sheds very little. Their coat needs regular grooming to keep it looking its best, but their sweet, affectionate nature makes them great pets for families and individuals alike.
- Key Traits: Affectionate, cheerful, playful
- Weight: 10-20 pounds
- Height: 9-11 inches
5. Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel is an active and intelligent breed known for its curly, water-resistant coat. Their curly hair can grow quite long, but it requires regular grooming to prevent mats. This breed is perfect for an active family and excels in activities like agility and swimming.
- Key Traits: Active, intelligent, loyal
- Weight: 45-65 pounds
- Height: 20-24 inches
6. Lagotto Romagnolo
The Lagotto Romagnolo is an ancient breed from Italy with a dense, curly coat. Known as the “truffle dog,” they were historically used for truffle hunting. Their curly hair is thick and water-resistant, making them ideal for hunting in wet conditions. This breed is friendly and affectionate, making them great companions.
- Key Traits: Friendly, energetic, intelligent
- Weight: 24-35 pounds
- Height: 16-19 inches
7. Kerry Blue Terrier
The Kerry Blue Terrier has a soft, curly coat that requires regular grooming. This breed is known for its striking blue coat and intelligent, confident demeanor. Though the Kerry Blue is friendly and good with families, it also has a strong hunting instinct, so early training and socialization are essential.
- Key Traits: Intelligent, confident, loyal
- Weight: 33-40 pounds
- Height: 18-19 inches
8. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a versatile working dog with a curly, water-resistant coat. This breed is highly energetic and loves swimming, making it an excellent choice for families who enjoy outdoor activities. Their coat is ideal for protection in cold water, and their loyalty makes them excellent companions.
- Key Traits: Loyal, energetic, intelligent
- Weight: 55-80 pounds
- Height: 21-26 inches
9. Puli
The Puli is a herding dog from Hungary known for its distinctive, corded, curly coat. These dogs are highly energetic and intelligent, making them excellent workers in herding sheep. Their corded coat requires regular care, but it’s one of the most unique-looking coats in the dog world.
- Key Traits: Energetic, intelligent, loyal
- Weight: 25-35 pounds
- Height: 16-17 inches
10. Schnoodle
The Schnoodle is a hybrid breed, a cross between a Poodle and a Schnauzer, known for its curly, hypoallergenic coat. This breed has inherited the intelligence of the Poodle and the boldness of the Schnauzer. Schnoodles are friendly, good with children, and easy to train.
- Key Traits: Friendly, playful, intelligent
- Weight: 10-20 pounds
- Height: 10-20 inches (depending on size)
Conclusion
Curly-haired dogs not only stand out for their distinctive, adorable appearance but also often provide benefits like being hypoallergenic and low-shedding. Whether you’re looking for a small companion like a Bichon Frisé or a larger working dog like the Curly-Coated Retriever, there’s a curly-haired breed to suit nearly every lifestyle. Just be prepared for the grooming needs—those gorgeous curls require regular care to stay healthy and beautiful!