Ever seen a giant ball of curls charging toward you, with a goofy grin? Welcome to the world of curly-haired large dogs, where every day feels like a shampoo commercial gone delightfully wild.
Big dogs with curly coats aren’t just a mood—they’re a whole lifestyle. Imagine cuddles that require both arms, and brushing sessions that could easily turn into cardio workouts. Worth it? Absolutely.
Curly fur isn’t just cute—it’s functional, too. These luscious locks often evolved to protect against everything from icy waters to thorny fields. Beauty with a purpose? We’re officially obsessed.
Thanks to social media, the world is catching on: giant fluffy dogs are taking over TikTok, Instagram, and probably your neighbor’s backyard. Honestly, when did “floof factor” become a unit of measurement? (Asking for a friend.)
Think you know big dog breeds? Think again. Some of the fluffiest giants out there come with a curl game that could put your favorite hair influencer to shame. Let’s dive in!
7 Curly-Haired Large Dog Breeds
1. Curly-Coated Retriever
If James Bond were a dog, he’d be a Curly-Coated Retriever—sleek, smart, and always ready for action. This curly-coated retriever rocks a tight curls ensemble, designed for harsh weather and high adventure.
AKC reports that originally bred to retrieve waterfowl, these curly-coated dogs bring serious game, both in and out of the water.
Despite their polished looks, they’ve got a goofy side that melts even the coldest hearts. Active families will adore their boundless energy, but early socialization is key to channeling their inner superspy.
Thanks to their low-shedding breed status, allergy sufferers might just have found their match made in curly-haired heaven.
Their curly double coat shrugs off dead hair but does demand moderate grooming—no skipping weekly brushing unless you enjoy surprise tumbleweeds at home.
Regular brushing helps prevent matting and keeps those famous corkscrew curls photo-ready. Bonus trivia? These retriever breeds are among the oldest of all hunting retrievers, beating even the famous standard poodle to the punch!
2. Irish Water Spaniel
Move over, mop dog memes—the Irish Water Spaniel perfected the look centuries ago. Sporting medium-length curly fur that’s both luscious and practical, this breed thrives in cold water like a woolly sea captain.
Their corded coat isn’t just for show: it’s built tough for waterfowl hunting missions straight from the wild side.
Among curly-haired dog breeds, few bring as much charm—and as much chaos in a puddle—as these guys. Highly intelligent but proudly independent, early socialization and mental stimulation are your tickets to keeping them two steps ahead (but still manageable).
Curly-haired breeds like the Irish Water Spaniel need frequent grooming to remove dead hair and avoid unplanned “dreadlock” situations.
And while they’re often mistaken for a truly hypoallergenic dog, the American Kennel Club (AKC) reminds allergy sufferers that “low shedding” isn’t magic—it still requires effort. Still, this water spaniel is the life of the muddy party!
3. Portuguese Water Dog
If curly-haired dog breeds had a lifeguard, it would be the Portuguese Water Dog, whistle and all. With webbed feet and a waterproof curly double coat, this cheerful athlete dives into cold water like it’s clocking in for a dream job.
Originally bred to herd fish into nets, these curly locks are pure work ethic wrapped in fluff.
Unlike most dogs that flirt with laziness, Portuguese Water Dogs demand action—mental stimulation, frequent brushing, and a good daily sprint around the block. Otherwise? Couch destruction may occur. You’ve been warned.
Thanks to their medium–length coat, grooming needs hover around moderate, but a lion clip or sporting trim often helps owners stay sane.
Allergy sufferers, take note: while they’re often called a hypoallergenic dog, regular grooming and professional maintenance still matter. Expect a solid 12–15 years of soaking-wet hugs and sopping floorboards!
4. Bernedoodle (Standard size)
Imagine if a teddy bear and a comedian had a puppy—that’s your Standard Bernedoodle. This big, bouncy bundle of curly hair can sport anything from a wavy coat to full-blown corkscrew curls, depending on the genetic dice roll. It’s the surprise party of curly-coated breeds!
PetMD explains that from puppyhood to adulthood, Bernedoodles bloom into affectionate dog breeds that love other pets, kids, and anyone with a snack.
But beware: their clever minds need early socialization and lots of mental stimulation to avoid backyard remodeling projects (aka digging craters).
Bernedoodles, especially those with thicker woolly curls, require regular brushing to prevent matting, and moderate grooming from a professional groomer is a wise move.
They’re often marketed as slow-shedding breeds perfect for allergy sufferers, but managing dead hair and coat maintenance still takes commitment. Just don’t be shocked when strangers ask if you’re walking a cartoon character.
5. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is your outdoorsy friend who shows up in flannel and refuses to cancel hikes, rain, snow, or zombie apocalypse.
With a wavy coat that’s Teflon for water and mud, these retriever breeds practically invented “wash and wear.”
Chesapeakes have a curly double coat that’s dense, oily, and proudly rugged—translation: this is not your Instagram-ready, blow-dry-and-bowtie dog.
Grooming? Minimal. Bathing? Only when they start smelling like a vintage fish market.
Dead hair needs regular brushing, but too much grooming can ruin that magic waterproof armor.
It’s the only time “gritty and greasy” is a legitimate beauty goal. And yes, they can air dry better than most humans after a polar plunge.
6. Briard
The Briard is what happens when a shaggy coat collides with a royal decree for fabulousness.
Originally a herding dog from France, their medium-length coat looks like it should come with its own velvet rope and VIP pass. Très chic, très fluffy.
Unlike other breeds flaunting curly hair, the Briard boasts more of a wavy coat, full of dramatic flair and tangles waiting to happen. Frequent brushing is not just recommended—it’s mandatory. Think of it as cardio disguised as grooming.
If you skip sessions? Congratulations, you now own a mobile tumbleweed. Dead hair clings like clingy exes, and matting behind the ears becomes a horror story in three acts.
Briards may not be a low-shedding breed, but they’re 100% worth the hair-raising effort.
7. Estrela Mountain Dog
The Estrela Mountain Dog is less “pet” and more “living, breathing fortress.” Built to withstand wolves, bandits, and your cousin Todd’s questionable life choices, these dogs wear a thick, slightly wavy coat like medieval armor.
Grooming an Estrela isn’t a task—it’s an event. Weekly brushing is critical to remove dead hair, unless you want your living room to resemble a “before” shot on a vacuum commercial.
Forget silky corkscrew curls—this coat laughs in the face of frequent grooming attempts.
Purina reveals that with a rough texture and serious thickness, their medium-length coat sheds seasonally like an angry snowstorm.
They’re not hypoallergenic dogs by any stretch, but they are excellent companions for anyone who respects a little wildness. Bonus: they will air dry faster than your laundry in a Texas heatwave.
Conclusion
Ever wonder why curly-haired large dog breeds steal the show—and sometimes your entire couch? It’s the magical combo of fluffy drama, working dog grit, and just enough chaos to keep life interesting.
Whether you’re looking for a low-shedding buddy or a great companion with solid colors and a soft undercoat, these magnificent mop tops deliver. Bonus points if you enjoy weekly brushing marathons that double as arm workouts.
Of course, we couldn’t forget honorable mentions like the Kerry Blue Terrier, Spanish Water Dog, and the oh-so-dapper Bedlington Terrier—all curly legends in their own right. Even the rugged Airedale Terrier, with its wiry coat, deserves a respectful bark-out.
For those battling dog allergies, breeds like the Komondor (yes, the ultimate mop dog) or service dogs like Labradors (with waves of love, if not curls) may also be worth a peek. Just know: requires regular grooming isn’t a suggestion—it’s a lifestyle.
Got a favorite curly-coated superstar? Drop a comment, share the fluff, and let’s celebrate the fabulous, buff, wavy magic of these unforgettable dogs together. Your next four-legged soulmate might just be hiding behind those glorious Poodle waves.
