Curly-haired dogs have a special kind of charm that straight-coated dogs just cannot compete with.
Yes, we get that!
Those tight curls, that fluffy texture, that soft cloud-like appearance… people stop mid-stride and go “WAIT, what kind of dog IS that?!” And then immediately want one.
But a lot of dog lovers hesitate here. Curly fur sounds high maintenance. Lots of grooming, lots of tangles, lots of effort. And for some curly dog breeds, SURE, that is fair. But small dogs with curly, manageable fur are way more doable than people think.
Today, we are introducing some small dog breeds with curly, manageable fur. Big personality, gorgeous coats, and grooming needs that will not take over your life.
Fact!
Many curly haired dogs were originally bred to work in and around water. Those tight curls were not just for looks. A curly coated dog repels water better than most straight-coated breeds. The Portuguese Water Dog, Irish Water Spaniel, and Spanish Water Dog are all great examples of curly coated breeds born for exactly that purpose. Fashion AND function. .
Small Dog Breeds with Curly, Manageable Fur
1. Bichon Frise
A fluffy and cheerful dog that looks like a tiny cloud.
If there is one dog that defines curly-haired dog breeds, it is the Bichon Frise. You can recognize that bouncy white coat in an instant. Somehow, they always look freshly groomed even when they have not been.
As per the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Bichon Frise has a double coat with a soft, dense undercoat and a curly outer coat that puffs away from the body.
They are low-shedding dogs, which is why they are popular with allergy sufferers. Loose hair stays caught in curls rather than covering your furniture. BIG WIN!!
So, these hypoallergenic dogs are playful, affectionate, and get along well with literally everyone. Their coat needs regular grooming every few weeks to prevent matting, plus a professional groomer monthly.
Daily brushing with a wide-toothed comb keeps things normal between appointments. Totally manageable for the fluffiness level you get back.
2. Bolognese
Rare and elegant, this is a curly dog breed most people have never heard of.
Meet the Bolognese. The cousin to the Bichon Frise, from Bologna, Italy, is somehow still flying under the radar despite being one of the most charming small dogs alive.
Their coat is white and fluffy with loose curls rather than tight ringlets. Purina describes this coat as “flocked”, which is rather ruffled-looking. Single coat, no real undercoat, low shedding coat.
The Bolognese’s mane has a uniquely matte, cottony texture that sets it apart from other curly-haired breeds entirely.
These small dogs are calm, devoted, and perfect for quiet houses. Weekly brushing and occasional professional grooming routine keep their coat in great shape.
If you want a rare and gorgeous curly dog with a gentle personality trait, the Bolognese deserves way more attention than it gets.
3. Bedlington Terrier
Looks like a lamb. That is not an exaggeration.
The Bedlington Terrier is one of the most visually striking, unique curly-coated dogs in existence. As per PetMD, you can see that arched back, that narrow head, soft topknot, and blue-gray coat… and instantly get who this dog is. That coat is a mix of soft and hard fur.
This dog genuinely looks like a lamb, and then decided to become a Terrier. And we mean that as the highest compliment.
Their coat is a curly, linty mixture of soft and wiry that barely sheds. It grows continuously, similar to human hair, which means regular grooming every few weeks keeps things tidy and shaped.
Do NOT let the lamb fool you. Brave, spirited, real fast dog that loves to play, that is what the Bedlington Terrier is all about. But at the same time, he can be very jealous around other animals, so it’s best that you get them enrolled in early puppy classes for proper socialization.
Then, they can get along well with other dogs.
Routine grooming and trimming maintain that signature shape, and a professional groomer who knows this breed will be really helpful.
4. Barbet
Shaggy, soulful, and an ancient curly dog with a HUGE heart.
The Barbet (bar-BAY) is a French water dog with a long and curly dense coat and a wonderful personality to match. Not nearly as well known as they should be.
Their double coat is thick and curly, which helps them protect from the cold water since it is also a water-repellent coat. It makes sense since Barbets were originally bred as water retrievers in France, as they used to work with hunters in cold marshes and rivers.
As per the AKC, the Barbet is one of the oldest retriever breeds, with records going back to at least the 16th century.
Barbets are joyful, social, and sweet-natured with other dogs and families alike. Regular grooming helps prevent matting and removes dead hair, with professional grooming every month or two.
They love dog sports and thrive with mental stimulation. Amazing canines that deserve a much bigger fan club than they have.
5. Lagotto Romagnolo
A rustic and rugged canine, bred for truffle hunting.
Yes, you read that correctly. The Lagotto Romagnolo is the only breed officially recognized for the FINEST truffle hunting. That extraordinary nose, a driven work ethic, and weather-resistant curly coat made them the top choice for Italian truffle hunters for centuries, since Renaissance Italy.
Their curly double coat forms tight curls across the entire body and is waterproof by nature. Without proper coat care, the Lagotto’s curls can eventually cord if left unattended for too long.
So, regular grooming is super-important for this curly-haired pup.
This Italian dog breed is enthusiastic, affectionate, and clever. They thrive with mental stimulation and love having a purpose.
This dog’s coat needs brushing every few days and professional grooming regularly to keep those curls intact and healthy.
For a curly-coated dog breed with this much history, that routine is worth it.
6. Otterhound
Big personality, a curly coat, a curly tail, webbed feet, and is one of the rarest dog breeds on the planet.
The Otterhound leans toward medium size, but their curly, manageable fur and sheer rarity make them impossible to leave off this list.
These dogs are listed as one of the most endangered native breeds in the U.K., which makes them even more fascinating to explore.
Their medium-length coat is rough, dense, and curly with a water-resistant outer layer. The Otterhound was bred in England to hunt otters in rivers and steams and those curly locks kept them working in cold water for hours.
These hunting dogs are goofy, boisterous, and affectionate with other dogs and other pets alike.
Weekly brushing removes dead hair and prevents matting. Of course, they were water dogs, so naturally, they have a water-resistant coat which helps with the harsh weather.
They bring big personality traits into any home. If you ever get the chance to meet one, consider yourself lucky.
7. Coton De Tulear
Cotton-soft, beautiful dogs with a playful personality, named after a city in Madagascar.
The Coton De Tulear (Ko-TAWN deh Too-LEE-air) is named for its unique coat, which is described as cotton-like in texture, and for the port city of Tulear in Madagascar, where the breed developed.
Fluffy dogs do not get more unique in origin than that.
Soft, slightly wavy hair to a loosely curly and low-shedding coat. These hypoallergenic benefits make them a great pick for allergy sufferers. Unlike many curly-haired dog breeds, the Coton has no dense double coat, which keeps overall coat care more manageable.
Coton De Tulear are beautiful white dogs that are joyful, clownish, and one of the most entertaining small dogs you will ever share a home with.
They love people, get along well with other dogs and other pets, and have a playful aura.
Frequent brushing keeps tangles away, and professional grooming every couple of months maintains the gorgeous shape. You can keep their long hair in a retriever clip or a lion clip as well.
Their coat is soft, low-maintenance compared to the most curly dogs, and worth every bit of care.
Conclusion
Curly fur is not equal to complicated.
These small dog breeds with curly, manageable fur bring the looks, personality, and charm without demanding every weekend of your life.
Yes, regular grooming matters.
But with the right routine and a good professional groomer in your corner, these curly-haired dogs are far more manageable than most people expect.
No matter if the dog has a wiry coat, corkscrew curls, a corded coat, or a curly one, these dogs prove to be loyal and just as affectionate.
Other incredible curly dog breeds worth mentioning are the Portuguese Water Dog, Curly-Coated Retriever, Cocker Spaniels, Airedale Terrier, Poodle mix, Spanish Water Dog, Hungarian herding dog, Irish Water Spaniel (tallest Spaniel breed), and Kerry Blue Terrier are all amazing curly coated options.
Find the breed that fits your life, commit to their coat care, and you will have one of the most head-turning dogs on your entire block.
