There’s something irresistibly charming about a dog with curls. Those fluffy, bouncy coats aren’t just cute—they often come with practical perks like being low-shedding or hypoallergenic. If you’re looking for the perfect in-between—not too big, not too small—curly-haired mid-sized dog breeds offer the ideal combination of looks, temperament, and size.
These curly-haired dogs aren’t just pretty; many were bred for specific jobs like retrieving or herding, so they bring brains and energy to match their curls.
Whether you want a companion for hikes, an affectionate family dog, or just a pup that turns heads on every walk, these breeds check all the boxes. Their manageable size makes them perfect for active households or apartment living—just be ready to brush!
Let’s explore some of the best curly-coated mid-sized dogs, including what makes each one special. If you’ve got a soft spot for curls and a heart ready to love, you’re about to meet your perfect match.
Curly Haired Mid-Sized Dog Breeds
1. Pumi
Imagine a dog with the energy of a toddler after a candy binge – that’s the Pumi for you! This Hungarian herding dog is packed with personality, agility, and a whole lot of curls.
With its woolly, curly coat, the Pumi looks like a walking mop, but don’t be fooled by its fluffy exterior. This dog is here to herd, play, and be the life of the party.
Pumis are known for their enthusiasm and intelligence. They’re quick learners, making them perfect for active families or people who love a dog that can keep up with their energy. You’ll find them dashing around the yard, herding anything that moves – including, possibly, your socks.
They’re highly trainable and love to show off their tricks, so be ready for a dog that could easily outsmart you (and will certainly try).
One thing to note: Pumis love to be active. So, if you’re looking for a cuddle-buddy who’ll just snooze on the couch all day, the Pumi might have other plans. But if you’re up for a dog that can turn every walk into an adventure, the Pumi’s bound to be your furry best friend.
2. Barbet
Next up, we have the Barbet, the French curly-coated dog that’s as charming as a glass of fine wine and as sweet as a croissant. The Barbet, according to the AKC, is a sturdy and well-built dog that has been bred for centuries to be an enthusiastic hunter and an endurance swimmer.
Known for their distinctive wavy hair, which almost begs to be touched, these curly-coated breeds are friendly, affectionate, and wonderfully social.
Originally bred as water retrievers, Barbets are natural swimmers – so if you’re near a pool, lake, or beach, they’ll happily dive right in!
What makes the Barbet truly special is its gentle and loving nature. This dog is the ultimate cuddle buddy, always ready to snuggle up on the couch or give you a big ol’ sloppy kiss after a fun day of playing. They’re known for getting along well with other pets and people, making them fantastic family dogs.
But don’t let that soft, snuggly exterior fool you – Barbets are also super active and love outdoor adventures. They’re the type of dog that will happily go hiking, jogging, or even paddleboarding with you.
This breed’s curly coat needs a bit of upkeep (because, let’s face it, curls can get a little wild if left unattended), but with regular grooming, your Barbet will look like a fluffy, well-put-together water dog ready to tackle any outdoor challenge.
3. Kerry Blue Terrier
The Kerry Blue Terrier, a dog so stylish, it practically struts with its head held high. Hailing from Ireland (where else would a dog this fancy come from?), the Kerry Blue is known for its beautiful blue-grey curly coat. It’s the kind of dog that turns heads at the dog park – not just for its stunning looks, but for its impressive array of talents.
Kerry Blues are often described as intelligent, versatile, and loyal. They’re like the Swiss Army knife of the dog world – whether it’s herding, retrieving, or just being a wonderful family companion, the Kerry Blue does it all.
This dog has a knack for making you fall in love with it, thanks to its sweet and affectionate nature. It’s also incredibly loyal, always sticking by your side like a trusty sidekick in every adventure. Need a cuddle buddy? The Kerry Blue is more than happy to comply.
But don’t let that adorable face and cuddly demeanor fool you – these dogs have energy! They are active and love to get out and explore the world. Whether it’s a jog around the block or a game of fetch, the Kerry Blue will be right there with you, full of enthusiasm.
And with a bit of training, they’ll also be eager to show off their smarts, which will keep you both entertained and maybe even a little bit amazed.
4. Airedale Terrier
Next, meet the Airedale Terrier, affectionately known as the “King of Terriers.” And honestly, if you look at this majestic bearded breed, you’ll understand why it earned such a royal title. With its long, flowing coat and dignified stance, the Airedale gives off some serious “I-own-this” vibes. This dog is like the James Bond of terriers: poised, confident, and always ready for action.
Airedales are strong, intelligent, and loyal. They were originally bred to catch otters and vermin along the Aire River in England, but over time, they’ve become the ultimate all-around companion. They have a noble air about them, but they also have a playful side that keeps things fun.
The Airedale loves a good game of fetch or tug-of-war, but once the playtime is over, they’ll happily lounge around, keeping an eye on everything like the guardian they are.
Despite their royal look, the Airedale is also affectionate and can be incredibly loving with family members. They’re a bit more independent than some other terriers, but they’re still loyal to the core.
Just like a king, they expect a bit of respect – and, in return, you’ll have a loyal friend who’ll stand by your side no matter what. The Airedale also gets bonus points for being a relatively low-shedding dog, which is always a win in the grooming department.
5. Portuguese Water Dog
Ahoy, matey! It’s the Portuguese Water Dog – a dog so devoted to the water that if you had a pool, it’d probably be the first to dive in (and not just for a swim, but to help you fish, herd boats, or do anything else related to maritime activities).
Originally bred to work on fishing boats, these medium-sized breeds are naturally strong swimmers due to their webbed feet and have a love for anything aquatic. So, if you live near a beach or a lake, consider yourself lucky – this dog will be right at home!
These fluffy dogs are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and playful spirit. These dogs are like a blend of enthusiasm and brains – they love to be mentally and physically stimulated. Whether you’re kayaking, paddleboarding, or just playing fetch in the yard, the Portuguese Water Dog will be at your side, ready for action.
With their curly double coats, they are truly hypoallergenic dog, making them a great choice for people with allergies. But don’t let their soft, curly fur fool you – these dogs are built for hard work. They’re a joy to train and are incredibly loyal to their families.
Just be sure to give them plenty of exercise and playtime because, as much as they love a cuddle, they’re not the type to sit still for long!
6. Spanish Water Dog
Next, we have the Spanish Water Dog, a dog so versatile and hardworking, it could probably take on your to-do list and still have energy for a jog. These dogs have been used for centuries for herding, guarding, and even working as water retrievers. But no matter the task, they always give it their all – and then some.
The Spanish Water Dog has a distinctive shaggy coat, which makes them look a bit like a mop, but with much more spunk!
This curly dog breed is known for being adaptable, intelligent, and loyal companions. Whether you need a dog for herding your sheep, helping you with water-related tasks, or just being a fun-loving family pet, the Spanish Water Dog is up for it. They’re not just herders and workers; they love to play and interact with their families, too.
PetMD says that Spanish Water Dogs aren’t typically excessive barkers but may vocalize to alert or show excitement. Like many breeds, they might also dig when they’re bored.
What makes the Spanish Water Dog truly stand out is its affectionate nature. They bond deeply with their families and are often described as great with kids. These dogs are playful, energetic, and ready to take on any adventure you throw their way – as long as it involves a bit of action and a whole lot of fun.
7. Puli
And now, let’s meet the Puli, a dog that can seriously rock the “coolest hairdo” award. With its iconic, long, corded coat, the Puli looks like it could be straight out of a rock band – but don’t let the hair fool you; it’s one of the hardworking and loyal dogs out there.
Native to Hungary, the Puli was bred to work as a herding dog, and it takes its job very seriously. This ugly-looking breed Puli, is an incredibly intelligent, energetic, and alert dog.
It’s always on the lookout and ready to help, whether that means herding livestock or protecting the family. If you’re looking for a dog that’s both a protective guardian and a fun playmate, the Puli fits the bill perfectly.
The Puli’s cords (or “dreadlocks”) might require a bit of extra grooming attention, but they’re worth the effort. These coats are not just stylish – they’re practical, too, offering protection from harsh weather while working in the fields.
Purina explains that Puli are quick learners who respond well to kind and enjoyable training. They thrive when actively involved with their owner or family, so if you’re unable to include a Puli in your daily routine, this breed may not be the right fit for you.
The Puli is high-energy and loves to be kept busy, so make sure you’re ready for plenty of outdoor playtime, agility training, or just a good old-fashioned game of fetch.
Conclusion
Curly-haired dog breeds are truly amazing canines known for their distinctive coats, ranging from tight curls to wavy or fluffy textures. Curly-haired dog breeds like the Curly Coated Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, Bichon Frise, Bedlington Terrier, and various Poodles—including the Standard Poodle, Miniature Poodle, and Toy Poodle—showcase a variety of curly coats, slightly wavy coats, water resistant coats, dense coats, long double coats and wooly coats.
These intelligent breeds excel in dog sports and as working or farm dogs, requiring regular mental stimulation and weekly brushing to prevent matting and remove dead hair. Their low-shedding nature makes many curly-haired breeds ideal for allergy sufferers, provided their coats are properly maintained with a retriever clip or other grooming styles.
Whether sporting a silky double coat or a shaggy coat, these breeds thrive when given consistent care and regular brushing, making them a perfect choice for dog lovers seeking an athletic, intelligent, and affectionate companion with a unique coat that resembles human hair in texture and curl.
