Curls aren’t just for fashion runways — in the dog world, curly-haired breeds bring a mix of flair, function, and downright adorable charm. If you’ve ever passed by a dog with springy, bouncy curls and thought, “That pup has better hair than me,” you’re not alone.
Curly coats aren’t just a stylish statement; they also often mean lower shedding and more manageable allergies — a win-win for style and health.
Curly-haired dogs are as diverse in personality as they are in appearance. Whether you’re looking for a dog that looks like a teddy bear, a loyal hunting companion, or a smart showstopper, the curls come with their own perks and quirks.
We’ll dive into the world of curly-coated canines, highlighting their grooming needs, temperaments, and why these unique breeds are growing in popularity among pet lovers everywhere.
Ready to find a curly companion that turns heads and warms hearts? Let’s twist and sniff!
Dog Breeds with Curly Hair
1. Curly-Coated Retriever
The Curly-Coated Retriever, one of the oldest retriever breeds, is easily identified by its tight, curly coat that covers its whole body. Originally bred in England to retrieve game from water, this breed’s naturally water-resistant coat offers protection against cold and wet environments.
Don’t mistake their fancy fur for diva behavior, though—Curly-Coated Retrievers are smart, energetic, and full of zest. Curly-Coated Retrievers are affectionate, confident, and independent, making loyal companions both during outdoor activities and at home.
Their high intelligence means they can develop behavioral issues if not given enough mental stimulation. They’ve got an independent streak but thrive when given a job or a puzzle to solve. Just don’t expect them to be couch potatoes; they’re happiest when active and engaged.
As per WebMD, despite their small size, these dogs don’t require much indoor space and adapt well to both city and countryside living.
Why You’ll Love a Curly-Coated Retriever:
✔ Water lovers at heart: Their curls keep them cozy in the coldest swims.
✔ Brainy and bold: They enjoy a challenge and learn quickly (but may remind you who’s boss).
✔ Unique looks: Those curly locks make them the curly-haired showstopper of the dog world.
Curly-Coated Retrievers’ curly double coats require minimal grooming. Brushing is often avoided to prevent their tight curls from becoming frizzy. Instead, simply wetting their coat and allowing it to air dry helps maintain their appearance and enhances the curls.
Fun Fact: Their curls help shed water so well that even after a swim, they dry faster than your average doggo—perfect for those who don’t love soggy pets!
2. American Water Spaniel
If you want a curly-coated dog that’s as versatile as a Swiss Army knife, meet the American Water Spaniel. The American Water Spaniel is a relatively uncommon curly-coated breed, originally developed in the United States for hunting and retrieving waterfowl.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), fans of the breed describe it as cheerful, smart, and versatile, well-suited for various dog sports. As hunters, they blend the working qualities of both spaniels and retrievers.
With its soft, curly coat that’s just as at home in water as on land, this breed was developed in the Midwest to be a hunting companion, excelling in waterfowl retrieval and fieldwork.
They’re spirited, eager to please, and have enough energy to keep up with the busiest families. But don’t let their hardworking nature fool you—they’re also affectionate couch potatoes who love to curl up next to you after a good romp in the lake.
Why You’ll Love an American Water Spaniel:
✔ All-terrain athlete: Water? Field? Backyard? They conquer it all.
✔ Friendly and adaptable: Great with families, other pets, and plenty of love to share.
✔ Curly and cuddly: That soft coat is perfect for snuggling after a day full of adventure.
Plus, their curls are low-maintenance compared to other curly breeds, which makes them a practical choice for active dog lovers.
Fun Fact: These dogs have a tail that’s been nicknamed the “buzzer” because of how fast it wags—talk about a happy curly-coat!
3. Spanish Water Dog
If your idea of a perfect dog is one that can herd sheep, retrieve from water, and be a loving family companion—all while rocking an impressive mop of curls—then the Spanish Water Dog is your match made in heaven.
These curly-coated dynamos hail from Spain, where they’ve worked hard as herders and water retrievers for centuries. Their thick, woolly curls act like a built-in wetsuit, protecting them in all kinds of weather and water conditions.
They are smart, energetic, and love having a job to do. They’re also affectionate and loyal, making them great companions who thrive on human connection and mental stimulation. Fair warning: their playful spirit means they need plenty of exercise and brain games—lazy days are not their style!
Why You’ll Love a Spanish Water Dog:
✔ Multipurpose marvel: Herding, swimming, fetching—you name it!
✔ Low-shed curls: Their woolly coat means less mess for you, but do be ready for regular grooming.
✔ Family-friendly energy: They bond deeply and love being part of the action.
The Spanish Water Dog is recognized for its intelligence and protective instincts, making it a great watchdog and a devoted companion for active families.
Grooming and maintenance for the SWD can be quite challenging. It’s important to avoid brushing out their curls, but regular clipping is essential. When it comes to managing your dog’s cords, it’s best to seek out a professional groomer experienced with this breed’s specific coat care.
Fun Fact: Their curly coat can form dreadlock-like cords if left untrimmed, giving them a look that’s part dog, part funky rock star!
4. Pumi
Meet the Pumi—the curly-haired dog with an attitude as lively as its springy coat. Originating in Hungary, this small-to-medium herding breed is known for its curly, tight locks and expressive ears that look like they’re always on alert (because they are).
The Pumi is a high-energy, quick-thinking dog that excels at agility and herding, but also doubles as a charming family companion with a quirky personality.
Why You’ll Love a Pumi:
✔ Energetic entertainer: Agile and lively, they love a good challenge and a fun workout.
✔ Unique looks: Their curly coat and perky ears give them a distinct, playful appearance.
✔ Loyal alert: Great watchdogs who keep you informed (loudly).
According to PetMD, Pumis relax well at home and often form a strong bond with one person. With proper training and early socialization, they can also be great family dogs.
Though grooming a Pumi isn’t very demanding, finding a skilled groomer familiar with their coat can be tough. As a result, many Pumi owners handle regular grooming themselves, which includes regular brushing and occasional trimming.
If you want a dog that keeps you on your toes (and keeps the party going), the Pumi is your guy. Just be prepared for some vocal enthusiasm—they’re known to “talk” quite a bit, making them excellent watchdogs and entertaining conversationalists.
Fun Fact: Pumis are natural jumpers and can clear obstacles like it’s nothing—watch your furniture!
5. Poodle
When you think curly-haired dogs, the Poodle instantly comes to mind—regal, elegant, and seriously smart. Whether toy Poodle, miniature Poodle, or standard Poodle, they rock those iconic ringlets with pride and flair.
But don’t let their fancy looks fool you: Poodles are athletic, highly trainable, and have a brain that could probably outwit most of us.
They were originally bred as water retrievers, which explains their love for swimming and their water-resistant curly coat, perfect for keeping warm and dry.
Poodles thrive on mental challenges and physical exercise, so they’re the perfect partner for agility courses, fetch games, or even learning new tricks.
Why You’ll Love a Poodle:
✔ Brainy and trainable: They soak up commands faster than a sponge!
✔ Hypoallergenic curls: Great news for allergy sufferers who want a fluffy best friend.
✔ Stylish swimmers: That curly coat is a natural wetsuit for water adventures.
According to the AKC, Poodles rank among the smartest dog breeds. Their intelligence and strong desire to please make them excellent service dogs.
They are commonly used as guide dogs, assistance dogs for people with various physical disabilities, and therapy dogs. Additionally, thanks to their keen sense of smell, Poodles have even been employed as truffle hunters.
Fun Fact: Poodles were once royal water retrievers—basically, the original fancy pool party guests!
6. Barbet
Meet the Barbet, the curly-coated French water dog you probably didn’t know you needed. With a thick, medium-length coat that’s both waterproof and irresistibly cuddly, Barbet puppies look like fluffy little clouds with paws.
These dogs have been hunting waterfowl and retrieving since the Middle Ages, and their name literally means “beard” in French—thanks to that iconic curly face fuzz!
Barbets usually stand between 19.5 and 24.5 inches tall and weigh 35 to 65 pounds. Their typical lifespan ranges from 12 to 15 years.
Barbets are affectionate, intelligent, and full of energy, making them excellent family dogs that adore swimming and outdoor fun. Their curly coat requires regular grooming, but that’s a small price to pay for all the love and loyalty they bring.
Why You’ll Love a Barbet:
✔ Water-loving wool: Perfect for splashy days and muddy adventures.
✔ Gentle and goofy: They’ll make you laugh with their playful antics.
✔ Family-friendly: A loving companion who thrives on being part of the crew.
Expect to spend at least an hour daily exercising your Barbet every day. They excel in canine sports like obedience, agility, and water retrieval.
Fun Fact: The Barbet’s coat can be trimmed into all kinds of fun shapes—beard and all—making grooming day an event!
7. Portuguese Water Dog
If your dream dog has a curly coat, a zest for swimming, and a personality full of zest, the Portuguese Water Dog is calling your name. Originally bred to assist fishermen off Portugal’s coasts, these medium-sized pups are natural swimmers.
The Portuguese Water Dog (PWD) features a unique water-resistant coat, webbed feet, and a tail shaped like a rudder. Although no dog is completely hypoallergenic, this intelligent breed is often recommended for allergy sufferers because it sheds very little.
Beyond their working dog roots, Portuguese Water Dogs are loving, loyal, and energetic. They thrive on lots of exercise and mental stimulation—whether that’s playing fetch, learning tricks, or joining you on an adventurous hike. Plus, their hypoallergenic coat makes them a hit with allergy sufferers.
Why You’ll Love a Portuguese Water Dog:
✔ Ocean-ready coat: Built for swims, waves, and sandy paws.
✔ Smart and spirited: Always eager to learn and please.
✔ Loyal sidekick: These dogs love being part of every family adventure.
Portuguese Water Dogs are smart and devoted pets, great for families of any size. Their high energy and curiosity mean they need consistent training, socialization, and regular exercise to thrive.
The Portuguese Water Dog’s distinctive coat needs regular grooming and weekly brushing to stay neat. Professional grooming every 4–6 weeks helps keep their hair well-maintained and manageable.
Fun Fact: The Portuguese Water Dog was a favorite of a certain U.S. First Family—talk about presidential paws!
8. Irish Water Spaniel
When you think of curls and water, the Irish Water Spaniel is a top contender. Sporting a dense, curly fur that looks like it was sculpted by waves, these dogs were bred to retrieve game from icy waters in Ireland. Their tight curls not only keep them warm but also help shed water quickly—making them true aquatic athletes.
Irish Water Spaniels are playful, intelligent, and loyal, with a mischievous streak that keeps life interesting. They’re social dogs who love being part of the family but also have a little independent streak, so early training is key.
Why You’ll Love an Irish Water Spaniel:
✔ Aquatic athlete: Their curls are like natural wetsuits for water fun.
✔ Smart and playful: Always up for games, learning, and a splash in the lake.
✔ Distinctive look: That topknot curl on their heads is like a built-in crown.
They may be reserved around strangers, but this typically doesn’t lead to aggression. While loyal and eager to please, the IWS has an independent nature, making them best suited for confident owners with experience in dog training.
They are attentive to their surroundings but aren’t typically considered a highly protective breed. They will bark to alert the household when friends or strangers approach, but since they don’t bark frequently, their alerts should be taken seriously. Despite their watchfulness, they aren’t strong guard dogs due to their friendly and welcoming disposition.
Due to their high energy and exercise requirements, they aren’t well-suited for apartment living. While their low-shedding coat means less fur to clean up, you might need to rinse them off after a dip in the water before coming back indoors.
Fun Fact: The Irish Water Spaniel is the largest of the spaniel breeds—so much curl, so much fun!
9. Bedlington Terrier
Don’t let their sheep-like appearance fool you—the Bedlington Terrier is a spirited little package with a heart full of courage.
Their unique, curly coat and arched back make them look like a walking cloud or a lamb, which is probably why they’re often called the “Lamb Dog.” Originating in England, these terriers were bred for hunting vermin but quickly won hearts as devoted companions.
They’re lively, affectionate, and have just enough stubbornness to keep things interesting. Bedlingtons adore their families and have a playful streak, making them great pals for active households who love a dog with personality and style.
Why You’ll Love a Bedlington Terrier:
✔ Unique charm: Curly coat + lamb-like look = instant conversation starter.
✔ Spirited and smart: Even-tempered, and they love to play and can be surprisingly agile.
✔ Loyal pals: Fiercely devoted and endlessly affectionate to their humans.
According to Britannica, their strong prey drive can make them too aggressive around very young children, and they may also be prone to conflicts with other dogs or small pets.
They require regular grooming to prevent matting and maintain their distinctive texture. They require brushing and professional trimming every 6-8 weeks to keep their coat in good shape.
However, they are low shedders, making them a good option for people with mild allergies. Their coat sheds minimally, but regular grooming is key to managing loose hair and keeping their coat healthy.
Fun Fact: Despite their soft appearance, Bedlingtons are tough little hunters—small but mighty!
Conclusion
Curly-haired dog breeds come in all shapes and sizes—from the small and fluffy Bichon Frise to the big dog breeds originally developed for waterfowl hunting, such as the other retriever types with webbed feet. These dogs often feature corkscrew curls that are not only adorable but also functional, offering protection and insulation in wet environments.
However, owning a curly-coated dog requires commitment; their unique coats can trap dead hair and easily prevent mats only with weekly brushing, even if they appear to have short hair. While some may consider other breeds with different coat types, curly-haired dogs offer a special combination of looks and personality that many pet owners find irresistible. When exploring dog breeds, those with curly hair remain a beloved and distinctive group worth considering.
