Let’s talk about something that always makes us all stop and stare: those gorgeous, naturally wavy coats some dogs are lucky enough to flaunt. You know the kind, effortless waves that look like they just walked out of a luxury doggy salon while we struggle with curling irons!
But those stunning waves aren’t just for show. Wavy and curly coats have real jobs: keeping water dogs warm, shielding athletic dogs from harsh weather, and acting as natural insulation by trapping air for comfort in any climate.
What’s even cooler? A study in The Conversation found that just three genes control most of the incredible variety in dog coat textures. From springy tight curls to soft, beachy waves, each breed rocks its wavy fur in its own unique way, and that’s what makes them so irresistible!
Now, let’s get to know them!
Dog Breeds with Naturally Wavy Fur
1. Lagotto Romagnolo
Talk about a breed that’s got that whole effortlessly gorgeous thing down pat. The Lagotto Romagnolo brings serious Italian flair to the curly coat game, and honestly, they wear it better than most humans wear their hair. These medium-sized breed originally made their mark in Italy, where their coat served as a survival gear.
What makes us crazy about these affectionate dogs is how they have mastered the art of being both rugged and refined. Their popularity has been steadily climbing, and it’s not hard to see why.
They are trainable, undemanding, and affectionate, very attached to their owner and easy to train, making them perfect for families who want brains and beauty in one pack. They are up for adventure when you are, but equally happy to chill at home.
Their coat needs regular brushing to prevent matting, but they are not very maintenance-intensive, as you think. Their water-resistant covers help keep dirt from sticking, so they stay cleaner longer than you would expect.
Facts:
Medium-sized sporting dog with rustic, balanced proportions
Dense, curly coat that’s woolly in texture and naturally water-resistant
Lively and balanced temperament
Tractable, adaptable, keen, affectionate, and extremely attached to its owner
2. Barbet
Size: 19–24.5 inches
Weight: 35–65 pounds
Lifespan: 12–14 years
Temperament: Friendly / Bright / Sweet-natured
The Barbet is the laid-back star of the curly-haired dog world, and we mean that in the best possible way. According to the American Kennel Club, these French water dogs have been making people laugh for centuries with their quirky antics and shaggy coats.
What we love about their temperament is how they balance being complete goofballs with being incredibly devoted family members. They are the type of dog that will make you crack up one minute and melt your heart the next.
They aren’t very picky eaters but hate being left alone for long periods. These dogs want to be part of the action, whether that’s helping with yard work or just following you around the house.
Their dense coat covering of curly, long hair needs consistent grooming to keep it from matting. But it’s worth it as they are one of the most dreamiest dogs ever!
Facts:
Coats grow long and must be groomed regularly to prevent matting
Smart, versatile, and athletic – excel at various activities
May lose small tufts of hair like tumbleweeds if not groomed
3. American Water Spaniel
These dogs were bred to work in some seriously harsh conditions, and their coats show it. The outer coat has this incredible water repellent quality that keeps them comfortable even when they are diving in icy cold lakes.
Their coat adapts to different seasons. During colder months, that dense undercoat fills in to provide extra insulation, while summer brings a lighter and more manageable coat. They need significant physical activity every single day, and I’m not talking about a stroll around the block.
These pups want to swim, run, and explore. Their energy levels are through the roof, which makes sense as they were originally bred to work all day in outdoor conditions.
Facts:
Medium-sized sporting dog with a slightly rectangular build
Dense, water-resistant double coat that ranges from wavy to curly
Active, muscular build designed for endurance work
Friendly, eager-to-please temperament with high energy levels
4. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise brings this incredible combination of playful charm and sophisticated elegance that gets us every time. Their care requirements are pretty specific, but once you get the hang of it, these dogs are magical to live with.
The key to keeping them happy is understanding their social needs. These companion dogs thrive on human interaction and mental stimulation. They are not the type to entertain themselves for hours; they will want to do what you are doing.
While they need frequent brushing and professional grooming every four weeks, that fluffy appearance stays looking fresh longer than you would expect. Their coat texture is designed to trap loose hair rather than dropping it all over your stuff.
Facts:
Hypoallergenic coat that traps loose hair rather than shedding
Requires professional grooming every 4-6 weeks
Coat texture is designed to stay looking fresh longer than expected
5. Portuguese Water Dog
They have this incredible water-resistant double coat that’s engineered for aquatic adventures. What gets us excited about these dogs is how they have maintained their working dog instincts while adapting perfectly to good family life.
These dogs worked alongside Portuguese fishermen for centuries, and you can still see that maritime heritage in everything they do. Puppies start with softer, more manageable curls that gradually develop into the dense, water-resistant coat that they are famous for. That transformation is pretty amazing.
Grooming them is all about embracing their natural texture. Some owners go for a traditional pup coat that shows off athletic build, while others prefer to let those gorgeous curls grow into splendor. Either way, regular trimming is essential to keep that coat healthy and manageable.
Facts:
Originally worked alongside Portuguese fishermen for centuries
Requires regular trimming to keep the coat healthy and manageable
Puppies start with softer curls that develop into a dense, water-resistant coat
6. Cockapoo
Size: 10–18 inches
Weight: 15-22 pounds
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Temperament: Friendly / Active / Intelligent
What makes these dogs so appealing to dog owners is how they have inherited that low-shedding trait that makes life so much easier for sensitive people. Their appearance can vary quite a bit depending on which parent they take after more, but that wavy coat is pretty consistent across the board.
Some lean more toward the Poodle’s tight curls, while others have that looser, more relaxed wave pattern. Either way, they are adorable. According to PetMD, Cockapoos can adapt to environments easily.
They can be playful and energetic when their families are active, but they are equally content to be calm lap dogs when it’s quiet time. It’s like they have this built-in emotional intelligence that makes them perfect companions.
Facts:
Small to medium-sized crossbreeds with varied appearance
Wavy to curly coat that’s typically low-shedding
Friendly, outgoing personality with an adaptable nature
Intelligent and eager to please, making training relatively easy
7. Irish Water Spaniel
The grooming situation with the Irish Water Spaniel is a commitment, but it’s also oddly satisfying. That tightly curled coat needs regular attention to prevent matting, but when it’s maintained, it’s stunning beyond imagination.
Their ancient breed heritage shines in everything they do. These dogs have been perfecting their water work for centuries, and it’s created this incredible confidence and competence that’s impossible to ignore.
Facts:
Large sporting dog with a distinctive coat and tail
Dense, tight curls cover most of the body
Alert, intelligent, and somewhat reserved with strangers
Confident working dog with strong swimming instincts
8. Schnoodle
Size: 14–26 inches
Weight: 13–99 pounds
Lifespan: 12–15 years
Temperament: Intelligent / Playful / Loyal
Their care requirements are pretty straightforward once you understand. They want to be involved with your activities and family life. They are very clingy and will follow you everywhere. Their coat maintenance falls into that sweet spot between low maintenance and high maintenance.
They need regular brushing to prevent matting, but don’t need the intensive grooming that some curly-haired breeds need.
Facts:
Small to medium-sized crossbreeds with varied appearance
Wavy to curly coat that’s typically low-shedding
Intelligent, playful personality with Schnauzer spunk
Loyal and affectionate with family, can be reserved with strangers
9. Bernedoodle
Standard Bernedoodles weigh 61–100 pounds, stand up to 29 inches tall, and can live 12–15 years.
Mini Bernedoodles, full-grown, weigh 20–45 pounds, stand up to 22 inches tall, and live 14–16 years.
Toy Bernedoodles weigh less than 20 pounds and stand 12–17 inches tall. These dogs live the longest, up to 18 years.
Temperament: Gentle / Intelligent / Goofy
What sets their grooming needs apart is how that thick, wavy coat requires a different approach than most curly breeds. The density means you need to get down to the skin level when brushing, and professional grooming becomes essential rather than optional.
But honestly, most owners tell it’s worth every penny because these dogs are just so lovable.
The temperament aspect is where Bernedoodles shine. They’ve inherited the Bernese Mountain Dog’s calm, patient nature, which makes them incredible with kids and other pets. At the same time, they’ve got enough Poodle intelligence to keep training interesting and engaging.
Facts:
Brushing must reach down to skin level due to coat density
Inherited Bernese Mountain Dog’s calm, patient nature
Poodle intelligence makes training interesting and engaging
Conclusion
Looking at all these incredible curly-haired dog breeds with naturally wavy fur, it’s clear that nature knew what she was doing when she designed these coats. All of their coats tell stories of their purposes, and their beautiful coats give them a unique appearance, keeping them warm to repelling dust, and trapping air for insulation. That’s how incredibly sophisticated.
