What do you get when you mix pint-sized cuteness with bouncy curls? An irresistible blend of charm, style, and snuggle-ready fluff!
Curly-haired, tiny dog breeds are little bundles of personality wrapped in textured coats that practically beg to be cuddled. With their playful personality and often hypoallergenic fur, these dogs are perfect for pet lovers who want a small dog that stands out from the crowd — and stays on your lap rather than all over your furniture.
But don’t be fooled by the curls — these pups have attitude, brains, and a surprising amount of spunk packed into their small frames. Whether they’re strutting down the sidewalk or curling up beside you on a rainy day, curly-haired dog breeds know how to work their magic.
Let’s meet the most adorable curly-coated tiny breeds that combine good looks, great energy, and lovable personalities. If you’ve got a soft spot for curls, compact size, and a little flair, you’re about to meet your next furry best friend.
Curly Haired Tiny Dog Breeds
1. Poodle
Whether it’s Toy or Miniature, the Poodle is the diva of the dog world, and she knows it. Famous for their tight curls and elegant posture, Poodles aren’t just pretty faces—they’re super smart, highly trainable, and incredibly fast (yes, even the tiny ones!).
Their coat is made up of tight, dense curls that are famously hypoallergenic and low-shedding, perfect for allergy sufferers or neat freaks. It grows continuously, so regular trims and styling are a must unless you’re going for the “shaggy genius” look.
Personality Traits
Brainy – Ranked as one of the smartest and friendliest dog breeds.
Proud & graceful – Think of them as royalty with a goofy side.
Energetic – Loves to play, learn tricks, and steal the spotlight.
Low-shedding and low-allergy – Hypoallergenic dog great for people with allergies!
As per Hill’s Pet, Poodles flourish with attention and may develop undesirable behaviors like excessive barking if they are neglected or left alone for extended periods.
Fun Fact: Poodles were originally bred as water retrievers. So yes, your glam pup’s ancestors were basically curly lifeguards!
2. Coton De Tulear
Straight from Madagascar and straight into your heart, the Coton de Tulear is a soft, cottony fluffball with a personality as cuddly as its coat. Cotons are known for being loyal, cheerful, and charmingly goofy.
Their coat is soft, fluffy, and cotton-like (as the name suggests!), and it tends to be more wavy hair than curly—but still qualifies as fabulously textured.
These pups are extremely affectionate, often following their favorite humans from room to room like sweet little shadows. They’re happy-go-lucky, charming, and love attention, so prepare for a lot of snuggles and tail wags.
Personality Traits
Velcro dog – Loves sticking close to their humans.
Silly & playful – Expect zoomies and spontaneous happy dances.
Easygoing – Chill vibes with just the right amount of spunk.
Expressive – Communicates through cute sounds and head tilts.
Fun Fact: The Coton de Tulear is known as the “Royal Dog of Madagascar”—and when you see them strut, you’ll understand why.
3. Bolognese
This pup isn’t named after pasta, though they are just as lovable!
The Bolognese, hailing from Italy, is a rare and refined toy breed with a calm, affectionate personality. Imagine a dog who’s part philosopher, part lap-warmer, and all heart.
This breed sports a long, fluffy white coat with slight waves and a unique powder-puff texture. It doesn’t shed, but it does require regular brushing to avoid tangles and matting—think “daily fluff maintenance.”
Personality Traits
Calm and cuddly – Loves quiet time and deep eye contact.
Devoted – This dog will follow you like a tiny white shadow.
Low-maintenance energy, high-maintenance coat – Grooming is a must, zoomies not so much.
Great with apartment life – Just give them love, a window view, and they’re set.
Fun Fact: They were once pampered by Italian nobles—and they still expect royal treatment today (don’t worry, they’ve earned it).
4. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is basically a walking marshmallow with attitude. With bouncy white curls and a personality that screams “life of the party,” this teddy bear looking breed is friendly, funny, and full of love for everyone they meet.
Their coat is dense, soft, and curly—almost like a mini sheepdog, minus the herding. This hypoallergenic curly fur makes them ideal for people with sensitivities, though it does need professional grooming to maintain that signature fluffy “powder puff” look.
Personality Traits
Happy-go-lucky – Always in a good mood (and will make sure you are too).
Goofy entertainer – Expect clownish behavior and silly antics.
Hypoallergenic – Minimal shedding, maximum snuggles.
Kid-friendly – An extremely affectionate plush toy that loves cuddles back.
According to WebMD, Bichons are social dogs, making them well-adapted to indoor living and ideal companions for city life.
Fun Fact: “Bichon” means “curly lap dog” in French. Could a name be more perfect?
5. Cotonese
The Cotonese is a delightful mix between the Coton de Tulear and the Maltese, and it’s just as charming as it sounds. This curly-haired cutie has soft curls that combine the fluffy cotton-like texture of the Coton de Tulear with the longer, flowing, curly locks of the Maltese.
The result? A gorgeous wavy coat, soft to the touch, and perfect for cuddles. While their coat is generally low-shedding, it does require regular grooming to keep it looking silky and tangle-free, so be ready to dedicate some time to brushing or opt for regular professional grooming.
Personality Traits
Loving and loyal – A true people-pup who thrives on attention.
Playful and curious – Always ready to chase a toy… or a sunbeam.
Quietly sweet – Not a big barker, but loves to “chat” with their eyes.
Great for allergy sufferers – Their coat is typically low-shedding.
Fun Fact: As a designer breed, every Cotonese can look a little different, but they all have one thing in common: they’re ridiculously adorable.
6. Bedlington Terrier
You know that dog that looks suspiciously like a lamb but acts like a bold adventurer? Yup, that’s the Bedlington Terrier. With its soft, curly, wool-like coat and graceful silhouette, the Bedlington is often underestimated—but trust us, there’s a whole lot of spice beneath that fluff.
Their distinctive coat is a mix of hard and soft hairs that curl into a woolly texture, giving them that signature lamb-like look. It’s non-shedding and hypoallergenic, but requires regular grooming sessions to keep it looking its best.
Personality Traits
Fearless and feisty – Don’t let the delicate looks fool you—this breed has terrier tenacity!
Mellow at home – Loves lounging but won’t say no to a good sprint around the yard.
Non-shedding coat – Great for allergy sufferers (just keep up with grooming).
Elegant with a goofy side – Can strut like royalty and then roll in the grass five seconds later.
As per PetMD, Bedlington Terriers can get along with cats or other pets if introduced early and correctly, but their strong hunting instincts may lead them to chase small animals outdoors.
Fun Fact: The Bedlington was once a coal miner’s dog and a racing champ. Imagine a lamb doing zoomies… now you’re close.
7. Jackapoo
What happens when you cross a Jack Russell Terrier with a Poodle? You get the energetic, smart, curly-haired Jackapoo—a small breed with a ton of personality per pound. They’re cute, clever, and built for mischief (the fun kind).
Depending on the genetic lottery, their coat can range from tight poodle curls to looser, wavier textures, but it’s usually dense and low-shedding.
These pups are packed with energy and personality—always ready to chase a ball, solve a puzzle, or zoom around the living room. They’re loyal, loving, and a little bit cheeky—in the best possible way.
Personality Traits
Full of energy – Think caffeine… with paws.
Super smart – Inherits brains from both parents, so get ready for puzzle toys and clever tricks.
Clownish charm – Loves being the center of attention and making people laugh.
Curly dogs with a twist – Coat texture can vary, but there’s usually some wave or curl action going on.
Fun Fact: Jackapoos can be excellent watchdogs… but they may also bark at their own reflection. Drama kings and queens.
Conclusion
For dog lovers who appreciate both style and personality, curly-haired tiny dog breeds offer the perfect combination of charm, intelligence, and low-shedding coats. These amazing canines are not only adorable but often even-tempered, making them excellent companions for active families and individuals alike.
There are several curly-haired dogs not often included in the spotlight that are smaller yet just as delightful. Breeds such as the Bichon Frise, Miniature Poodle, Toy Poodle, Lhasa Apso, Curly Coated Retriever, Kerry Blue Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, Spanish Water Dog, Portuguese Water Dog, and American Water Spaniel, and Miniature Schnauzer are excellent examples of tiny dogs with beautiful corkscrew curls or wavy, medium length coats. These breeds may have a curly double coat or single-layer coat, and many of them—like the Bichon Frise and Poodle—are hypoallergenic and great for people with sensitivities.
Maintaining these lovely coats takes effort. A consistent grooming routine is key to keeping them in top condition, involving daily brushing, weekly brushing, or at minimum, frequent brushing to remove dead hair and prevent matting. Using a wide-toothed comb and seeking help from a professional groomer for regular trimmings is often necessary. Since some breeds have webbed feet or are bred for water, such as the Portuguese Water Dog, they benefit from additional grooming care, especially around moisture-prone areas. Beyond grooming, early socialization, mental stimulation, and daily exercise are crucial to ensure these breeds remain happy and well-adjusted.
