Adorable and stylish curly-coated dog breeds are loved for their striking and unique appearance. Whether the curls are tight or loose, their coats are often irresistible to touch for dog lovers. In many breeds, curly hair is linked to a genetic variation in the Keratin-71 (KRT71) gene, which plays a key role in curl formation.
Beyond their beauty, curly coats also serve practical purposes. They can help protect dogs from harsh weather conditions and provide insulation, especially in colder environments. Some curly-coated breeds are also considered hypoallergenic, as they tend to shed less, making them more suitable for allergy-sensitive households.
However, most curly-haired dogs require regular grooming to keep their coats healthy, tangle-free, and well-maintained, although a few breeds have relatively low-maintenance coat needs. It is also important to note that curly-coated breeds vary widely in temperament, behavior, and physical characteristics.
Let’s explore some wonderful dog breeds known for their beautiful curly coats.
Wonderful Dog Breeds Featuring Curly, Short Fur
1. Irish Water Spaniel
Playful, hardworking, and brave, the Irish Water Spaniel is the tallest spaniel breed. This curly-haired dog can be instantly recognized by its distinctive coat and tapering rat tail. Its medium-length, liver-colored coat forms loose curls over the head and is often tied into a topknot.
The ‘water-resistant curly coat’ also enabled them to perform well in their historical role as hunting and retrieving dogs. Irish Water Spaniels have a special affinity for swimming and are one of the oldest dog breeds. This hypoallergenic dog breed is well-suited for allergy sufferers, according to the AKC.
Regular grooming helps keep the coat free from mats and tangles. Frequent bathing is also required to keep their curls clean. A professional groomer can help trim the coat around their eyes, paws, and tail.
Irish Water Spaniels are known for their lively, intelligent, and independent nature. They are affectionate towards their families and gentle with children. With proper training and regular exercise, Irish Water Spaniels make the most loyal companions.
2. Mudi
A medium-sized breed, the Mudi is a compact and athletic herding dog. Hard to find outside its native region, Hungary, the Mudi is a rare dog breed. Mudi’s short and dense coat can vary from being wavy to curly. It has featherings on the back of the forearms and upper thighs.
Their hair forms cowlicks and ridges, resulting in thick curls. Mudi’s coat comes in five colors, including various shades of black, brown, gray, gray-brown, and yellow and white.
Mudis possess a weather-resistant and waterproof coat. It enables them to navigate effortlessly through cold water bodies and work efficiently in freezing temperatures. PetMD recommends that the medium-length coat be brushed at least a few times a week.
Grooming helps brush out tangles and remove debris, especially in the areas where the coat has featherings.
Mudi are alert and attentive dogs blessed with incredible stamina and high energy levels. With proper training and socialization, they make excellent companions and family pets.
3. Bedlington Terrier
Originally bred in the mining town of Bedlington, Bedlington Terriers are charming, loyal, and frolicking dogs. These curly-haired dogs sport a distinctive lamb-like appearance due to their arched backs, thin tails, and unique coats.
Their crisp and curly coat is a combination of soft and hard hair. But this terrier breed does not have a wiry coat. Due to their striking appearance, the breed requires regular grooming to stay free from mats and tangles.
Beddings come in a variety of colors, with blue-gray being the most common. Other coat colors include blue, liver, sandy, and tan.
Talking about temperament, Bedlington Terriers are affectionate dogs who form strong bonds with their owners. However, they may be a bit reserved towards strangers. These moderately active dogs require moderate exercise every day for physical and mental stimulation.
4. Pumi
Pumi dogs are loyal and intelligent canine companions who thrive with active pet parents. These energetic and versatile pooches were bred as all-purpose farm dogs. Having a medium-sized frame and a spirited personality, Pumi makes a loving companion.
The breed can be recognized by its medium length, tight curls often referred to as ‘corkscrew curls.’ Pumi dogs stand out due to their fuzzy double coats and curved bushy tails. The Pumi’s coat consists of 50% soft and 50% harsh hair, all the same length.
These curly-coated dogs need combing every three to six weeks, followed by a good wetting down. Pumi dogs have a low-shedding coat, but the hair may come out during grooming. Using a blow dryer on its coat is not recommended.
The Pumi is known for its lively and energetic personality. It forms strong bonds with its owners but may not like strangers.
5. Spanish Water Dog
Spanish Water Dog is an upbeat and active dog with a curly, woolly coat that tends to be corded when kept long or clipped short. They love getting wet, so excel at swimming and retrieving from water. Spanish Water Dogs are strong and muscular canines.
Their water repellent coat can be black, brown, beige, white, or particolored. ‘Rustic’ is the word commonly used to describe their overall look. Spanish Water Dogs are bright, friendly, and even-tempered.
They make active and fun companions for owners who can keep up with their exercise needs. Spanish Water Dogs excel at a variety of dog sports and activities like running, hiking, or snowshoeing. Purina recommends at least an hour of exercise for these dogs every day.
6. Lagotto Romagnolo
Italy’s adorable ‘truffle dog,’ Lagotto Romagnolo, is an ancient dog breed with an eager-to-please nature. These affectionate and undemanding dogs are loved for their curly coats that give them a teddy bear-like appearance.
The thick double coat is water-resistant, assisting the dogs in swimming efficiently. Luckily, Lagotto Romagnolo dogs do not shed a lot and tend to be hypoallergenic.
Their coats can easily become matted. Regular combing is required to maintain their curly locks. Lagottos also need to be bathed at least once a month. Trimming the hair around the dog’s eyes ensures the vision is not obstructed.
Lagotto Romagnolo dogs are avid problem solvers who thrive on robust companionship. They respond best to positive reinforcement training methods.
7. American Water Spaniel
Originally bred to work in the icy waters and marshy banks, American Water Spaniels possess a dense, waterproof, and curly coat. Their double coat, along with their webbed feet, enables them to glide easily through water.
An American Water Spaniel’s coat is always brown, but the texture can be curly or wavy. Weekly brushing throughout the year helps keep the coat healthy. Brushing helps prevent matting and removes any debris that gets trapped in their hair.
American Water Spaniels are affectionate dogs who love spending time with their family. They possess bundles of energy and require regular exercise to stay healthy and content. When left alone for an extended time, they can become destructive.
8. Wetterhoun
Originally bred to hunt otters, the Wetterhoun makes a fantastic companion and an excellent watchdog. These energetic and strong-willed dogs are known for their coarse and curly coats that cover their entire body.
This curly-haired breed does not require frequent brushing or bathing to look good. The coat is naturally oily and repels dirt. It is also waterproof. Having a loyal personality, Wetterhoun makes an ideal family dog. It prefers an active lifestyle and requires daily exercise for physical and mental stimulation.
Wetterhoun is a loving yet independent dog breed. However, they are never willfully disobedient. They are very sensitive and do not respond well to harsh training. Wetterhoun prefers staying by your side all the time.
9. Borzoi
Borzoi are large and regal-looking dogs with a calm and agreeable temperament. Their flat, wavy, or curly coat gives them a distinctive appearance. It can be black, white, brown, cream, tan, or some other color.
Unique in both texture and disposition, the coat forms a frill on the neck and feathering on the hindquarters and tail. The long Borzoi coat does shed and requires brushing every couple of days with a pin or slicker brush.
Brushing helps get rid of the loose hair and keeps the coat shiny. Regular bathing is also recommended. Borzoi are even-tempered dogs with a quiet demeanor. With proper training and socialization, this rare dog breed becomes well-suited for family life.
Conclusion
Each dog breed is valued for its unique physical or behavioral traits. Some dogs possess beautiful curly coats, which make them look quite beautiful. From Mudi to Bedlington Terriers and Irish Water Spaniels, curly-haired dog breeds are capable of turning heads and stealing hearts.
Some of them require plenty of brushing and frequent bathing, while others are relatively low maintenance. Their curly coat is not only responsible for their good looks, but also has a functional role. It provides insulation and repels water!
