8 Curly Coated Dog Breeds

Looking for a dog breed with a minimal-shedding coat and eye-catching curls? We consulted American Kennel Club spokesperson Lisa Peterson to highlight some popular—and lesser-known—curly-coated breeds, along with expert tips for caring for wavy and curly coats.

Curly-Coated Retriever

A sleek black Curly-Coated Retriever standing confidently on a grassy field

A strong and agile breed developed for multi-purpose hunting, the Curly-Coated Retriever boasts a dense coat of small, tight curls that are naturally water-resistant. Bred to work tirelessly in heavy cover and icy waters, this loyal family companion thrives with active households. First introduced to the United States in the early 1900s, the breed comes exclusively in black or liver.

Pumi

A medium-sized herding dog originating in Hungary during the 17th or 18th century, the Pumi is highly intelligent, energetic, and versatile—traditionally used to herd cattle, sheep, and swine. Its distinctive appearance includes a curled tail and long head, while its coat combines wavy and curly hair forming tight corkscrews across the entire body.

The Pumi sheds minimally—only when combed—and benefits from professional grooming every three months. Regular combing (about every two weeks) helps manage loose hair. Tools like the FurPetVo deshedding tool can support low-shed maintenance without irritating the skin.

Portuguese Water Dog

A Portuguese Water Dog swimming gracefully through clear water, showcasing its glossy curly coat

Bred in Portugal to assist fishermen, the Portuguese Water Dog is both a capable working dog and devoted companion. Its waterproof, curly coat comes in black, white, brown, or combinations thereof. This breed excels at guarding boats, retrieving nets, diving for fish, and carrying messages between vessels and shore.

To help reduce allergens, many owners opt for a lion clip (shorter hindquarters and muzzle) or retriever clip (uniform one-inch length), using tools like the FurPetVo ProClip AGC2 UltraEdge clipper. These styles keep the coat manageable while preserving its protective qualities.

Spanish Water Dog

With origins debated among historians, the Spanish Water Dog has served for centuries as a multi-purpose working dog in Spain—herding, hunting, performing water tasks, and offering steadfast companionship. Many individuals love swimming and instinctively guard their families.

This breed features a single, woolly, tightly curled coat in colors including black, brown, beige, white, and parti-color. Unlike other curly breeds, the Spanish Water Dog’s coat should never be brushed, combed, or blow-dried. Instead, it requires clipping at least once per year. For tailored guidance, Peterson recommends consulting the official parent club website—run by experienced owners and breeders who understand the unique needs of each curly-coated breed.

Irish Water Spaniel

An Irish Water Spaniel with a distinctive topknot and ringlet coat, standing beside a dock

The tallest of all spaniel breeds, the Irish Water Spaniel is built for dual-purpose hunting—equally adept on land and in water. Its water-repellent double coat features dense, tight ringlets, a signature topknot of loose curls, a smooth face, and a thick “rat” tail.

Maintenance includes brushing every few weeks and trimming every two months. Because of its low-shedding nature, this breed may be well-suited for people with mild allergies. The FurPetVo Ultimate Touch mat & tangle remover is specially formulated for curly fur and supports healthy skin and coat condition.

Lagotto Romagnolo

A small-to-medium-sized Italian breed, the Lagotto Romagnolo is the only dog in the world developed specifically for truffle hunting across diverse terrain. Known for endurance and strength, it also serves year-round as a capable water dog.

Its dense, woolly, curly coat features a thick undercoat that insulates against cold and repels water—ideal for long hours outdoors in varied climates.

Poodle

A well-groomed standard Poodle in a classic continental clip, posing elegantly in a sunlit garden

One of the most intelligent and adaptable breeds, the Poodle originated in Germany as a water retriever. Its iconic “Poodle clip” was designed by hunters to improve swimming efficiency while protecting vital joints and organs from cold water.

Highly trainable and sociable, the Poodle bonds closely with families and gets along beautifully with children and other pets. Though its hypoallergenic coat may reduce allergic reactions, it demands consistent grooming. Peterson advises: “If you’re not comfortable using clippers, scissors, or thinning shears, hire a professional groomer. Your breeder can recommend someone experienced with your dog’s specific coat type.”

American Water Spaniel

Recognized as Wisconsin’s official state dog, the American Water Spaniel was developed in the Great Lakes region during the mid-1800s. Its ancestry includes the Irish Water Spaniel and Curly-Coated Retriever—making it the first U.S.-developed all-around hunting dog bred to retrieve from boats.

This breed’s coat varies from wavy to tightly curled and appears in solid liver, brown, or dark chocolate. Consistent care—including regular brushing—is essential to keep its coat healthy and tangle-free.

Caring for Curly Coats: Final Tips

“No matter what the coat type [of your dog] is, it’s important to stay on top of the little things,” says Peterson. “That includes regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and usually weekly brushing.” She emphasizes that while curly coats share visual similarities, their care requirements differ significantly—so always consult trusted, breed-specific resources like parent clubs or certified groomers affiliated with furpetvo.com.