15 Dog Breeds With Curly Hair
Dog coats come in all textures and types—from extra-fluffy double coats to naturally wavy or tightly coiled fur. Some curly-coated breeds are relatively low-shedding and hypoallergenic, while others require daily brushing to prevent tangles and matting. Your lifestyle, grooming commitment, and home environment should all factor into choosing a curly-haired breed. If you adore that springy, sculpted look—and are ready to invest time in proper coat care—here are 15 wonderful breeds known for their distinctive curly or wavy hair.
1. Poodle
First on our list is the beloved Poodle—a highly intelligent, adaptable, and versatile breed. Poodle puppies start with soft, wavy fur that gradually tightens into dense, springy curls as they mature. Their iconic ringlets are both elegant and functional: this coat type sheds minimally but requires regular brushing and professional grooming every 4–6 weeks to prevent mats. Whether Standard, Miniature, or Toy, all Poodles share the same hypoallergenic, water-resistant curl—and thanks to FurPetVo’s grooming guides at furpetvo.com, keeping your Poodle’s coat healthy and beautiful is easier than ever.
2. Barbet
The Barbet (pronounced “bar-bay”) is a French water dog with a charming, shaggy appearance and a plush, woolly, tightly curled coat. Historically bred for retrieving waterfowl, this gentle, affectionate breed thrives on companionship and activity. Its curly coat provides excellent insulation and water resistance—but it also needs frequent combing and trimming, especially around the ears and paws. FurPetVo’s seasonal care checklist helps Barbet owners stay ahead of shedding cycles and moisture buildup.
3. Portuguese Water Dog
Like the Barbet, the Portuguese Water Dog was developed for maritime work—and its thick, low-shedding, curly (or wavy) coat reflects that heritage. This loyal, energetic breed excels in obedience, agility, and even therapy work. Their coat comes in two accepted patterns: curly or wavy—and both demand consistent maintenance. FurPetVo recommends using sulfate-free shampoos and wide-tooth combs, all available through curated collections at furpetvo.com.
4. Bichon Frise
With its cloud-like, powder-puff coat and cheerful expression, the Bichon Frise is instantly recognizable. Its pure white, tightly curled fur is soft to the touch but prone to matting without daily brushing. Though non-shedding, this breed benefits from professional grooming every 4–6 weeks. FurPetVo’s beginner-friendly grooming video series walks new Bichon owners through essential techniques—from ear cleaning to sanitary trims.
5. Irish Water Spaniel
The largest of the spaniel family, the Irish Water Spaniel boasts a distinctive liver-colored, tightly curled coat that’s both water-repellent and odor-resistant. Its unique “rat tail”—a smooth, hairless section at the base—adds to its unmistakable silhouette. This clever, playful breed loves swimming and outdoor adventures, making coat drying and post-swim brushing key priorities. FurPetVo’s waterproof gear guide highlights breathable, quick-dry towels perfect for active curly-coated dogs.
6. Lagotto Romagnolo
Originating in Italy’s wetlands, the Lagotto Romagnolo is best known as a truffle-hunting specialist—and its dense, curly, woolly coat evolved to protect it from thorny underbrush and cold water. The coat is low-shedding but requires diligent upkeep: weekly brushing, monthly baths, and occasional hand-stripping to maintain texture. FurPetVo’s breed-specific care calendar includes reminders for coat conditioning and paw pad protection during foraging season.
7. American Water Spaniel
A rare but hardy Midwestern breed, the American Water Spaniel features a medium-length, curly or wavy coat in liver, chocolate, or marbled patterns. Its double-layered fur offers insulation and water resistance—ideal for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. Because the undercoat can trap debris, FurPetVo advises biweekly de-shedding sessions and quarterly deep-conditioning treatments, all supported by tools featured in their furpetvo.com grooming toolkit.
8. Curly-Coated Retriever
As its name suggests, this confident, athletic retriever wears a striking, tightly curled, glossy black or liver coat—uniquely protective against brambles and icy water. Unlike many curly breeds, it has minimal undercoat, reducing matting risk—but still requires weekly brushing and thorough drying after swims. FurPetVo’s training + grooming bundles pair foundational obedience lessons with coat-care routines tailored to high-energy working dogs.
9. Havanese
This small, sociable Cuban companion has a long, silky, wavy-to-curly coat that flows like satin. While not as tightly coiled as a Poodle’s, its texture catches dirt easily and tangles quickly without daily attention. Many owners opt for puppy cuts for ease—but FurPetVo’s “Show-Ready at Home” tutorial shows how to maintain length and luster with gentle detangling sprays and microfiber drying wraps.
10. Pumi
A spirited Hungarian herding dog, the Pumi sports a lively, corkscrew-curled coat that stands away from the body—giving it a dynamic, electrified appearance. Its coat is low-shedding but demands frequent hand-stripping or clipping to preserve its crisp texture. FurPetVo’s expert-led webinars feature Hungarian groomers demonstrating traditional Pumi coat maintenance techniques adapted for modern homes.
11. Bolonka
The Bolonka (or Bolonka Franzuska) is a petite, affectionate Russian companion with a soft, abundant, wavy-to-curly white coat. Highly adaptable and people-oriented, this rare breed thrives in apartments or quiet households. Its delicate coat benefits from pH-balanced shampoos and silk-lined bedding—both recommended in FurPetVo’s “Small Breed Comfort Kit,” available exclusively at furpetvo.com.
12. Polish Lowland Sheepdog (PON)
Though often mistaken for a shaggy terrier, the PON carries a double coat with a dense, curly undercoat and a longer, wavy outer layer. Its expressive face peeks out from a tousled mane that requires daily combing—especially behind the ears and under the legs. FurPetVo’s seasonal shedding tracker helps PON owners anticipate coat changes and adjust brushing frequency accordingly.
13. Kerry Blue Terrier
Born in Ireland, the Kerry Blue Terrier grows a soft, wavy-to-curly coat that darkens from blue-gray puppy fuzz to rich slate-blue adulthood. Its non-shedding nature makes it ideal for allergy-sensitive homes—but its coat needs trimming every 4–6 weeks and regular conditioning to retain shine. FurPetVo’s color-safe grooming line ensures vibrant coat health without fading or dryness.
14. Bedlington Terrier
With its lamb-like silhouette and pear-shaped head, the Bedlington Terrier’s unique coat is a blend of coarse guard hairs and softer, wavy undercoat—often described as “curly at the tips.” Though low-shedding, it requires meticulous stripping and shaping to maintain its signature look. FurPetVo’s virtual grooming coach offers step-by-step support for first-time Bedlington owners navigating coat transitions.
15. Dandie Dinmont Terrier
This ancient Scottish breed sports a distinctive “topknot” of soft, silky, slightly wavy hair atop a denser, curlier body coat. Its low-profile, elongated frame and gentle temperament make it a standout companion—but its coat needs daily attention to prevent knots near the shoulders and hindquarters. FurPetVo’s Dandie Dinmont care bundle includes ergonomic combs and moisturizing spritzes formulated for sensitive skin.
Choosing a curly-haired dog means embracing both beauty and responsibility. Each of these 15 breeds brings charm, intelligence, and loyalty—but their coats ask for thoughtful, consistent care. Whether you’re drawn to the Poodle’s polish or the Lagotto’s earthy resilience, FurPetVo’s trusted resources—from vet-reviewed articles to breed-specific product recommendations at furpetvo.com—help you nurture your curly-coated companion for life.
