Which Curly-Haired Dog Breed Is Right for You?

Quick Take

• Low-shedding sounds like a dream, and yet for several curly-haired breeds it comes with a grooming catch most owners don't see coming. See the grooming catch →
• One breed on this list looks almost identical to a poodle mix but has an entirely different history, temperament, and origin story. Meet the Barbet's origins →
• Your lifestyle could make one of these adorable breeds a nightmare to own, and the red flags are not obvious from looks alone. Check the lifestyle fit →
• At least one curly-haired breed was engineered to work in conditions most dogs couldn't survive, and its coat is the very reason it could. See the waterproof coat →

Picking a dog breed you truly love isn’t an easy task, especially with the sheer number of breeds out there. Currently, the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes 205 breeds, but other lists such as the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) recognize 364. Regardless of which list you reference, finding your perfect dog isn’t as simple as browsing a catalog for a couch or new TV. Today, we have compiled a list of dogs that all share one thing in common: curly hair! Many people want a curly-haired dog for its sheer cuteness and fluffy coat. Here are some of the most popular types of dogs with curly hair.

Airedale Terrier

Airedale terriers are large dogs with some of the most versatile temperaments around. Males stand about 23 inches tall at the shoulder, while females are slightly shorter. They generally weigh between 50 and 70 pounds. They are nicknamed the “King of Terriers” and have been used in hunting and as companions for hundreds of years. The largest of all terriers, they are independent and incredibly intelligent. Their curly, wiry coat is distinctive and will stand out anywhere. They don’t shed much, either, but do require regular grooming.

Barbet

The Barbet is one of the original water dogs from France. They are medium-sized dogs, standing from 19-24.5 inches at the shoulder and weighing 35-65 pounds. This breed was used for hunting and flushing birds in the 16th century. One of their distinctive traits is their curly coat, earning them a spot on our list! It’s shaggy and long, giving them a fun-loving appearance that matches their playful and affectionate nature. They are incredibly smart, athletic, and wonderful with families. As a bonus, they don’t shed much either, but if you plan to show your dog, there are breed standards when it comes to proper grooming.

Bedlington Terrier

The Bedlington terrier may look like some poodle mixes, but this breed is one-of-a-kind. These small pups stand 15-17.5 inches at the shoulder and weigh 17-23 pounds. Hailing from a mining town in North East England, from which it got its name, this dog is protective, loyal, and playful. Originally bred for hunting, these pups are also at home in the water. Their coats are a mix of soft and harsh hair, and although they shed very little, their coats grow quickly and require regular clipping.

Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is one of the most popular dogs on our list. They are small dogs, standing 9.5-11.5 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing 12-18 pounds. They are incredibly affectionate with the whole family, including young children and other dogs. However, they are prone to separation anxiety. Luckily, they are small enough to fit in a purse or bag for easy travel. Their curly, white, relatively hypoallergenic coat rarely sheds, but they must be brushed two to three times per week to remove loose hair from the undercoat and prevent matting.

Bolognese

The Bolognese is a wonderful companion dog that originated in Italy. This toy breed only stands 10-12 inches tall and weighs between 6 and 10 pounds. Known to be loving and obedient, the Bolognese is sweet and highly intelligent with a soft and fluffy coat. However, they are not high-energy dogs, and they do not do well left alone for long periods of time. A Bolognese would be an excellent choice for retired or remote workers or owners who are less mobile. Although they rarely shed, regular grooming is necessary to keep a Bolognese looking its best.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

As its name suggests, the Chesapeake Bay retriever originated in the mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. They are medium to large-sized dogs that were bred to hunt and retrieve ducks. They range from 21 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 55-80 pounds. Known as “Chessies,” they are strong, energetic, intelligent dogs that make wonderful family companions. They are working dogs, however, so ensuring they get enough exercise is essential. Their coats are short and wavy, and they do shed. A thorough brushing at least once a week is recommended to cut down on the amount of hair on your floors.

Curly-Coated Retriever

The curly-coated retriever looks exactly as you might imagine — like a Labrador retriever with a wonderfully curly coat. They are one of the oldest retriever breeds in the world and are known for their intelligence and affectionate demeanors. These are large dogs, standing 23-27 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing 60-95 pounds. Curlies need plenty of exercise and thrive when given a job to do. They are excellent hunting dogs and swimmers. These dogs do shed, but they do not require much grooming.

American Water Spaniel

The American water spaniel originated in the Great Lakes region of the upper Midwest. They are muscular, medium-sized dogs that measure 15-18 inches at the shoulder and weigh 25-45 pounds. They were bred to work in the cold waters of the Great Lakes, their thick, curly, waterproof coat keeping them warm and dry. These spaniels are eager, intelligent workers and charming companions. Their coat can be either wavy or tightly curled, but they shed little. Weekly brushing will help to keep their coat in shape.

Poodle

Poodles are some of the most famous curly-haired dogs on our list. Poodles come in the standard, mini, or toy designations. According to the AKC, standard poodles should stand taller than 15 inches at the shoulder, while miniatures should stand 15 inches or under, and toys should stand no more than 10 inches. Standard poodles can weigh up to 70 pounds, miniatures can weigh up to 15 pounds, and toy poodles can weigh up to 6 pounds. Poodles are incredibly intelligent, affectionate, and athletic. They rarely shed, but poodles with full coats require daily brushing to ensure they do not get mats near the roots. Many owners opt to give their poodles short cuts to minimize grooming.

Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese water dog is known as one of the best aquatic dogs in the world. Historically, they traveled with fishermen and helped with a variety of tasks on ships and on the shore. They are medium-sized dogs, measuring 17–23 inches at the shoulder and weighing 35–60 pounds. They are energetic, loyal, and easy to train. Their intelligence and friendly nature make them a fantastic option for families. Their dense, curly coats are low shedding, but weekly grooming is required. Portuguese water dogs always aim to please their owners, but having a job to do is essential for these high-energy working dogs.