curly haired dog breeds

Top 12 Curly Haired Dog Breeds

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Everything you need to know about curly-haired dog breeds

Dogs come in varieties of shapes and forms. And while all the attributes of a four-legged creature are simply endearing, the curly mane is a different story altogether. Canines with that distinctive curling hair are not only adorable but are uniquely captivating. And while this is one of the reasons for their immense popularity, dogs with Curly-hair possess a number of advantages as well.

Characteristics traits like low shedding quotient and hypoallergenic traits (in many but not all) add to the popularity of the curly-haired canines. However, most dogs with curly mane require proper grooming and maintenance such as washing, hand stripping or a stripping comb, brushing, or frequent grooming appointments.  Nevertheless, above all, there is no denying the charm of the lovely curly mane.

Therefore, enlisted below are the Top 12 curly-haired dog breeds that combine endearing personality traits with Absolutely Gorgeous Curly Hair.

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1. Poodle | Small Curly Haired Dogs

Poodle Small curly haired dogs

When it comes to curly-haired pooches, the first name that often strikes is that of Poodles. The flocculent poodle is an exemplary curly-haired canine available in toy, miniature, and large sizes. Originally procreated for recovering ducks from the water, these curly-haired pooches are presently adored for their loyal companionship, honourable stance, high intelligence, and inquisitive expressions. You can calm your dog’s anxiety by trying the best products after checking their website and customer feedback.

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Poodles are hypoallergenic and quite low on shedding, hence making great options for allergic people. Young poodles are high on energy and thereby appreciate lots of exercises. Poodles in all their standard sizes require regular trimming and brushing, in order to avoid fur tangling and matting.

Therefore be ready to learn some grooming or hire a capable groomer for managing your poodle curly coifs.

Overview 

Group: Non-Sporting  

Avg. Height: toy: 10 inches and under; miniature: 10 to 15 inches; standard: 15 inches.  

Avg. Weight: toy: 5 to 9 pounds; miniature: 15 to 18 pounds; standard: 45 to 70 pounds  Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years

2. Barbet | Small Curly Haired Dogs

Barbet Small curly haired dogs

In case you’re a sucker for an adorable canine breed with its own hair accessories, in that case, a Barbet might be the best variety for you. Often Barbets are spotted flaunting a barrette or tie to keep their curly hair out of their eyes.

The coat of Brabet with its thick, shaggy, long, woolly hair, is available in a variety of shades. Their thick coat is a critical trademark as these members of the Canidae family earned their keep by recovering game from cold water.

The coat is best kept at a medium length—three to five inches—permitting wavy locks to hang free. Though these canines are low shedders, to maintain a healthy coat and avoid tangled mess, brushing out several times a week is absolutely important.

Scheduled visits to the groomer will secure the coat’s shape and length. High on energy quotient, barbets love to swim. These adorable curly-haired canines require sufficient exercise.

Overview 

Group: Miscellaneous 

Avg. Height: 19 to 24.5 inches

Avg. Weight: 35 and 65 poundsLife Expectancy: 13 to 15 years

3. Puli | Medium Curly Haired Dog

Puli Medium curly haired dog
Picture Source: SasaStock / Adobe Stock / Daily Paws.com

Categorized under the herding group, due to its sheep-herding activities, Puli is a close relative of the Komondor breed of the Canidae family. 

Owing to its massive dreadlock-like curly appearance these furry pooches are nicknamed “mop dogs”. A Puli coat can be left corded since that is the distinctive look of the breed. It can be either brushed out to resemble a massive puffball, or it can be trimmed short—however, this would require professional grooming. 

Originally created for herding, Puli as of today makes wonderful family canines that are lively and faithful.

Overview 

Group: Herding

Avg. Height: 16 to 17 inches

Avg. Weight:  25 to 35 pounds Life Expectancy: 10 to 15 years

4. Bichon Frise | Small Curly Haired Dog

Bichon Frise Small curly haired dog
Picture credit: Wikipedia

In the literal sense, the name of this breed stands for “curly-haired dog” in French. These tiny four-legged companions possess a powder-puff-like white coat. Bichons are hypoallergenic and don’t shed much. 

With their adorable curly-haired faces which take on a round appearance when groomed right, Bichon Frises are simply hard to resist. These tiny canines love spending time with their family. And what’s more, Bichons make great apartment dogs but your need quite space to keep your dog entertained. Bichon Frises require regular brushing and at least monthly trips to the groomer, to avoid matted and tangled hair. 

Overview 

Group: Non-Sporting

Avg. Height:  9 to 12 inches

Avg. Weight:  7 to 12 pounds Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years

5. Komondor | Big Curly Haired Dog Breeds

Komondor Big curly haired dog breeds
Picture credit: Collins Dictionary

Often synonymous with “four-legged mop” the unique look of this dog breed is definitely their most mesmerizing characteristic. Dogs with naturally occurring curly hair in the form of long cords, Komondor exhibits strong personalities as well. Originally bred as working sheepdogs, the guarding instincts of these cord-coated dogs are quite active and therefore they zealously protect their family. They are wary of strangers and require proper exercise and space to keep active.  Caring for the Komondor’s coat includes a special rule of bathing but not brushing. Regular bathing aids in removing dirt and odour. The locks of Komondor require thorough washing followed by towel drying. Finally, the massive coat will need sufficient airflow to complete the drying process. Otherwise, the hair may develop an odour.

Overview 

Group: Working

Avg. Height: 26 to 28 inches

Avg. Weight:  80 pounds and up Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years

6. Bolognese | Small Curly Haired Dog

Bolognese Small curly haired dog

A relative to Bichon Frise, the Bolognese is a group of adorable curly-haired pooch. However, unlike their close relatives, Bolognese possesses short and tight, medium-length curly hair. With the appearance of a stuffed toy, these adorable canines are known to make wonderful companions. 

Again as in the case of most curly-haired dogs, the wavy look of Bolognese also calls for brushing its coat at least a few times each week, although it’s best to make it a daily habit.

Overview 

Group: this breed as of yet is not registered by the AKC, but can be recorded for breeding and competition purposes

Avg. Height: 10 to 12 inches

Avg. Weight:  5.5 to 9 pounds Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years

 

7. Bedlington Terrier | Medium Curly Haired Dog

Bedlington terrier Medium curly haired dog

Bedlington terrier with its pear-shaped head, fluffy-curly coat, and curved back, beholds a unique resemblance to lambs. They possess a combination of coarse and soft hair. Out of its entire anatomy, the fluffy head of the Bedlington terrier is generally the curliest part adorning their body. 

The maintenance of the curly coat of the Bedlington terrier is no rocket science. In fact, these dogs are quite low on shedding. Weekly combing and occasionally trimming are quite sufficient to keep their fur coat free of matting and debris. An appointment with a professional groomer about every eight weeks is highly recommended. 

Overview 

Group: Terrier

Avg. Height: 15 to 18 inches

Avg. Weight:  17 to 23 pounds Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years

8. Kerry Blue Terrier | Medium Curly Haired Dog Breeds

Picture Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Distinctively recognized for their blue-grey soft and tightly curled coats, Kerry blue terriers are a group of robust and tall-standing canines with no undercoat. Initially, they were used for hunting rodents which later shifted to herding practices. 

And as of today, these canines prove to be loyal and wonderful family pets, which intensifies with proper obedience training while they’re young. The curly coat of  Kerry blue terrier requires frequent brushing and grooming at least every six to eight weeks.

Overview 

Group: Terrier

Avg. Height: 17 to 19 inches

Avg. Weight: 30 to 40 pounds Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years

 

9. Irish Water Spaniel | Medium Curly Haired Dog

Irish water spaniel Medium curly haired dog
Picture credit: Britannica

A canine with traditional water duties, the Irish water spaniel is another popular member of the Dog family with curly hair. Natural swimmers with webbed feet, these four-legged creatures are popularly recognized sporting dogs in the United States and Europe. 

The double coat of curly hair in the Irish water spaniel helps in providing warmth during water retrieving activities. They are hypoallergenic canines with a high energy quotient, smooth-short coat along the face and tail while the other anatomy is covered by tight curls. 

The maintenance of Irish water spaniel is not complicated and requires brushing once a week and trimming about every six to eight weeks.

Overview 

Group: Sporting

Avg. Height: 21 to 24 inches

Avg. Weight: 45 to 68 pounds Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years

10. Pumi | Small Curly Haired Dog

Pumi Small curly haired dog
Picture credit: Petful / Flickr

Deceptive to their adorable toy-like appearance, the Pumi were originally procreated in Hungary as a hardworking herding dog breed. Quite agile, these dogs like keeping busy, therefore regular exercise is important to deter them from creating havoc at home. 

However, the bonus point is that the curly coat of these canines will not keep you too busy. Pumi is low on shedding and flourishes well with brushing and combing a couple of times each week. You may consider trimming their curls, particularly around the facial region, however, regular trips to the professional groomer aren’t necessary. 

Overview 

Group: Herding

Avg. Height: 15 to 18.5 inches

Avg. Weight: 22 to 29 pounds Life Expectancy: 12 to 13 years

 

11. Curly-Coated Retriever | Medium Curly Haired Dog Breeds

Curly-coated retriever Medium curly haired dog breeds
Picture credit: Retriever Advice

Rated as one of the largest curly-haired canine breeds and one of the oldest retriever breeds, the curly-coated retrievers are simply amazing. The ancestry of this breed is believed to be related to dog breeds resembling somewhere between Irish water spaniels and poodles. 

Curly-coated retrievers are prized for their hunting instincts and their remarkable ability to withstand snow, water, thorny underbrush, and other adverse conditions. curly-coated retrievers possess a single coat of hair that sheds about every six months. Where regular combing works wonders, it is recommended to avoid brushing the curly coat of these canines as it creates a frizzy appearance. 

Overview 

Group: Sporting

Avg. Height: 23 to 27 inches

Avg. Weight: 50 to 90 pounds Life Expectancy: 9 to 14 years   

12. Airedale Terrier | Medium Curly Haired Dog

Largest amongst the terrier dog breed, the Airedale Terriers exhibit a distinctive curly coating. He is one of the finest curly haired dog breeds. Ranging in the shades of brown or tan these canines either possess loose curls resembling a wave or a tightly curled fur coating. Airedale Terriers are hypoallergenic dogs. These canines are loyal and loving however, they can be stubborn and therefore require obedience training from a young age. 

Categorized as low maintenance, Airedale Terriers do well with brushing once a week using a stripping comb. Professional grooming, three to four times a year is quite sufficient.

Overview 

Group: Terrier

Avg. Height: 23 inches

Avg. Weight: 50 to 70 pounds Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years 

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