12 Curly-Haired Dog Breeds: Info, Pictures, Facts & History

Whether they have tight spirals or loose waves, curly-haired dogs are popular for their unique looks. But aside from those gorgeous locks, some dogs have a curly coat that’s important to the jobs they were bred to perform. Below, we'll discuss 12 curly-haired dog breeds to help you decide if they’re right for you.

The 12 Curly-Haired Dog Breeds

1. Bedlington Terrier

The Bedlington Terrier is a graceful dog first bred in the English mining shire of Bedlington. Over the years, they have acted as companions, watchdogs, and canine athletes. Aside from a crisp, curly coat, Bedlingtons are lithe athletes with arched backs, tasseled ears, and a fleecy, pear-shaped head. Like one of their ancestors, the Whippet, Bedlington Terriers are speedy dogs and have been used for dog racing.

2. Poodle

The Poodle is a water dog that comes in standard, miniature, and toy varieties. Though they are often associated with France, the breed originated in Germany. All Poodles have a distinctive curly coat, but they can vary significantly in size. Larger Poodles were initially used to retrieve waterfowl from water sources, while the smaller varieties were used as circus performers.

Their thick, curly coat protects them from the elements while hunting, but many modern Poodles sport the highly recognizable Continental clip used in the show ring.

3. Curly Coated Retriever

The Curly Coated Retriever was originally produced for upland bird and waterfowl hunting. They are the tallest of the retrievers and easily distinguished by their thick, tight curls that protect against water, thorns, and other hazards in the wilderness. They're poised, proud, and smart, and they are capable gundogs and tireless watchdogs.

4. Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese Water Dog is an intelligent retriever used in the Algarve region of Portugal to herd fish, retrieve broken nets, and act as a courier from ship to ship. They’re covered in tight, low-shedding curls that insulate them against water as they work as fishermen’s helpers.

Most Portuguese Water Dogs are groomed with a short retriever clip or a lion clip, leaving them with a mane of curls and the rest of the coat clipped to the skin.

5. American Water Spaniel

The American Water Spaniel is native to the lake country of the upper Midwest. Bred as a gundog to work in the icy waters and marshy banks of the Great Lakes, American Water Spaniels have a dense, waterproof, tightly curled coat, webbed toes, and thick toe pads. As hunters, American Water Spaniels combine the best traits of the Spaniels and Retrievers.

6. Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is known as the “comedian” of the dog world. They exude charm, beauty, and intelligence with a thick white coat of hypoallergenic curls, dark eyes, and a black nose and lips. Bichons are the ultimate companions, enjoying time with their humans and meeting new people wherever they go.

7. Bolognese

The Bolognese is a member of the Bichon family, which was bred in Bologna, Italy. These dogs are calm but intelligent and playful. They have thick, fluffy, pure-white curls on small, stocky bodies. Though they make good companions, they can be unsure of new people.

8. Barbet

The Barbet is an older French water dog that appeared in artwork as early as the 16th century. They were named after the French word barbe, which means “beard.” The Barbet is an agile athlete with a thick, shaggy coat and an amiable nature. They were bred to locate, flush, and retrieve birds, and they need a lot of daily exercise to stay happy.

9. Chesapeake Bay Retriever

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a renowned duck dog bred in the Mid-Atlantic to hunt and retrieve waterfowl. Known for being stubborn and challenging to train, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a strong and powerful dog with a distinctive wavy coat that feels oily to the touch.

10. Lagotto Romagnolo

Known as a “truffle dog,” the Lagotto Romagnolo originated in the marshlands of the Delta del Po in the eastern part of the Romagna subregion of Italy. Lagotti Romagnoli have wooly curls covering their entire bodies, including beards, eyebrows, and whiskers, giving them a teddy bear look. However, they are rugged dogs used to root out truffles, so they’re not a lazy breed.

11. Airedale Terrier

The Airedale Terrier, also known as the Bingley Terrier and Waterside Terrier, originated in the valley of the River Aire in Yorkshire, England. As the largest of the Terriers, the Airedale is one of the most versatile dogs and works as a hunter, canine athlete, or companion. Their thick, coarse, curly coats help them while hunting, but historically, they have been used in everything from police duty to ratting to herding.

12. Bouvier Des Flandres

The Bouviers des Flandres is a herding dog that originated in Flanders, Belgium. They were initially used for farm work, including sheep herding, cart pulling, and cattle droving, but they excelled in roles as guard dogs and police dogs. Their powerful muscles beneath a weatherproof tousled coat help them adapt to Belgian winters' damp, cool environment.

Are Curly Coated Dogs Hypoallergenic?

Canines with curly coats are often referred to as hypoallergenic, but no truly hypoallergenic dog exists. They shed less, which may help people with dog allergies. Still, dog allergies typically come from the dander, not the hair, so it’s possible for someone with dog allergies to experience flare-ups with a low-shedding breed.

Summing Up

If you like the teddy bear look of curly-coated breeds or want a dog with a coat to weather the elements, any of these curly-haired pups are a good choice. However, there’s more to bringing home a companion than just looks, so be sure to research your breeds of choice and ensure that they have the right temperament and energy level for your home and lifestyle.

Featured Image Credit: Racheal Grazias, Shutterstock