Curly-haired dog breeds are famous for their low-shedding coats and unusual appearance. Curly-coiffed pups like poodles and Portuguese water dogs were created for sports since their tight curls serve as good insulation for water activities.
A herding breed like the Pumi and a companion breed like the bichon also show numerous coils. Each dog has varied grooming requirements: Some require frequent brushing, washing, or grooming sessions, while others require hand stripping or a stripping comb.
Poodle
When it comes to curly-haired dogs, maybe the first breed most people think of is the poodle. The fluffy poodle is a classic curly-haired dog in large, small, and toy sizes.
These canines are known to be highly intelligent and make good friends. The standard poodle was originally bred as a keen retriever of game.
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Historically, owners trimmed the tight curls to keep the important organs and joints of the dog warm as it plunged into the icy water. Today, the traditional poodle cut is more about fashion than utility.
Whether your dog is a water retriever or a homebody, be prepared to learn to trim your dog’s coat yourself or find a qualified groomer in your region since these coats need frequent trimming to fight off tangles.
Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese water dog, or PWD, is another of the sporty curly-haired dog breeds. Originally trained to assist fisherman in retrieving lost equipment or even rescue drowning sailors, these dogs required to be strong and agile swimmers.
Today, the breed is popular as both a companion pet or a canine competitor in sports like dock diving, agility, or obedience.The Portuguese water dog’s coat is hypoallergenic. This breed is regarded to be a very modest shedder but requires frequent grooming.
You can decide for a conventional clipping overall to keep a coat length of about one inch or go for the “lion clip,” which entails shaving the hair on the hindquarters and the muzzle down to the skin. This cut provided these working dogs better movement in the water while keeping their essential organs warm.
Bichon Frise
The word “bichon frise” literally means “curly-haired dog” in French. This little companion dog has a white, powder-puff-like coat. It features short, fluffy curls that give the dog a spherical appearance when combed appropriately.
These dogs have silky hair and coarse guard hairs, which can contribute to matting. The Bichon Frise Club of America recommends daily brushing and a monthly trip to the groomer for a bath and haircut.
Airedale Terrier
The Airedale is the largest of the terrier breeds and has one of the most striking coats. Typically brown and tan in hue, the wiry coat can be tightly curled or may have a more relaxed curl that mimics a wave.
It’s notably different in texture than many other terriers.The Airedale terrier is a low-maintenance, hypoallergenic dog. You should brush or use a stripping comb to go through the curls each week but will only need to visit the groomer for a haircut three to four times a year.
This regimen saves substantial time and money compared to the monthly grooming demands of other curly-haired breeds.
Pumi
The Hungarian Pumi has a distinctive coat that is medium in length and is distinguished by a combination of curls and waves. Additionally, the Hungarian Pumi’s hair is a blend of hair that is softer and hair that is more coarse.
The Pumi’s coat is typically straight or wavy when it is first born. After a few months, the coat will change as the guard hairs grow, which will result in the curls that are characteristic of the coat. The hair on a Pumi should not be corded in the same way as it is on other Hungarian herding breeds like the Puli and the Komondor.
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Hand stripping is a time-consuming process that must be used while Pumis are being groomed. The coat could be clipped, which may modify its texture and look. Comb the curls once every few weeks in between trips to the groomer to maintain their appearance.
After you have combed the curls, reanimate them by soaking them in water and then let them to air-dry. The curls on this dog’s coat will be smoothed out if you blow dry it.
Curly-Coated Retriever
The curly-coated retriever is one of the largest curly-haired dog breeds and one of the oldest retriever breeds. Curly-haired dogs like Irish water spaniels and poodles possibly contributed to this breed’s evolution.
These dogs were hunting partners that gathered game from lakes and rivers in all sorts of weather and regularly struggled through brambles and thorns. The curls kept the dog warm and functioned as protection against the bush.
Unlike other curly-haired dog breeds, these dogs have a single coat of hair that loses every six months or more. Regularly comb the curls (especially during shedding season), but avoid brushing the coat, or else it will generate a frizzy appearance.
Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington terrier bears a resemblance to a lamb—and feels as soft as one with its blend of soft and coarse hair. The dog’s head tends to be the curliest feature of its body. These dogs are frequently born with a dark coat, which eventually lightens to a lighter blue, sandy, or dark-brown liver hue.
Maintaining the coat of a Bedlington terrier isn’t too complex, and it doesn’t shed as much. A weekly combing will keep the curls free of debris and matting. You can learn to trim the dog’s coat yourself or arrange an appointment with a groomer around every eight weeks.
Bolognese
The Bolognese is a companion breed related to the bichon frise. Unlike the bichon, which has tight, short curls, the Bolognese has medium-length curly fur.
This wavy style means it needs its coat brushed a few times each week, though it’s generally ideal to make it a regular routine.
Kerry Blue Terrier
The wavy blue-gray coat of the Kerry blue terrier is its most distinguishing trait. According to the American Kennel Club breed standard, the coat should be silky, dense, and wavy. Unlike several other curly-haired dog breeds, the general appearance of the Kerry blue should be tidy.
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It’s necessary to groom a Kerry blue terrier regularly, brushing and combing your dog a few times a week to keep it from matting. This breed’s hair grows continually, so plan on learning to trim the dog yourself or making a visit to the groomer every six to eight weeks
Barbet
The French barbet water dog is a lesser-known curly-haired dog breed. The coat is best kept at a medium length—three to five inches—allowing curly locks to hang loose.
The barbet’s fur is thick and wooly, a significant feature since this canine earned its keep by retrieving game from the frigid sea.Keeping the barbet well-groomed is no minor chore.
The coat needs to be brushed and combed multiple times each week to keep the hair from becoming a tangled mess. Regular appointments to the groomer will ensure that the coat retains its shape and length.