Dog breeds with curly hair are well-liked for their unusual looks and low-shedding coats. Poodles and Portuguese water dogs are examples of curly-coiffed puppies that were bred for athletic purposes because their tight curls provide ideal insulation for water sports.
The Pumi herding breed and the bichon companion breed both have a lot of coils. Every dog has varied grooming needs; some need frequent brushing, washing, or grooming sessions, while others need to be hand stripped or groomed with a stripping comb.
Poodle
The poodle is often the first breed that springs to mind when people think of curly-haired dogs. The fluffy poodle is a traditional curly-haired canine that comes in large, small, and toy versions.
These canines are known to be extremely bright and make wonderful friends. The standard poodle was developed as a skilled game retriever.
Portuguese Water Dog
Another sporty curly-haired dog breed is the Portuguese water dog, or PWD. These dogs had to be strong and nimble swimmers because they were originally developed to aid fisherman in collecting lost tackle or even saving drowning sailors.
The breed is now popular as a companion pet as well as a canine competitor in sports such as dock diving, agility, and obedience.
Bichon Frise
The term “bichon frise” translates to “curly-haired dog” in French. This little companion dog has a powder-puff-like white coat.
When properly groomed, it features short, fluffy curls that give the dog a spherical appearance. These dogs’ hair is soft with coarse guard hairs, which can cause matting.
The Bichon Frise Club of America recommends daily brushing and a monthly bath and trim at the groomer.
Airedale Terrier
The Airedale is the largest terrier breed and has one of the most distinguishing coats. The wiry coat is typically brown and tan in color and can be tightly curled or have a more relaxed curl that mimics a wave. Its texture is noticeably different from that of many other terriers.
Pumi
The Hungarian Pumi has a distinctive medium-length coat with curls and waves that is a mix of softer hair and coarser guard hair. The Pumi’s coat is usually straight or wavy at birth.
The coat changes after a few months when the guard hairs grow, resulting in the characteristic curls. The Pumi’s hair, unlike that of other Hungarian herding breeds such as the Puli and Komondor, should not be corded.
Curly-Coated Retriever
The curly-coated retriever is one of the oldest retriever breeds and one of the largest curly-haired dog breeds.
Curly-haired dogs, such as Irish water spaniels and poodles, are thought to have aided in the creation of this breed.
These dogs were hunting partners who gathered game from lakes and rivers in all weather conditions and frequently struggled through brambles and thorns. The curls kept the dog warm and protected him from the brush.
Bedlington Terrier
With its combination of soft and coarse hair, the Bedlington terrier looks like a lamb and feels like one. The curliest part of a dog’s body is its head.
These dogs have dark coats that eventually lighten to a softer blue, sandy, or dark-brown liver hue.
Bolognese
The companion breed Bolognese is connected to the bichon frise. The Bolognese has medium-length curly fur, as opposed to the bichon, which has tight, short curls.
Because of its wavy appearance, it requires brushing a few times per week, however it’s generally preferable to make it a regular routine.
Kerry Blue Terrier
The Kerry blue terrier’s wavy blue-gray coat is its most distinguishing trait. The coat should be silky, dense, and wavy, according to the American Kennel Club breed standard.
The Kerry blue, unlike certain other curly-haired dog breeds, should have a neat appearance.
Barbet
The French barbet water dog is a curly-haired canine breed that is less well-known. The coat should be kept at a medium length—three to five inches—to allow curly locks to hang loosely.
The barbet’s hair is thick and woolly, which is important because this canine earned its keep by retrieving game from cold water.