14 Curly-Haired Dog Breeds With Serious Style

• Size: Extra small to medium
• Lifespan: 10–18 years
• Temperament: Smart, adaptable, joyful

The Poodle is one of the most iconic curly-coated dog breeds. A low-shedding coat of tight curls covers the body from head to toe. While no dog breed is truly hypoallergenic, Poodles are often a better fit for those with allergies.  

You can pick your perfect-size Poodle from among the three breed varieties: standard, miniature, and toy. Standard Poodles are known as capable sporting dogs, while smaller varieties like the Miniature Poodle and Toy Poodle are cherished companions who adapt to homes of just about any size.

• Size: Medium
• Lifespan: 11–13 years
• Temperament: Active, fun-loving, intelligent

Like many other curly-coated dog breeds, the Portuguese Water Dog seems made for swimming. These dogs have a thick, curly coat that repels water, and they also have webbed feet for paddling.  

Trying to persuade these dogs to spend their time on dry land is a tall task if there is a pool, lake, or river nearby. In the absence of a good swim, you’ll need to find other ways to give these active dogs a daily dose of exercise. A long walk, run, or hike on a safe leash are all appealing options for this breed.

• Size: Large
• Lifespan: 10–12 years
• Temperament: Loyal, brainy, independent

The Curly-Coated Retriever is one of the rarer Retriever breeds, and these dogs have a black or liver-colored coat of curls. Compared to well-known family companions like the Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever, these large curly-coated dogs have a similar sense of loyalty and enthusiasm but are slightly more reserved in their personality, particularly toward strangers.  

• Size: Medium
• Lifespan: 12–14 years
• Temperament: Intelligent, social butterfly, loyal

When it comes to fluffy and curly-haired dogs, the Barbet is the total package. This French breed is very unique and renowned for being affectionate, sociable, and energetic. They’re famous for getting along with kids and other pets, and they thrive with regular attention and exercise.  

Aside from daily physical and mental stimulation, the Barbet’s thick, woolly coat of curls will need routine brushing (at least weekly) to prevent matting and a bath every four to six weeks.

• Size: Medium
• Lifespan: 15–17 years
• Temperament: Feisty, amiable, energetic

It’s a tight race as to what the Lagotto Romagnolo loves most: taking a swim or sticking close by your side. A perfect activity for these curly-coated dogs would involve you and water! So if you need a plus-one for days at the lake or to sit with you poolside, this medium-size Italian water dog will be eager to don their life jacket.

• Size: Large
• Lifespan: 12–13 years
• Temperament: Quick learner, hardworking, natural athlete

If there’s a class clown among these curly-haired dogs, it’s likely the Irish Water Spaniel. These good-natured sporting dogs are known for their silly antics. As long as you give them enough exercise, their shenanigans are likely to be more funny than frustrating.  

These large curly-coated dogs have a long stride that makes them good running or hiking partners. The athleticism of the Irish Water Spaniel also makes them a natural fit for canine sports like agility or flyball. 

• Size: Medium
• Lifespan: 12–14 years
• Temperament: Fun-loving, sporty, brainy

Spanish Water Dogs are as versatile as they are rare. Bred for herding and hunting, these dogs also were used for retrieving tackle and the day’s catch from fishing boats. Today, the breed excels at dog sports but is also a hardworking helper on the farm or out in the field.  

The grooming needs for a Spanish Water Dog are few compared to some of the other fluffy curly-haired dogs. Because the curls of the coat naturally form into cords, you shouldn’t attempt to brush these dogs. Instead, give them a bath no more than once a month, and plan to make an annual visit to the groomer to have the coat shaved down.  

• Size: Medium 
• Lifespan: 10–14 years
• Temperament: Adventure-seeker, Velcro dog, cheery

Happiest when they are by your side, American Water Spaniels are intuitive and affectionate. They make a great first mate for boating and enjoy adventures on land, too. The important thing is that you give these dogs plenty of exercise and attention; otherwise, they can be prone to separation anxiety.  

An American Water Spaniel has a double coat to repel water. This coat can be curly or wavy, and it’s always a shade of brown. 

• Size: Medium 
• Lifespan: 12–15 years
• Temperament: Alert, intelligent, affable

As the breed’s name suggests, Kerry Blue Terriers are dogs with curly coats in a blue-gray color. The coat can also be a darker charcoal—or so light that it looks silver. The touchable, soft coat is usually accented by a bushy beard and brows, giving these dogs a distinguished look that matches their high intelligence. 

Like other terrier breeds, expect these dogs to have an opinion on just about everything. They tend to think they should be the boss, so they might do best as the only pet in the home—and they need a pet parent who can commit to consistent training and daily exercise. 

• Size: Small
• Lifespan: 11–16 years
• Temperament: Bouncy, clever, social

Bedlington Terriers are small dogs with curly hair—who might be mistaken for a lamb at first glance! But these dogs aren’t sheepish: In fact, expect these terriers to be sociable and exuberant.  

They enjoy frequent outings and meeting new people who will marvel over their soft, low-shedding coat of curls—while also gushing about their sweet face and demeanor.  

• Size: Small 
• Lifespan: 12–13 years
• Temperament: Faithful friend, smart cookie, bundle of energy

The Pumi lives large among small, curly-haired dog breeds. These pups are as energetic as they are cute, so expect to spend at least an hour or two each day exercising a Pumi. 

Physical exercise (like fetch, swimming, or hiking) along with brain games, including hide-and-seek or training activities, are essential for a Pumi’s overall well-being.  

• Size: Small
• Lifespan: 14–15 years
• Temperament: Adoring, devoted, smart

Looking like a little cloud, the Bichon Frise is a fluffy white dog with a soft coat of curls that begs to be touched. And they aren’t likely to object to scritches: These good-natured companions revel in attention and affection. 

Like many other dog breeds with curly coats, Bichons need pet parents who can help keep their ’do looking its best. Plan on daily brushing, a bath every week or two, and a visit to the dog groomer about every four weeks for a haircut.   

• Size: Extra small 
• Lifespan: 12–14 years
• Temperament: Playful, calm, loving

The pint-size Bolognese is one of the smallest curly dog breeds. Their all-white coat is long and silky, with the hair forming loose ringlets.  

These lapdogs love to spend time with their family. Some of your quality time should be spent on daily brushing to keep this dog’s silky white coat healthy. Other fun activities for a Bolo include a stroll around the block, learning new tricks, or playing with a puzzle toy in the hopes of earning a tasty treat.

• Size: Large 
• Lifespan: 11–14 years
• Temperament: Intelligent, loyal, spirited

Airedale Terriers stand tall among terrier breeds, but it’s their bold, boisterous persona that is perhaps most memorable. These dogs are athletic and energetic, so they excel at all sorts of dog sports and make fantastic jogging partners.  

These bearded dogs have a short, low-shedding curly coat with a two-tone color scheme: black and tan or grizzle and tan.  

The Poodle is one of the most well-known curly-coated dog breeds that sheds the least. Instead of being shed like fur, a Poodle’s hair grows continuously.  

But they’re not the only curly-coated dog breed with this distinction: If you’re considering low-shedding breeds, check out the Bichon Frise, Bedlington Terrier, Bolognese, Airedale Terrier, or Portuguese Water Dog.

No dog breed is truly hypoallergenic, but some curly-coated dogs are a better fit for people with allergies. This is because dogs with a tight coat of curls shed less, and don’t leave as much dander on your floors and furniture; the loose hair and dander are often caught in the curls.  

The Poodle is the most popular curly-coated dog. As of 2026, Poodles are ranked as the sixth most popular dog breed in the U.S. 

Dogs with curly fur still need coat care, but the at-home routine is usually simple: For most curly-coated dogs, brush weekly to keep the curls smooth, separated, and free of debris. For dogs who have hair that grows continuously, plan on visiting the groomer every four to six weeks.