Curly-Coated Dog Breeds: List

Do you love curly-coated dog breeds (small, medium, or large) and have you long dreamed of owning a cute Karakul puppy? Our complete list of curly-coated breeds, complete with detailed descriptions and photos, will help you make the right choice.

Small breeds

If you are specifically interested in a curly-haired decorative dog whose weight will vary between 2.5-12 kg and height between 28-40 cm, then choose a pet in this category.

Miniature Poodle

Without a doubt, the Poodle is the most famous curly-haired dog in the world, having earned worldwide love not only for its charming appearance, but also for its docile nature and exceptional trainability.

Interesting fact! The breed is available in four weight classes (toy, miniature, medium, and large), so when choosing a small puppy, be sure to inquire about the weight of its paternal and maternal ancestors.

Bichon Frise

The breed's name translates as "French lapdog with white curly hair," which accurately describes the dog's appearance. Due to the lack of an undercoat, the breed is considered hypoallergenic (like the Yorkie or Balognese), but in practice, allergies are possible, depending on the specific factor that triggers a reaction.

Bolognese (Italian lapdog)

The Bolognese is a dog with long, curly hair that falls in beautiful waves but never curls. These dogs shed very little, earning them the status of a "pet" and "anti-allergy" breed. However, they will require daily brushing, otherwise their soft, curly coat will become matted.

Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka

The breed is recognized by the Russian Federation (RKF) but has not received FCI status. This small, curly-coated dog has a wavy coat that can form large curls. The undercoat of these "colored" dogs is quite thick and profuse, so regular brushing is necessary, but these dogs are not sheared or trimmed.

Bedlington Terrier

The Bedlington impresses with its exotic, Karakul-like appearance. While not as small as the previous breeds, its dense, thick, and curly coat is virtually non-shedding, though it does require regular grooming and special care.

Cockapoo

The Cockerdoodle is a designer breed created by crossing a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. Today, along with standard dogs, miniature T-Cap Cockapoos, weighing over 2.5 kg, are also produced in litters. However, the appearance of such a dog will largely depend on the type of Poodle. A distinctive feature of the breed is that each puppies is unique.

Coton de Tulear

The Cottontail Bichon Madagascar has a long, curly coat that requires careful grooming. This dog makes an excellent companion for both children and seniors.

Medium breeds

This category includes curly-haired dog breeds whose weight ranges from 12.7 to 25 kg, and their height ranges from 40 to 60 cm.

Barbet

The Barbet's (French Water Dog) appearance is characterized by a uniform, fairly long, and very curly coat, as well as large, drooping ears. The dense, thick coat provides excellent insulation from the cold, which is why hunters once kept them in enclosures.

Kerry Blue Terrier

Behind their charming appearance lies a rather complex character, so it is not recommended for people who do not have training experience and are not prepared to keep their pet strict and show leadership.

Miniature Poodle

The Miniature Poodle is a medium-sized dog with a thick, curly coat that curls into ringlets. This breed is quite popular among lapdogs, as they are very intelligent and get along well with children and other pets.

Welsh Terrier

The Welsh Terrier has a wiry, irregularly curled coat with a dense undercoat. This dog requires regular grooming to maintain its distinctive appearance, as it does not shed naturally. Another characteristic of the breed is its lack of a distinctive odor, even with infrequent bathing.

Lagotto Romagnolo

The Lagotto Romagnolo's body is covered in stiff, curly hair that provides reliable protection from wind and frost. These mushrooms possess an excellent sense of smell, allowing them to locate valuable mushrooms even 50-60 cm underground, as well as perform other search tasks. Lagotto Romagnolos serve in drug enforcement departments and assist in searches for victims as part of rescue teams.

American Water Spaniel

American Shorthairs are significantly smaller than their Irish cousins. Their coat structure is also different. The curls are larger, and the coat itself is less dense, creating volume primarily above the long, drooping ears.

Spanish Water Dog

Puppies have a wavy or curly coat, slightly fluffy, but with age, it begins to curl into characteristic cords, which forms the dog's distinctive appearance. Like other dogs with herding talent, the Spanish Water Dog makes an excellent companion for people of all ages and gets along well with children.

Bullets

Among medium-sized curly-haired dogs, the Puli stands out for its long coat, which curls into tight cords with age, as pictured. Trimming the coat is not recommended, as its distinctive "dreadlocks" create a unique microclimate that allows the dog to thrive in both severe frosts and hot summer days.

Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese Wasserhund (Can Diagua) is a fairly large dog with a thick, curly coat. The quality of the coat can vary. Some dogs have long, wavy, shiny coats, while others have short, dense, and very curly hair.

American Cocker Spaniel

The long, wavy coat of this pet is a source of pride for all American Shorthair owners. The coat varies in length across different parts of the body. The hair is shortest on the head, while the hair on the ears, body, and paws grows significantly longer and forms beautiful waves.

English Cocker Spaniel

The English Spaniel isn't exactly a curly-haired dog, but its long coat forms beautiful waves, creating a distinctive appearance. These dogs are highly intelligent, but training them requires persistence and patience, as they can be incredibly stubborn.

Large breeds

This category includes dogs weighing over 25 kg and measuring over 60 cm. Large dogs are best kept in kennels, with long daily walks provided, as these pets require plenty of space and adequate physical activity to thrive.

Standard Poodle

Dogs of this breed are also known as Royal Poodles. Like their smaller counterparts, they are keenly intelligent, always focused on their owner, and easily trained.

Irish Water Spaniel

In their native land, the breed is also known as the Shannon Spaniel. These dogs have a wavy, oily-looking coat that varies in texture across different areas of the body. The top and sides are very curly, while the belly and front of the hindquarters are straight, forming long feathers. These dogs are considered hypoallergenic, as the breed does not shed hair, a characteristic of most spaniels.

Labradoodle (Cobberdog)

The breed was obtained by crossing a Standard Poodle and a Labrador Retriever, combining such important characteristics of these two breeds as a keen mind, excellent trainability and a gentle disposition.

Russian Black Terrier

The breed is also known as "Stalin's dog." Black Terrier puppies mature slowly, reaching physical maturity only at 2.5 years. It's important to keep in mind that this dog is very large, so it requires a strong owner and proper training from puppyhood.

Komondor (Hungarian Shepherd Dog)

The Komandor's appearance resembles that of the Puli, but is significantly larger. As a puppy, its fur is soft, reminiscent of astrakhan fur, but by age two and a half, it curls, forming long cords (dreadlocks).

Curly (Curly Coated Retriever)

The dog's appearance is determined by its dense, karakul-like coat, which lies close to the body and does not require trimming.

Bergamasco Shepherd

Bergamascos are well-suited to life in northern regions, as their curly, tangled coat provides reliable protection from cold temperatures. However, they require special grooming, and it's important not to unravel the tangled coat during bathing. White is considered a fault in the Bergamasco Shepherd, and such dogs are not allowed for breeding.

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• Potentially dangerous dog breeds in Russia: a list