🐩 8 curly-haired dogs you'll love

Love at first curl

Curly-haired dogs are easy to fall for. Their bouncy coats and expressive faces feel like a built-in hug. But those curls come with specific needs, from regular grooming to a bit of patience with tangles. This guide walks through eight curly-coated breeds you might adore, practical care tips, and how to work with a trusted pet carer so your floofy friend stays happy.

Why curls are special

Curly coats often trap oils and dirt differently than straight coats. That can mean less shedding around the house for some breeds, more styling opportunities, and a coat that needs consistent attention to stay healthy. Curly coats also vary a lot between breeds. Some are tight ringlets, some are loose waves, and others combine a dense undercoat with curls on top.

Curls can hide mats until they become uncomfortable, so early prevention is key. Regular brushing, scheduled baths, and a grooming routine will keep your dog comfortable. If you use a pet carer, mention the coat type so they can help maintain that routine while you’re away.

The breeds: eight curly-haired dogs you’ll love

Below are eight breeds with curly or wavy coats. I’ve included temperament notes, grooming needs, and what makes each one a special companion.

1. Poodle (Toy, Miniature, Standard)

Poodles are often the poster child for curls. They are smart, highly trainable, and available in several sizes. Their coat is dense and curly, which can reduce visible shedding. But those tight curls mat quickly, and consistent brushing and trimming are part of life with a poodle.

• Temperament: Intelligent, eager to please, often energetic
• Grooming: Daily to several-times-a-week brushing, professional clipping every 6–12 weeks
• Great for: Owners who like regular grooming sessions and training activities

2. Portuguese Water Dog

These mid-sized dogs have a water-resistant curly or wavy coat that was bred for working on boats. They are athletic, affectionate, and need both mental and physical activity. Their coat can range from loose waves to tighter curls.

• Temperament: Loyal, active, loves water
• Grooming: Weekly brushing, occasional trims, keep ears dry after swims
• Great for: Families who enjoy outdoor activities and swimming

3. Bichon Frise

Small, cheerful, and often pictured as a cloud of curls, Bichons are affectionate and social. Their coat is soft and curly but can form mats close to the skin if not brushed regularly.

• Temperament: Playful, people-oriented, adaptable
• Grooming: Daily to several-times-a-week brushing, regular baths, professional grooming every 4–8 weeks
• Great for: Apartment living, people who want a lap dog with personality

4. Curly-Coated Retriever

A less common retriever, this breed has distinctive tight curls all over. They are strong swimmers and retain the friendly retriever temperament, but their curls set them apart visually and practically when it comes to grooming.

• Temperament: Confident, active, good-natured
• Grooming: Moderate brushing to remove debris, occasional trimming around paws and ears
• Great for: Active owners who want a distinct-looking retriever

5. Lagotto Romagnolo

The Lagotto came from Italy, originally bred to hunt truffles. They have dense, woolly curls and an eager, affectionate demeanor. Because of their nose work background, they enjoy scent games and mental challenges.

• Temperament: Curious, affectionate, highly trainable
• Grooming: Regular brushing to prevent mats, trims every few months
• Great for: Owners who want an active, scent-driven companion

6. Irish Water Spaniel

This breed has a wiry, curly coat and a distinctive topknot of curls on the head. They’re intelligent and energetic, and they thrive on exercise and mental stimulation.

• Temperament: Alert, independent, loving with family
• Grooming: Weekly brushing, occasional hand-stripping or clipping depending on coat style
• Great for: Experienced owners who enjoy an active dog and grooming variety

7. Barbet

A rustic French water dog, the Barbet has long, woolly curls and a sweet temper. They are affectionate and often good with children, though their coat can require more regular maintenance than you might think.

• Temperament: Gentle, social, eager to please
• Grooming: Regular brushing to avoid tangles, trimming to keep coat tidy
• Great for: Families who want a steady, social water dog

8. Spanish Water Dog

Stocky, athletic, and covered in tight curls, this breed is a hardworking farm and water dog. Their corded or curly coat can be styled, but the main goal is keeping it clean and mat-free.

• Temperament: Versatile, loyal, high energy
• Grooming: Regular grooming, sometimes cord maintenance if kept in cords
• Great for: Active owners and those interested in traditional coat styling

Practical grooming tips for curly coats

Good grooming keeps curls bouncy and comfortable. It also gives you a chance to check skin, ears, and paws. These practical tips are useful for owners and carers.

• Brush often: Aim for several short sessions per week, more if your dog is prone to mats. Use a slicker brush and a wide-tooth comb.
• Start young: Puppies benefit from gentle handling and familiarising them with grooming tools.
• Bathing: Don’t over-bathe. A bath every 4–8 weeks can clean and refresh the coat. Use a conditioner to keep curls elastic.
• Drying: Pat or towel dry, then use a blow dryer on a low, warm setting while gently encouraging the curls. Keep the dryer moving and don’t overheat the skin.
• Trim strategically: Regular trims at home can keep longer curls tidy between professional groomer visits.
• Tackle mats safely: Use detangling spray and a mat splitter or seek a groomer if mats are tight against the skin.

Consider giving your pet carer notes about your routine, preferred tools, and any sensitive spots. That helps them keep your pup comfortable and consistent with care.

Exercise and mental stimulation needs

Curly-haired breeds vary in energy. Poodles, spaniels, and water dogs often have high mental and physical needs. Bichons and smaller curl breeds may have more moderate activity requirements.

Useful ideas to keep a curly-coated dog happy:

• Scent games and puzzle toys for mental stimulation
• Short training sessions that reward focus and good manners
• Regular walks with space for safe, supervised play
• Swimming for water-loving breeds, with ear care after baths

If you hire a pet carer, ask about the activities they provide. A good carer will tailor exercise to the breed and your dog’s personality.

Health and safety — what to watch for

Curly coats can hide skin issues or debris. They can also affect ear health for floppy-eared breeds. These are practical, safety-minded suggestions rather than medical advice. Consider consulting a vet when you notice anything unusual.

• Check ears: Floppy, curly-haired dogs can be prone to moisture buildup. Dry ears gently and have a vet check any ongoing redness or odor.
• Look for skin irritation: Regular grooming helps you find hot spots, redness, or bumps early.
• Keep nails trimmed: Long nails can change a dog’s gait and cause discomfort.
• Ask your vet about routine care: Vaccinations, parasite prevention, and diet all support coat and skin health.

Working with a pet carer: what to share

If you’re matching with a pet carer through Floofy or another service, clear communication makes transitions smooth.

• Leave a written routine: Feeding times, preferred grooming tools, coat products, and brushing frequency.
• Demonstrate tricky spots: Show how your dog likes to be brushed and any areas that need gentle handling.
• Highlight medical or behavioral notes: Sensitivities, anxiety around clipping, or favourite calming treats.
• Ask about the carer’s experience: Do they have experience with curly-coated breeds? Can they handle basic brushing and drying?

A short test walk or grooming session while you’re present can help you see how your dog and the carer get along.

At-home grooming kit checklist

A simple kit helps both owners and carers keep curls in good shape between professional visits.

• Slicker brush for surface tangles
• Wide-tooth comb for deeper work
• Detangling spray or conditioner for mats
• Nail clippers or grinder
• Ear-cleaning solution recommended by your vet
• Quality shampoo and conditioner formulated for dogs
• Towels and a blow dryer with low-heat setting

Label your tools and keep them in one place. If a carer comes to your home, that makes the process faster and less stressful for your dog.

Final thoughts: curls with character

Curly-haired dogs bring a lot of warmth, humour, and personality into a home. Their coats are part of their charm, and with a little routine and thoughtful care they stay comfortable and gorgeous. Whether you already have a curly companion or are considering one, support from trusted pet carers can make life easier and more enjoyable.

If you’re thinking about hiring a carer, choose someone who understands grooming basics and loves spending time with dogs. That way your curly friend gets consistent care, structure, and plenty of affection while you’re away.

Thanks for reading. If you have a curly-coat pup, I’d love to hear about their top grooming trick or favourite toy. Share a photo or tip next time you’re on Floofy and help other owners learn from your experience.