Dog Breeds with Curly Hair: Ringlets: Coats,
Discover curly-haired dog breeds like Poodles and Portuguese Water Dogs. Compare grooming, size, and energy to find your perfect companion.
What Qualifies a Dog Breed as 'Curly-Haired'?
Not all wavy coats make the cut. For this list, we define dog breeds with curly hair as those whose breed standard (per the AKC or FCI) describes a distinctly curled, ringlet, or corded coat texture — not just a wavy or wiry topcoat. We prioritized breeds where the curl is a defining feature, not an occasional variation.
- Coat Texture: Breed standard must specify curly, ringlet, or corded hair (not wavy or straight).
- Recognized Breed Status: Must be recognized by at least one major registry (AKC, UKC, or FCI).
- Shedding Profile: Preference for low-to-moderate shedding breeds, since curl patterns often trap loose hair.
- Availability: Breeds must be obtainable through responsible breeders or rescue in the US.
- Practical Ownership: We excluded breeds requiring professional corded-coat maintenance beyond typical owner capability unless noted.
We've organized the 12 qualifying breeds into three groups by size class — small, medium, and large — because your living situation and lifestyle usually dictate which size bracket makes sense before anything else.
Small Curly-Haired Breeds (Under 20 lb / 9 kg)
1. Bichon Frise
Size: 12–18 lb (5.5–8 kg) | 9.5–11.5 in tall
Key Curl Trait: Double coat with a soft, dense undercoat and a curly outer coat that springs back when touched — the AKC standard calls for a "powder puff" appearance.
Profile: Bichons are cheerful, adaptable apartment dogs that thrive on companionship. Their hypoallergenic curl requires brushing every 1–2 days and professional grooming every 4–6 weeks (budget $50–$80 per session). They rank high for first-time owners and families with young children. Expect a lifespan of 14–15 years.
2. Toy Poodle
Size: 4–6 lb (1.8–2.7 kg) | Under 10 in tall
Key Curl Trait: Dense, curly single coat that grows continuously and requires regular clipping. Curls are tight and springy, often forming natural ringlets when left ungroomed.
Profile: Don't let the size fool you — Toy Poodles are highly intelligent (ranked #2 in Stanley Coren's intelligence rankings) and need mental stimulation daily. They excel in obedience and agility despite their small stature. Grooming runs $40–$65 every 4–6 weeks. Lifespan: 14–18 years.
3. Coton de Tulear
Size: 9–15 lb (4–7 kg) | 9–11 in tall
Key Curl Trait: While technically described as "cottony" rather than tightly curled, the Coton's coat develops loose waves and ringlets, especially behind the ears and on the legs, as it matures past 18 months.
Profile: Originating from Madagascar, this rare breed is gaining popularity for its clownish personality and minimal shedding. The coat can be maintained in a natural "cotton" style or clipped short. They bond intensely with one person but are friendly with strangers. Lifespan: 14–16 years.
Medium Curly-Haired Breeds (20–60 lb / 9–27 kg)
4. Miniature Poodle
Size: 10–15 lb (4.5–7 kg) | 10–15 in tall
Key Curl Trait: Same dense, tight curl structure as the Standard Poodle but in a more manageable package. The coat is virtually non-shedding when maintained.
Profile: Miniature Poodles offer the best balance of portability and athleticism in the curly-coat category. They need 45–60 minutes of daily exercise and thrive in homes where puzzle toys and training sessions are part of the routine. Professional grooming every 4–6 weeks is non-negotiable to prevent matting. Lifespan: 14–16 years.
5. Portuguese Water Dog
Size: 35–60 lb (16–27 kg) | 17–23 in tall
Key Curl Trait: Two acceptable coat types per the AKC breed standard: a curly coat (compact, cylindrical curls) and a wavy coat (falling waves). The curly variety has tighter, more defined ringlets.
Profile: Made famous by the Obamas' dogs Bo and Sunny, "Porties" are athletic, water-loving dogs bred to retrieve fishing nets off the coast of Portugal. They need 60+ minutes of vigorous exercise daily and do best with access to swimming. Grooming: $65–$90 every 6–8 weeks. Lifespan: 11–13 years. Note: Porties carry a higher risk of GM1 storage disease and juvenile dilated cardiomyopathy — responsible breeders test for both.
6. Lagotto Romagnolo
Size: 24–35 lb (11–16 kg) | 16–19 in tall
Key Curl Trait: Thick, woolly curls that cover the entire body including the face, forming tight ringlets. The coat is waterproof and nearly odor-free.
Profile: Originally bred as truffle hunters in Italy's Romagna region, the Lagotto is the only breed specifically recognized for truffle detection. They are intensely focused, highly trainable, and need jobs to do — scent work and nose games are ideal. Their coat requires hand-stripping or clipping every 6–8 weeks and should never be brushed out completely smooth. Lifespan: 15–17 years. This is a rare breed in the US; expect a 6–18 month waitlist from ethical breeders.
7. Kerry Blue Terrier
Size: 33–40 lb (15–18 kg) | 17.5–19.5 in tall
Key Curl Trait: Soft, wavy-to-curly coat that is born black and gradually "clears" to a blue-gray shade by 18 months. The curl pattern tightens with age.
Profile: Ireland's national terrier is a versatile working dog with a strong prey drive and a confident, sometimes stubborn temperament. They need experienced handlers who use positive reinforcement — force-free methods produce far better results than punitive training with this breed. Weekly brushing and professional grooming every 4–6 weeks keep the coat manageable. Lifespan: 12–15 years.
8. Irish Water Spaniel
Size: 45–68 lb (20–31 kg) | 21–24 in tall
Key Curl Trait: Liver-colored coat of tight, crisp ringlets covering the body with a distinctive "rat tail" (smooth and hairless) and a topknot of loose curls on the head.
Profile: The tallest spaniel breed and one of the oldest, the Irish Water Spaniel is a strong swimmer with a quirky, sometimes aloof personality. They are loyal to their family but can be reserved with strangers. Early socialization (before 16 weeks) is critical. Grooming needs are moderate — brushing 2–3 times weekly and professional clipping every 8 weeks. Lifespan: 10–12 years.
Large Curly-Haired Breeds (Over 60 lb / 27 kg)
9. Standard Poodle
Size: 40–70 lb (18–32 kg) | Over 15 in tall
Key Curl Trait: The original curly-coated breed — dense, harsh-textured curls that are solid throughout. If left unclipped, the coat forms natural cords over time.
Profile: Standard Poodles are the athletes of the Poodle family, excelling in agility, obedience, and even hunting trials. They need 60–90 minutes of exercise daily and thrive in active households. Despite their elegant appearance, they are robust and playful. Grooming costs $70–$120 per session depending on clip style and location. Lifespan: 10–13 years. Common health concerns include Addison's disease, bloat (GDV), and sebaceous adenitis — ask breeders for OFA health clearances.
10. Curly-Coated Retriever
Size: 60–95 lb (27–43 kg) | 25–27 in tall
Key Curl Trait: Short, crisp, tight curls lying close to the body — distinctly different from the Poodle's longer ringlets. The curl pattern covers the entire body including the tail, with no undercoat.
Profile: One of the oldest retriever breeds, the Curly-Coated Retriever is confident, independent, and less biddable than a Labrador or Golden. They need patient, reward-based training and plenty of off-leash running time. Their coat is remarkably low-maintenance for a curly breed — a quick brush once a week and occasional bath suffice. Lifespan: 10–12 years. This breed is rare; only about 200–300 puppies are registered annually in the US.
11. Bedlington Terrier
Size: 17–23 lb (8–10 kg) | 15–17.5 in tall
Key Curl Trait: A unique mixture of soft and harsh hair creating a crisp, curly texture that stands off the body. The coat is a mix of colors (blue, liver, sandy) and lightens with age.
Profile: With their distinctive lamb-like appearance and arched back, Bedlingtons are unlike any other terrier. They are gentler and less scrappy than most terriers, making them good family dogs. They need 30–45 minutes of exercise daily and professional grooming every 6–8 weeks. Lifespan: 11–16 years. Copper toxicosis is a breed-specific concern — DNA testing is available.
12. Komondor
Size: 80–100+ lb (36–45+ kg) | 25.5–27.5 in tall
Key Curl Trait: The coat forms naturally into thick, rope-like cords (not traditional curls, but the corded structure originates from a tightly curled puppy coat). Cords can reach the ground by age 4–5.
Profile: The Komondor is a livestock guardian breed from Hungary with a powerful protective instinct. This is not a breed for novice owners — they require extensive socialization, secure fencing (minimum 6 feet), and an experienced handler. Cord maintenance involves separating cords by hand regularly; professional grooming is specialized and costs $150–$300+ per session. Lifespan: 10–12 years. We include them here for completeness, but they appear in our "proceed with caution" section below.
Breed Comparison Table: Curly-Haired Dogs at a Glance
| Breed | Size | Exercise (min/day) | Grooming Frequency | Shedding | Family-Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bichon Frise | Small | 30–45 | Every 4–6 wk | Very Low | Excellent |
| Toy Poodle | Small | 30–45 | Every 4–6 wk | Very Low | Good |
| Coton de Tulear | Small | 20–30 | Every 6–8 wk | Low | Excellent |
| Miniature Poodle | Medium | 45–60 | Every 4–6 wk | Very Low | Excellent |
| Portuguese Water Dog | Medium | 60–90 | Every 6–8 wk | Very Low | Good |
| Lagotto Romagnolo | Medium | 45–60 | Every 6–8 wk | Very Low | Good |
| Kerry Blue Terrier | Medium | 45–60 | Every 4–6 wk | Low | Moderate |
| Irish Water Spaniel | Medium-Large | 60–90 | Every 6–8 wk | Low | Good |
| Standard Poodle | Large | 60–90 | Every 4–6 wk | Very Low | Excellent |
| Curly-Coated Retriever | Large | 60–90 | Weekly brushing | Low | Good |
| Bedlington Terrier | Small-Medium | 30–45 | Every 6–8 wk | Low | Good |
| Komondor | Giant | 30–45 | Specialized cord care | Very Low | Experienced only |
How to Choose: A Decision Framework for Curly-Coated Breeds
The "best" curly-haired breed depends entirely on your living situation, time availability, and experience level. Use this framework to narrow down your top 3:
- What is your living space?
- Apartment or small home with no yard → Bichon Frise, Toy Poodle, or Coton de Tulear.
- Suburban home with fenced yard → Miniature Poodle, Lagotto Romagnolo, Kerry Blue Terrier, or Bedlington Terrier.
- Large property with acreage or access to open space → Standard Poodle, Portuguese Water Dog, Curly-Coated Retriever, or Irish Water Spaniel.
- How much time can you dedicate to grooming?
- 10 minutes/day brushing + professional grooming budget ($50–$100/session) → Any Poodle variety, Bichon Frise, or Kerry Blue Terrier.
- Weekly 15-minute brush, minimal professional visits → Curly-Coated Retriever (the lowest-maintenance curly coat on this list).
- Willing to learn hand-stripping or cord maintenance → Lagotto Romagnolo or Komondor (expert owners only).
- What is your activity level?
- Mostly sedentary, short walks → Bichon Frise, Coton de Tulear, or Toy Poodle.
- Active, daily 30–60 minute exercise → Miniature Poodle, Bedlington Terrier, or Lagotto Romagnolo.
- Very active, hiking/running/swimming partner needed → Standard Poodle, Portuguese Water Dog, or Curly-Coated Retriever.
- Do you have young children or other pets?
- Yes, young kids → Bichon Frise, Standard Poodle, or Miniature Poodle (most tolerant and sturdy).
- Other small pets (cats, rabbits) → Avoid Kerry Blue Terrier and Irish Water Spaniel (high prey drive). Choose Bichon, Poodle, or Coton.
- What is your budget for the first year?
- Under $2,000 total (purchase + care) → Bichon Frise or Toy Poodle (lower purchase price, smaller food costs).
- $2,000–$4,000 → Miniature Poodle, Standard Poodle, or Portuguese Water Dog.
- $4,000+ and willing to wait → Lagotto Romagnolo or Curly-Coated Retriever (rare breeds with longer waitlists and higher puppy prices).
Honorable Mentions and Breeds to Approach with Caution
Honorable Mentions — breeds that didn't quite meet our strict "curly coat" criteria but are often associated with curly-haired dogs:
- American Water Spaniel: Has a wavy-to-curly coat that varies significantly between individuals. Some lines produce tight curls; others are mostly wavy. Worth investigating if you want a compact, versatile sporting dog.
- Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier: The coat is silky and slightly wavy rather than truly curly, but it shares the low-shedding appeal. Excellent family dogs with a happy disposition.
- Barbet: A French water dog with a curly-to-wavy coat, recognized by the AKC in 2020. Very rare in the US but worth watching as the breed establishes itself.
Proceed with Caution:
- Komondor: As noted above, the Komondor's corded coat demands an extraordinary time commitment, and their guardian temperament requires expert-level socialization. Not recommended for first-time or casual dog owners.
- Puli: Similar to the Komondor but smaller (25–35 lb). The corded coat requires dedicated hand-separation and a lifestyle that accommodates a dog whose cords drag through mud, water, and debris. Beautiful but impractical for most households.
- "Doodle" mixes (Labradoodle, Goldendoodle, etc.): While many designer crosses produce curly coats, coat texture is unpredictable in mixed breeds. F1 generation dogs (first cross) may have wavy, straight, or curly coats with equal probability. If a guaranteed curly coat matters to you, choose a purebred with a defined breed standard. For more on genetic predictability in designer breeds, see the AKC's guide to designer dogs.
The Real Cost of Owning a Curly-Haired Dog
Curly coats come with a grooming bill that straight-coated breeds simply don't have. Here's a realistic annual cost breakdown for a medium-sized curly breed like a Miniature Poodle or Portuguese Water Dog:
| Expense Category | Low Estimate | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Professional grooming (8–10 sessions/year) | $400 | $900 |
| At-home grooming tools (slicker brush, comb, detangling spray) | $30 | $75 |
| High-quality food (annual) | $360 | $720 |
| Routine veterinary care (vaccines, checkups, preventives) | $500 | $900 |
| Pet insurance (optional but recommended) | $360 | $720 |
| Total Annual Cost (excluding purchase price) | $1,650 | $3,315 |
Puppy purchase prices vary widely: Bichon Frise puppies from AKC-registered responsible breeders typically cost $1,500–$3,000; Standard Poodles $2,000–$4,000; Portuguese Water Dogs $2,500–$4,500; and rare breeds like the Lagotto Romagnolo $3,500–$6,000. Always verify that breeders provide OFA or PennHIP health clearances, a written health guarantee, and a take-back clause.
Frequently Asked Questions About Curly-Haired Dog Breeds
Are curly-haired dogs hypoallergenic?
No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but curly-coated breeds like Poodles and Bichon Frises are considered low-allergen because their tight curls trap dander and loose hair, preventing it from circulating in the air. People with mild allergies often tolerate these breeds well, but individual reactions vary. Spend time with the breed before committing — many breeders and rescue organizations offer "meet and greet" visits.
Why is the Poodle on this list in three different sizes?
The Poodle is one breed with three size varieties (Toy, Miniature, and Standard) recognized by the AKC. Each variety has the same curl structure, intelligence, and temperament profile, but their different sizes serve different lifestyles. Including all three gives readers a complete picture of the breed's versatility.
Can I shave a curly-haired dog's coat to reduce grooming?
You can clip a Poodle, Bichon, or Portuguese Water Dog short (a "puppy cut" or "sporting clip" at 1–2 inches), which dramatically reduces daily brushing. However, never shave down to the skin — curly-coated breeds often have a single coat that provides UV protection and temperature regulation, and shaving can damage the follicle structure, causing the coat to grow back unevenly or not at all. Always leave at least 1 inch of coat length.
Which curly-haired breed sheds the least?
The Poodle (all sizes), Bichon Frise, and Lagotto Romagnolo are the lowest-shedding breeds on this list. Their continuously growing, tightly curled coats trap shed hair, which is then removed during brushing rather than falling onto furniture. The Curly-Coated Retriever, despite its tight curls, does shed moderately — it has a single coat that sheds seasonally.
How do these breeds compare on key attributes like trainability?
Poodles (all sizes) rank at the top for trainability — they learn new commands in fewer than 5 repetitions on average. The Portuguese Water Dog and Lagotto Romagnolo are close behind. Terrier breeds on this list (Kerry Blue, Bedlington) are intelligent but more independent, requiring patience and creative motivation. The Curly-Coated Retriever is smart but matures slowly, often not reaching full reliability until age 3.
Which breed should I choose if I work from home and want a companion?
If you're home most of the day and want a velcro dog that will follow you room to room, the Bichon Frise, Coton de Tulear, or Toy Poodle are ideal. They thrive on constant companionship and can develop separation anxiety if left alone for more than 4–5 hours regularly. If you need a dog that's more independent while you focus on work, a Miniature Poodle or Lagotto Romagnolo will happily occupy themselves with a puzzle toy nearby.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary or breeder advice. Always consult your veterinarian for health-related decisions and meet with breeders or rescue organizations in person before committing to a dog. Individual dogs may vary from breed generalizations.
Aaron Whyte
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
