10 Best Small Curly Haired Dog Breeds for Every Lifestyle

What Qualifies a Breed for This List?

If you're searching for small curly haired dog breeds, you likely want a compact companion with a low-shedding coat and personality to match. Curly coats aren't just eye-catching — they often produce less dander, making several of these breeds popular among allergy-sensitive households. But "low-shedding" doesn't mean "no maintenance." Every breed on this list requires regular grooming, and their exercise, training, and health needs vary widely.

Below, I've grouped 10 breeds by lifestyle fit — from apartment-friendly lap dogs to adventure-ready companions — so you can find the right match rather than just the cutest face.

Top 10 Small Curly Haired Dog Breeds

The following breeds are ordered by lifestyle category: apartment and low-energy living first, then active and outdoor-oriented breeds, and finally versatile family companions.

1. Toy Poodle

Size Class: Toy (4–6 lb / 2–3 kg, up to 10 inches / 25 cm)

Key Curly Trait: Dense, uniformly curly single coat that grows continuously and sheds minimally.

The Toy Poodle is the gold standard of small curly haired dog breeds. Originally bred in Germany as a water retriever and later refined in France, the Toy Poodle packs extraordinary intelligence into a tiny frame. They rank second in Stanley Coren's canine intelligence rankings and excel at obedience, agility, and trick training. Their hypoallergenic coat requires professional grooming every 4–6 weeks (expect $50–$90 per session) to prevent matting.

Why it made the list: Unmatched intelligence-to-size ratio, truly hypoallergenic coat, and proven adaptability to apartments, senior living, and therapy work.

2. Bichon Frise

Size Class: Small (12–18 lb / 5–8 kg, 9.5–11.5 inches / 24–29 cm)

Key Curly Trait: Double coat with a soft undercoat and curly outer coat that creates a powder-puff appearance.

The Bichon Frise descended from Mediterranean water spaniels and became a favorite of French and Italian nobility. Their cheerful disposition and minimal shedding make them excellent apartment companions. According to the AKC breed standard, their coat should be "soft to the touch" with a "springy" curl. Plan on brushing 3–4 times per week and professional grooming every 4–6 weeks ($45–$80).

Why it made the list: Consistently friendly temperament across bloodlines, strong suitability for allergy sufferers, and low exercise needs (30 minutes/day) that fit urban lifestyles.

3. Coton de Tulear

Size Class: Small (9–15 lb / 4–7 kg, 9–11 inches / 23–28 cm)

Key Curly Trait: Cotton-like coat with loose waves and curls that is uniquely textured among small breeds.

Originating from Madagascar, the Coton de Tulear was the companion dog of the Merina tribal nobles. Their coat is technically wavy-to-curly rather than tightly curled, giving it a distinctive cottony feel. They are remarkably attached to their owners and prone to separation anxiety if left alone more than 4–5 hours. Health testing should include screening for Bandera's neonatal ataxia, a breed-specific neurological condition.

Why it made the list: Rare breed with a distinctive curly coat, exceptional companion bonding, and lower prevalence of hereditary conditions compared to more popular small breeds.

4. Bolognese

Size Class: Toy-Small (5.5–9 lb / 2.5–4 kg, 10–12 inches / 25–30 cm)

Key Curly Trait: Long, fluffy coat with loose curls and ringlets that give a tousled appearance.

The Bolognese is an ancient Italian breed, documented as early as the 13th century among aristocratic families in Bologna. They are calmer and more reserved than the closely related Bichon Frise, making them suited to quieter households. Their coat mats easily and requires daily brushing with a pin brush. They are recognized by the FCI and UKC but remain rare in the US, with puppy prices ranging from $2,000–$3,500.

Why it made the list: Ultra-low energy requirements (20 minutes/day of light activity), exceptionally calm demeanor, and a truly rare curly coat that stands out in any setting.

5. Miniature Poodle

Size Class: Small (10–15 lb / 5–7 kg, 10–15 inches / 25–38 cm)

Key Curly Trait: Same dense, tight curls as the Toy Poodle but with slightly more coat volume and versatility in grooming styles.

The Miniature Poodle offers more athleticism than the Toy while retaining the breed's signature intelligence and low-shedding coat. They excel in canine sports like agility, rally, and nose work. Their slightly larger size makes them sturdier around children and more capable hiking companions. The Miniature Poodle is prone to progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and patellar luxation, so OFA health clearances are essential.

Why it made the list: Best balance of intelligence, athleticism, and compact size among curly-coated breeds. More durable than Toys, more portable than Standards.

6. Löwchen (Little Lion Dog)

Size Class: Small (9–15 lb / 4–7 kg, 12–14 inches / 30–36 cm)

Key Curly Trait: Long, flowing, wavy-to-curly single coat traditionally clipped in a "lion cut" with bare hindquarters.

The Löwchen is one of the rarest breeds in the world, with fewer than 3,000 registered globally. Originating in France and Belgium during the Renaissance, they were clipped in the lion style to resemble heraldic lions. Their coat is wavy to loosely curled, and the traditional lion clip remains the breed hallmark. They are lively, alert, and surprisingly athletic for their size. Expect puppy prices of $3,000–$5,000 due to extreme rarity.

Why it made the list: Extraordinary rarity, distinctive curly coat with unique grooming tradition, and a bold, playful personality that defies their lap-dog appearance.

7. Portuguese Water Dog (Small Lines)

Size Class: Small-to-Medium (35–50 lb / 16–23 kg, 17–22 inches / 43–56 cm) — included for smaller females and compact lines

Key Curly Trait: Two accepted coat types: tightly curled or wavy, both waterproof and designed for working in cold ocean water.

While most Portuguese Water Dogs exceed the 25 lb threshold, smaller females from compact lines can fall within the upper end of "small." They were bred to herd fish into nets and retrieve gear from the Atlantic, giving them exceptional swimming ability and a waterproof curly coat. They need 60+ minutes of vigorous daily exercise and are best suited to active owners with water access. The Merck Veterinary Manual notes their predisposition to GM1 storage disease, a fatal hereditary condition that responsible breeders now screen for.

Why it made the list: Only true working water dog on this list with a waterproof curly coat, offering unmatched versatility for active owners who want a swim-and-hike companion.

8. Lagotto Romagnolo (Smaller Lines)

Size Class: Small-to-Medium (24–35 lb / 11–16 kg, 16–19 inches / 41–48 cm) — smaller females qualify

Key Curly Trait: Thick, woolly, tightly curled coat with a waterproof undercoat — the only breed specifically developed for truffle hunting.

The Lagotto Romagnolo is Italy's truffle-hunting specialist, with an extraordinary nose and a dense curly coat that protects against thorny underbrush. Smaller females can fall near the 25 lb threshold. They are highly intelligent but independent thinkers, requiring patient, positive reinforcement training. Their coat requires thorough brushing 2–3 times per week and professional stripping or clipping every 6–8 weeks ($60–$100).

Why it made the list: Unique working heritage (truffle detection), extraordinary scenting ability, and a curly coat with genuine functional purpose beyond aesthetics.

9. Curly-Coated Retriever (Dwarf Lines — Honorable Mention as a Stretch)

Size Class: Medium (60–95 lb / 27–43 kg) — too large for this list; included here as a breed to consider if your size criteria can flex

Key Curly Trait: Distinctive tight, crisp curls covering the entire body — the most dramatically curly coat of any retriever breed.

I'm including this as an honorable mention because many people searching for curly-coated dogs actually want the temperament of a retriever in a smaller package. If you can accommodate a larger dog, the Curly-Coated Retriever offers a stunning curly coat and a calm, independent personality. For a truly small curly retriever-type dog, see the designer cross section below.

10. Cavapoo (F1B or Multigen)

Size Class: Small (9–18 lb / 4–8 kg, 9–14 inches / 23–36 cm)

Key Curly Trait: F1B (backcross to Poodle) and multigen Cavapoos produce consistent soft curls with low shedding.

The Cavapoo — a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle cross — has become one of the most popular designer breeds in the US. The F1B generation (Cavapoo bred back to a Toy or Miniature Poodle) produces the most reliably curly, low-shedding coats. They inherit the Cavalier's gentle affection and the Poodle's intelligence, though health screening is critical: both parent breeds carry risk for mitral valve disease (Cavaliers) and patellar luxation (Poodles). Puppy prices range from $1,500–$3,500 from health-testing breeders.

Why it made the list: Combines the best temperament traits of two beloved breeds into a compact, curly-coated package with broad family appeal and wide availability.

How These Small Curly Haired Dog Breeds Compare

Breed	Weight (lb / kg)	Energy Level	Grooming Frequency	Apartment Suitability	Avg. Puppy Cost (2026)
Toy Poodle	4–6 / 2–3	Moderate	Every 4–6 wk	Excellent	$1,500–$3,000
Bichon Frise	12–18 / 5–8	Low–Moderate	Every 4–6 wk	Excellent	$1,000–$2,500
Coton de Tulear	9–15 / 4–7	Low	Every 4–6 wk	Excellent	$2,000–$3,500
Bolognese	5.5–9 / 2.5–4	Very Low	Every 6–8 wk	Excellent	$2,000–$3,500
Miniature Poodle	10–15 / 5–7	Moderate–High	Every 4–6 wk	Good	$1,200–$2,500
Löwchen	9–15 / 4–7	Moderate	Every 6–8 wk	Good	$3,000–$5,000
Portuguese Water Dog ♀	35–50 / 16–23	High	Every 6–8 wk	Poor	$2,000–$3,500
Lagotto Romagnolo ♀	24–35 / 11–16	Moderate–High	Every 6–8 wk	Fair	$2,500–$4,500
Cavapoo (F1B)	9–18 / 4–8	Low–Moderate	Every 4–6 wk	Excellent	$1,500–$3,500

Note: Grooming costs vary regionally. Urban areas (NYC, San Francisco, Seattle) typically run 30–50% higher than the national average. Budget $400–$900/year for professional grooming depending on breed and location.

Decision Framework: Which Small Curly Haired Dog Breed Fits Your Life?

Choosing between these breeds depends on three factors: your living space, your daily time commitment, and your household composition. Here's a practical decision flowchart:

Breeds to Avoid If You Want a Small Curly Haired Dog

Not every curly-coated breed fits the "small" category. Here are breeds commonly confused with this search that you should rule out:

• Curly-Coated Retriever: 60–95 lb — far too large. Gorgeous curls, but a sporting dog needing space and vigorous exercise.
• Irish Water Spaniel: 45–68 lb — the largest spaniel, with a liver-colored curly coat. Needs a job to do and room to run.
• Airedale Terrier: 50–70 lb — wiry rather than truly curly, and the largest terrier breed. High prey drive and stubbornness make them challenging for first-time owners.
• Kerry Blue Terrier: 33–40 lb — wavy-to-curly coat but exceeds small-breed size. Requires experienced handling due to dog-aggression tendencies in some lines.
• Standard Poodle: 40–70 lb — same wonderful traits as the Miniature and Toy, but decidedly not small.

If you're set on a curly coat but can accommodate a slightly larger dog (25–35 lb), the Lagotto Romagnolo and smaller Portuguese Water Dog females offer excellent temperaments with genuine working-dog versatility.

Honorable Mentions: Curly-Coated Designer Crosses

Beyond the Cavapoo, several designer crosses produce small, curly-coated dogs worth considering:

• Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel × Poodle): 12–24 lb. F1B lines produce reliable curls. Higher energy than Cavapoos, needing 45+ minutes of daily exercise. Prone to ear infections due to floppy ears and hair growth in ear canals.
• Maltipoo (Maltese × Poodle): 5–15 lb. Wavy-to-curly coats depending on generation. Extremely affectionate but prone to dental disease common in tiny breeds — budget for annual dental cleanings ($300–$700).
• Schnoodle (Miniature Schnauzer × Poodle): 10–20 lb. Wavy rather than tightly curled. Lower shedding than Schnauzers but not as reliably hypoallergenic as Poodle-dominant crosses.

For any designer cross, insist on seeing OFA or PennHIP health clearances for both parent dogs. Reputable breeders of crosses test just as rigorously as purebred breeders — if they don't, walk away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts on Choosing Your Small Curly Haired Companion

The right small curly haired dog breed depends entirely on your lifestyle, not just aesthetics. A Toy Poodle in a busy household with toddlers will be stressed; a Portuguese Water Dog in a studio apartment will be destructive. Use the decision framework above, visit breeders or rescues in person, and spend real time with the breed before committing. Every breed on this list can be an extraordinary companion when matched to the right home — and their curly coats are just the beginning of what makes them special.