When it comes to choosing the perfect pet for your family, small curly-haired dog breeds often capture the hearts of many with their adorable looks and vibrant personalities. These compact canines not only bring a touch of charm to any household but also offer the warmth and companionship that families cherish. From playful antics to endless cuddles, these curly-coated companions make a wonderful addition to any family dynamic, offering love, joy, and a manageable size that’s perfect for homes of all sizes. Explore with us seven delightful breeds that could just be the curly-haired friend your family has been searching for.
Small, curly-haired dog breeds are the perfect mix of charm, intelligence, and low-shedding coats. From the playful Bichon Frise to the elegant Miniature Poodle, these adorable companions are loved by dog lovers and allergy sufferers alike. Their woolly curls not only add to their appeal but also make them truly hypoallergenic dogs with minimal shedding.
Originally bred for retrieving game and even truffle hunting, these curly-coated breeds now steal hearts as loving pets. Their water-resistant coats require regular grooming, including weekly brushing and occasional trimming, to prevent matting and keep them looking their best.
Beyond their stunning looks, these loyal companions thrive with early socialization, daily exercise, and plenty of affection. Whether you’re looking for a fluffy-coated cuddle buddy or an energetic working dog, a small curly-haired breed could be your perfect match!
Small Curly Haired Dog Breeds
1. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a delightful small curly-haired breed, adored for its plush, corkscrew curls and cheerful personality. With its hypoallergenic, low-shedding coat, this breed is a top choice for allergy sufferers and those who love a fluffy companion. Its bright, expressive eyes and playful demeanor make it an irresistible pet for families and singles alike.
According to WebMD, the Bichon Frise is a “moderately high energetic dog” and hardy with a rich history as a performer and companion. It thrives on daily exercise, mental stimulation, and early socialization. Regular grooming and brushing are essential to maintain its woolly curls and prevent matting.
The snow-white curls of the Bichon Frise are a true definition of cuteness, but did you know that underneath that beautiful, curly-coiffed hair is one of the most affectionate dog breeds? With its loving nature and loyal companionship, the Bichon Frise brings endless joy to any home.
2. Poodle
Prized for its intelligence, the Toy Poodle is an elegant and affectionate small curly-haired breed. Its tight curls are not just stylish but also low-shedding. It’s a great choice for those looking for low-maintenance dogs. Originally bred for water retrieving, its water-resistant coat adds to its durability and charm.
This amazing canine is highly trainable, excelling in obedience and agility. The Toy Poodle has a lively, playful personality. Daily exercise and early socialization are what a Poodle needs. It forms strong bonds with its pet parents, making it an ideal companion for families and singles alike.
To keep its curly locks looking their best, the Toy Poodle requires regular grooming, including daily brushing and professional trimmings. With its intelligence, elegance, and affectionate nature, this breed is truly a joy to have!
3. Havanese
Known for its silky, wavy-to-curly coat and affectionate nature, the Havanese is one of the delightful small curly-haired breeds. Originally bred as a lapdog for Cuban aristocracy, this breed has a playful spirit, making it a wonderful choice for families and singles alike. Its low-shedding, non-allergenic coat requires regular grooming to maintain its signature soft curls.
Unlike many curly-coated breeds, the Havanese has a unique coat that can range from loose waves to tight corkscrew curls, giving it a distinct, fluffy appearance. Hill’s Pet states that this loyal companion prefers spending time with their owners, making it an excellent pet for small spaces. It enjoys daily exercise but is equally happy curling up beside its owners for cuddles.
With its fluffy coat, expressive eyes, and charming personality, the Havanese is not just a beautiful breed but also a devoted, intelligent, and adaptable companion—ideal for those seeking a curly-haired dog with endless love to give.
4. Bolognese
The Bolognese is more than just a small curly-haired breed—it is a dog with an exceptional personality. Unlike many toy breeds that are overly energetic or vocal, the Bolognese is known for its calm, observant, and intelligent nature. It doesn’t demand constant attention but prefers to stay close to its pet parents, quietly watching and waiting for affection. This thoughtfulness makes it an excellent choice for those who want a devoted but not overly demanding companion.
As per PetMD, the Bolognese is a highly adaptable companion and flourishes in various living situations, from apartments to larger homes. It is naturally well-mannered, learns quickly, and tends to be reserved with strangers. However, it is never aggressive—just a little cautious until it warms up to new people.
Social and deeply affectionate, the Bolognese forms strong emotional bonds, sometimes to the point of separation anxiety. It is a breed that truly craves companionship and does best in homes where it won’t be left alone for long periods.
5. Bedlington Terrier
Often mistaken for a lamb due to its unique curly, woolly coat and arched back, the Bedlington Terrier is one of the most distinctive small curly-haired dog breeds. Underneath its soft, elegant appearance lies a fearless and energetic dog with the tenacity of a true terrier. This breed is a perfect mix of gentle companions and spirited athletes.
Bedlington’s crisp, lint-like curls are a blend of both soft and harsh hair, giving it a signature look that requires regular grooming to maintain its shape. Though low-shedding, its coat continues to grow and benefits from professional grooming and trimming every few months. Unlike the dense, tight curls of a Poodle, the Bedlington’s coat has a softer, more textured feel that adds to its lamb-like charm.
Beyond its striking appearance, the Bedlington Terrier is known for its intelligence, playfulness, and affectionate nature. It needs daily exercise and enjoys everything from agility sports to brisk walks. Unlike some terriers, it tends to be quieter and more adaptable.
6. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is normally recognized for its long, flowing silk-like coat, but what many don’t realize is that some Yorkies can develop a curly or wavy coat, making them a rare but fascinating addition to the world of curly-haired dog breeds. This unique coat variation is softer, and more textured, and often appears in Yorkies with a mix of genetic influences that gives them a fluffier, more voluminous look.
The Yorkshire Terrier, with a delicate appearance, has the heart of a fearless working dog as stated by PetMD. Even with its curly or wavy coat, it retains the breed’s signature confidence, intelligence, and lively personality. Though small, it has a big-dog attitude, always eager to explore, play, and form deep bonds with its pet parents.
A curly-haired Yorkie requires regular grooming, as its coat can tangle more easily than the typical straight-haired variety. While not as common as curly-coated breeds like the Bichon Frise or Poodle, a wavy-haired Yorkshire Terrier is a delightful mix of elegance and spunk.
7. Russian Tsvetnaya
Amongst small curly-haired breeds, the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka stands out for its elegance, intelligence, and affectionate nature. Because of its luxurious, wavy curly coat, this rare breed is beloved in Russia but lesser known elsewhere. Its fur is soft yet resilient. But the Tsvetnaya Bolonka isn’t just about its appearance—its charming personality is what truly sets it apart.
Bred as a companion dog for Russian aristocracy, the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka is deeply affectionate, thriving on close human interaction. This breed is calm as well as gentle. It retains the alertness and intelligence of a working breed, though it’s far more focused on being a devoted lapdog than a hunter or protector. AKC mentions that this dog breed is very clever and smart.
With its beautiful, wavy curls and gentle demeanor, the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka requires regular grooming to keep its coat looking its best, but it doesn’t demand the intense upkeep of some other curly-haired breeds. Ideal for those looking for a low-shedding and affectionate companion, the Tsvetnaya Bolonka offers a perfect balance of playfulness, calmness, and loyalty.
Conclusion
Small curly-haired dog breeds are adored for their unique curly locks and charming personalities. These breeds, including the Bichon Frise, Miniature Poodle, and Bedlington Terrier, possess a fluffy coat that is both eye-catching and functional. Their tight curls or wavy coats help prevent loose hairs from spreading, making them a great choice for allergy sufferers. Many of these curly-coated breeds, such as the Spanish Water Dog and Portuguese Water Dog, were originally bred for waterfowl hunting.
Regular grooming is essential for maintaining a curly-haired dog’s luscious locks. Professional grooming or weekly brushing helps remove dead hair and prevent matting, ensuring a healthy coat. Some breeds, like the Standard Poodle, even require occasional trimming and styling, such as the lion clip. Due to their low-shedding nature, curly dogs require careful coat maintenance, including air drying after baths to keep their curls free and defined.
Beyond their appearance, curly-coated breeds are known for their intelligence and loyalty. As amazing canines and loyal companions, they thrive with daily exercise and early socialization. Whether retrieving game or being part of a loving home, these hypoallergenic dogs make wonderful pets for dog lovers.
In conclusion, choosing one of the seven small curly-haired dog breeds for your family can bring joy, companionship, and a touch of unique personality to your household. Whether you’re looking for a playful companion or a cuddly lap dog, these breeds offer a variety of temperaments and energy levels suitable for different lifestyles. Their hypoallergenic coats are a bonus for allergy sufferers, making them an ideal choice for many families. By researching each breed’s characteristics and needs, you can find the perfect four-legged friend that will seamlessly fit into your home and offer years of love and loyalty.