From their adorable, stylish appearance to their functional and sometimes even hypoallergenic benefits, there’s a lot to love about curly-haired dog breeds. From the very popular poodle to the cord-sporting puli, you are sure to find a curly-haired dog breed to fall in love with.
Here are 20 curly-haired dog breeds that range from recognizable to rare.
Why Do Some Dog Breeds Have Curly Hair?
Why do have curly coats while others don’t? Ultimately, it comes down to the breed’s development and genetics. Curly coats seen in breeds like poodles, Portuguese water dogs, and Lagotto Romagnolos evolved for functional purposes tied to their historical roles, says Sabrina Kong, DVM, staff veterinary writer at We Love Doodles.
Additionally, mutations in the gene known as Keratin-71 (KRT71) influence curl formation. “For example, the poodle’s iconic curls were honed for agility in water and durability in harsh climates, while the bichon frise’s curls minimized shedding for hypoallergenic friendship,” Kong explains.
