Our best friends, the dogs, come in all shapes, colors, and forms. This is good news for all dog lovers because there is a pup for every taste and need.
If you happen to like a large curly-haired dog, you are not alone. Many of these dog breeds are very popular because of their irresistible curls, looks, and superb temperaments.
Read on to find out which are the most popular large curly-haired dogs in the world.
Standard Poodle
Poodles come in three sizes – toy, miniature, and standard. Standard ones have a height of a minimum of 15 inches at the shoulders and weigh from 40 to 70 lbs.
The Standard Poodle is among the most popular dog breeds for pets worldwide because of several factors.
First, they are the second most intelligent canines of all breeds, making them easy to train and a pleasure to play and live with.
Also, they shed very little, so they are considered hypoallergenic, making them suitable for people with dog allergies and those who don’t like dealing with pet hair in their homes.
These aristocratic pups were originally bred for hunting waterfowl and are athletic, eager, and versatile.
Their curly coats come in white, black, or apricot colors, and although they do not shed, they require regular trimming into the so-called Poodle Cut or, if you prefer to keep them natural – regular brushing.
Bouvier Des Flandres
The Bouvier Des Flandres may have a fancy name, but the pups from this breed are hardy and rugged as well as unique.
Their height is usually 24 to 27 inches at the withers, and their weight is from 77 to 88 lbs. or more, so they are pretty large-sized.
Despite their size, these playful and stately dogs are usually gentle giants, especially if socialized and trained correctly.
They have long curly coats, which can be black, brown, gray, or blue, and long impressive beards.
Keep in mind that those gorgeous weatherproof coats and curls need regular brushing and grooming.
Also, they are highly energetic, so you should be prepared to spend time walking and exercising or playing with your Bouvier Des Flandres pup if you want it to be content and healthy.
Bred in France as watchdogs, they are intelligent, rational, loyal, and protective companions.
Komondor
This large-sized dog is known as a Hungarian Shepherd and has a unique long white corded and matted heavy coat. Its recognizable coat has given this pup the nickname “mop dog.”
The pups from this breed are usually 25 to 27.5 inches high and weigh 100 lbs.
They were bred as sheep herding and protection dogs for the livestock in Hungary from the nomadic Cumans who moved to the territory of Hungary from Asia.
Thanks to these dreadlocks, these strong and brave dogs were protected from wolves and other predators, as well as from the weather elements.
They are muscular, fast-moving dogs with strong protective instincts, so they are not very friendly to strange dogs.
The Komondors need early obedience training and socializing because they are stubborn and independent and can otherwise easily become a handful as pets.
Due to their large size and high energy levels, Mop Dogs will feel better in homes with adequately fenced, spacious outdoor spaces.
With timely training and socialization, the Komondor will be a fiercely loyal yet playful and happy companion for you and your children.
Aussiedoodle
These hybrid or “designer” dogs are a mix between Standard Poodles and Australian Shepherds. They are highly intelligent and intuitive and are overall sweet pups which are great for family pets.
The AussiPoos are highly energetic and need to be kept physically and mentally entertained. Otherwise, they can become bored and quite destructive. This means that they require active owners willing to spend time walking, running, and playing with them.
Aussiedoodles have long curly coats which require moderate grooming.
These pups usually reach a weight of 70 lbs. or more, so they can be pretty large and require enough space to roam around and feel comfortable.
Airedale Terrier
The largest of all terriers, Airedale Terriers can reach a height at the withers of 22-23 inches and a weight of 50 to 70 lbs.
These energetic pups are intelligent and alert, as well as courageous and very loyal companions.
They are prone to barking a lot, which is something you can manage with early socializing and training.
Their wavy, wiry coats are black and tan in color, and they have signature long and fuzzy beards on their chins and muzzles, giving them their “wise old man” look.
Still, they require little grooming. Brushing their coats once a week should be enough to keep them looking great and preventing their coats from painful matting.
Bedlington Terrier
Bedlington Terriers are loyal and charming curly-haired dogs. They have a height of about 15 and 17.5 inches and weigh about 23 pounds.
This dog breed originated in England and is known for its energetic and playful pups with springy gaits. They enjoy long walks or runs, playing games, and chasing small animals.
At the same time, they are superb family companion dogs who won’t mind snoozing alongside you at home too.
These fluffy pups have soft curly coats which shed a little. They have tasseled ears and fleecy heads and can be brown, blue, or tan in color.
Borzoi
The Russian Hunting Sighthound has a very tall and slender body and can reach a height at the withers of 28 inches and more and a weight of 60 to 105 lbs.
These elegant pups have long, silky and luxurious coats which shed a lot only once a year during shedding season.
These beautiful and fast-running dogs are usually very gentle and calm at home but may have strong hunting and chasing instincts, making them prone to running off if not leashed or fenced securely.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
This large and curly breed is from America and is an excellent option for a family pet. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are easy to train and are affectionate dogs. They are smart and high-energy pups, so they will need daily physical and mental exercises to stay happy and entertained.
These pups have strong protective instincts and will keep you and your family safe.
The dogs from this US breed are usually 24 to 26 inches tall and weigh up to 80 lbs.
Their coats are mixed with wavy and wiry curls, which are somewhat oily, making them more weather and water-resistant.
Curly-Coated Retriever
Although they are not as popular as other retrievers, such as the Labrador or Golden Retrievers, Curly-Coated Retrievers are actually one of the oldest breeds in this category.
They are usually 25 to 27 inches high, weigh 60-95 lbs., and have black and brown coats with tight curls that shed only twice a year during the shedding seasons.
The Curly-Coated Retrievers are among the smartest of all dog breeds, making them easy to train and obedient. Overall, they are gentle and affectionate family pups.
Due to their high intelligence and energy needs, these pups need a lot of daily mental and physical stimulation to prevent them from becoming bored and destructive.
Irish Water Spaniel
These intelligent water-hunting dogs have recognizable short, curly and thick waterproof coats and almost rat-like tails. The coats on their heads are longer and fluffier.
The Irish Water Spaniel pups are usually up to 24 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh 45-68 lbs.
They are highly energetic, hardworking, and brave, so they are suitable companions for active owners and runners.
Barbet
Barbets are named after the French word “barbe” for “beard.”
They are very energetic, playful, and happy pups that were first bred in France as waterfowl hunters.
These pups have webbed feet and long, curly, and wooly coats, which are waterproof and require a lot of grooming and brushing but do not shed a lot.
They are usually about 25 inches high and weigh about 60 lbs.
These furbabies are excellent swimmers and are amazingly agile and quick, so they are a better choice for dog parents who like to spend more time outdoors running, swimming, or enjoying other outdoor activities.
Labradoodle
These are among the most famous of the “doodle” hybrid dogs, with a Standard Poodle as a parent.
Labradoodles are at least 24 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh up to 100 lbs. or more.
They usually have curly and shaggy coats, which do not shed but still require daily brushing.
Labradoodles are usually friendly and easy to train but can be rather boisterous as puppies. They are the ultimate family dogs.
Kerry Blue Terrier
This is another large-sized curly dog breed with high energy levels and needs.
Kerry Blue Terriers have soft curly coats which are black, gray, or blue in color, although all of them are born with entirely black coats.
These pups require regular brushing and trimming but do not shed so much.
They are affectionate, smart, and friendly with kids but can get bored quickly if not given enough mental and physical exercise.
Black Russian Terrier
These giant “KGB Dogs” are the epitome of large and curly pups. They are from 26 to 30 inches tall and weigh 80 to 130 lbs.
Their tousled double-thick coats are beautiful and wavy but require brushing and regular clipping, especially around the eyes and face.
Black Russian terriers are mighty and willful dogs created for hard military or police work. So, socialization and obedience training are essential to curb any aggression or potentially dangerous behavior.