9 Large Dog Breeds with Curly Hair

There is really nothing cuter than a puppy covered in messy curls. Well, even though many curly-haired breeds come in toy or miniature sizes, a large dog with a gorgeous head, a body of curly hair is practically irresistible. They are beautiful and they just seem to know it. Plus a big dog just owns it better. Here are the top 9 large dog breeds with curly hair.

Standard Poodle

The Standard Poodle, as one of the most popular curly-haired breeds, takes the lead in our list. Standing at least 15 inches at the shoulder, these dogs are incredibly smart, energetic, and eager to learn new things. They typically come in two other sizes in addition to the standard version, miniature, and toy, both of which are considerably smaller than this larger counterpart.

One characteristic that is a defining feature of all three sizes is their beautiful, curly coats. It is typically kept shorter, however, if not shorn it must be brushed regularly to avoid painful matting.

Bouvier Des Flandres

Despite his fancy name, the Bouvier Des Flandres is the epitome of a rugged, hardy pooch. 24 to 27 inches in height and weighing up to 100 lbs, they make for a somewhat imposing presence, however, they tend to be more gentle giants than fearsome furballs.

Intelligent and playful, these guys make great family pets, although due to their size and seemingly never-ending energy, they do need plenty of space and lots of exercises. Their striking good looks are only accentuated by their shaggy, curly coat. Thanks to these gorgeous locks, this breed would be considered high-maintenance with regards to grooming needs.

Komondor

Next up is our Hungarian fur-friend, the Komondor, also known as the mop dog in honor of his white corded and curly coat. Although originally bred for their sheep-herding abilities, these dogs do just as well as treasured family pets.

Incredibly intelligent and fiercely protective, they are both easy to train and loyal to a fault. In addition to their uniquely charming good looks, they are powerfully built standing anywhere from 26 to 28 inches at the shoulder and weighing up to 100 lbs! Thanks to this as well as their energetic playfulness, these dogs tend to do better in a larger environment, preferably with a large (fenced in!) yard.

Aussiedoodle

These lovely canines are truly something beautiful. A gorgeous mix of Australian Shepherd and Standard Poodle, they are also usually blessed with their parent breeds smarts and intuitiveness as well.

Sometimes referred to as an AussiePoo or Aussie Poodle, they generally have an overall sweet disposition but with plenty of energy to spare. They do well in family environments but can get destructive when bored or left to their own devices for too long. Their coats do need moderate grooming and with a weight of up to 70 lbs., the more space available the better.

Airedale Terrier

Considered the largest of the Terrier breeds, the Airedale Terrier can sometimes weigh 70 lbs or more when fully grown, with a height of up to 23 inches. They tend to be known by their ‘wise old man’ looks and their ability to back it up with their superior intelligence. They share the same wiry coat as their Scottish counterparts, although the Airedale’s has more of a curled aspect. Grooming needs are relatively minimal though as weekly brushing will typically suffice.

Curly-Coated Retriever

These big beauties might look like a new designer breed; however, they are actually the oldest recognized retriever breeds. Like most retrievers, these guys are very clever and highly trainable. They do need quite a bit of mental and physical stimulation and are prone to separation anxiety.

It is extremely important to socialize them with people and other animals, at an early age. While their kinky, curly coat might look high-maintenance, it is actually relatively easy to care for and is said to only shed twice a year – making them a great option for those with mild pet allergies.

Irish Water Spaniel

One of the first things that you are bound to notice about the Irish Water Spaniel is his thick, short, and curly, waterproof coat. Well, that, and his signature rat-tail. But these guys are so much more than their superficial beauty.

These dogs are bright and both eager to learn and to please. While their grooming needs are not too demanding, a daily brush is a must. Like many water hunting breeds, the Irish Water Spaniel has no short supply of energy and as such will need plenty of outlets for it. Daily walks, at the very minimum, are a must.

Barbet

With a name derived from the French word ‘barbe’, which translates to beard, you just know that this furball is going to have lots of character. The Barbet is much more than an interesting face, however. Initially bred for retrieving and hunting, these pups are fun-loving, energetic, and playful.

They are also very at home in the water and they have the webbed feet to prove it. The long wooly, waterproof coat needs regular grooming and daily brushing, although they do tend to be minimal shedders. Although not quite as big as some of the other pooches on the list, the Barbet can grow to be more than 60 lbs and 25 inches in height as an adult.

Labradoodle

Most definitely one of the most popular crossbreeds, or designer breeds, today, the Labradoodle is a perfect blend of a Labrador and a Standard Poodle. Standing at the very least, 24 inches, and weighing in at sometimes more than 100 lbs, it is one of the biggest breeds on the list. They also happen to have a big heart to match their size.

These dogs are well-known for their sweet temperament and high intelligence, as well as their trademark shaggy, curly coat. They can be active, although not overly so, and are notorious for their loyalty. They do require regular grooming and should be brushed once a day.