Curly coats are having a moment, and it is easy to see why. That plush teddy texture, the bounce, and the drama turn heads on every walk. You want a dog that looks adorable, feels huggable, and keeps shedding down to a minimum. Here are the curly coated breeds people are chasing right now, plus what you should know before bringing one home.
Poodle
The Poodle blends brains with bounce, making daily life fun and flexible. Those tight curls give the signature teddy vibe while trapping loose hair, so you will notice less shedding around the house. With consistent brushing, a good slicker, and regular trims, the coat stays plush and manageable.
Energy wise, expect an eager partner for training games, jogging, and trick sessions. You will love how quickly this breed learns new cues and reads your mood. Socialization helps keep that sharp mind happy, so rotate puzzles and scent games weekly.
Sizes range from Standard to Miniature and Toy, letting you match lifestyle and space. Choose a groomer you trust, plan monthly maintenance, and enjoy the show stopping curls.
Lagotto Romagnolo
The Lagotto Romagnolo brings truffle hunter heritage, so the nose and brain stay busy. Curls form a woolly, rustic texture that feels delightfully teddy like without heavy shedding. Weekly brushing and routine trims keep mats away, especially behind ears and under the harness.
This breed adores scent work and nose games, turning simple walks into treasure hunts. You will appreciate the even temperament, playful bursts, and devotion without being clingy. Rotate chew toys and puzzle feeders to channel curiosity and prevent furniture foraging.
Moderate exercise suits most households, though water play is a bonus for these natural swimmers. Early socialization builds confidence around strangers and noises. Expect a loyal, expressive companion who thrives with gentle structure and consistent enrichment.
Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog is athletic, upbeat, and built for splashy adventures. Its curly or wavy coat has a plush, teddy adjacent feel that dries quickly after swims. You will want regular brushing, plus trims to manage bulk and maintain that iconic silhouette.
Daily exercise is non negotiable, and water games keep this breed thrilled. Training stays fun because these dogs pick up cues fast and enjoy teamwork. Try dock diving, retrieve drills, and endurance swims to satisfy that working background.
In the home, expect affectionate energy and a steady desire to be near you. Rotate durable toys and incorporate impulse control exercises. With consistent structure, you get a devoted, curly coated athlete who thrives in active families.
Spanish Water Dog
The Spanish Water Dog sports a distinctive curly coat that can form cords when maintained naturally. It delivers that teddy effect with a rugged twist, perfect for outdoorsy lifestyles. You will brush minimally but manage cords carefully, keeping them clean and separated as they develop.
Temperament wise, expect loyal focus and protective instincts. Early socialization and clear boundaries help channel working energy into positive routines. Nose work, herding style games, and swim sessions keep the mind and body satisfied.
This breed bonds closely and may shadow you around the house. Offer crate downtime, enrichment toys, and clear off switches after exercise. Regular baths with thorough drying preserve coat health, preventing musty odors and keeping cords tidy.
Barbet
The Barbet is a mellow, water loving companion with a fluffy, tousled curl pattern. Think teddy bear meets marsh explorer, with a coat that benefits from frequent brushing. You will schedule trims every six to eight weeks to manage bulk and maintain visibility around the eyes.
Personality leans friendly, adaptable, and eager to join family plans. Moderate exercise works, but add swim days or scent games to tap heritage. Training stays upbeat with food rewards and calm consistency.
Barbets do well in homes that enjoy routine and gentle adventures. Plan for towel stations after wet outings and a quality blow dryer. Keep ears dry and clean to prevent issues, and you will enjoy a sweet, curly companion.
Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel pairs clownish charm with serious athletic drive. Its tight curls and signature topknot give a bold, teddy leaning look without heavy shedding. You will brush regularly and trim for practicality, prioritizing ears, tail, and areas prone to matting.
Expect a dog that loves water retrieves, long hikes, and mental puzzles. Consistent training builds impulse control and channels enthusiasm productively. Use recall games, scent drills, and structured play to keep manners polished.
At home, the breed is affectionate but independent, happy with a job to do. Provide chew outlets and quiet rest after exercise. Routine grooming plus ear care keeps the coat healthy and comfortable through every season.
Curly-Coated Retriever
The Curly-Coated Retriever brings sleek, crisp curls over a powerful retrieving frame. This look lands squarely in teddy territory while remaining streamlined and practical. You will appreciate minimal shedding, but regular brushing helps remove debris after field time.
These dogs shine in fetch marathons, swim sessions, and endurance hikes. Training benefits from variety and thoughtful breaks to avoid over drilling. Balance enthusiasm with calm cues, and you will see wonderful reliability.
In the home, expect affectionate composure rather than clinginess. Rotate enrichment to prevent boredom, including scent games and hide and seek. Routine baths, careful drying, and occasional trims around friction points keep this curl pattern tidy and comfortable.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise offers a cloudlike, teddy ready coat that charms everywhere you go. Those soft curls need daily brushing and frequent professional grooming to prevent mats. You will love the low shedding, especially in apartments or shared spaces.
Despite the fluff, this breed is lively, playful, and great at socializing. Short training sessions with treats keep engagement high without overwhelming. Regular walks, puzzle toys, and gentle games satisfy energy needs.
At home, expect a friendly greeter who enjoys company and routines. Crate rest helps maintain calm between play bursts. Keep eyes clean, monitor tear staining, and use quality detangling spray for easy comb-outs and cuddly, photogenic curls.
Havanese
The Havanese is a cheerful city friendly companion with a silky, wavy to curly coat. It can be maintained in a puppy cut for a tidy teddy look. You will brush several times a week and schedule regular trims to prevent tangles.
Temperament is playful, social, and adaptable, making this breed great for families. Training works best with short, upbeat sessions and gentle consistency. Indoor games, hallway fetch, and neighborhood walks keep energy balanced.
These dogs thrive on company, so plan for companionship and enrichment. Rotate soft toys and snuffle mats, and practice calm settles after play. Tear stain management and ear care keep the face fresh, while quality nutrition supports coat shine.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier sports a flowing, tousled coat that can read as cuddly and teddy like. While not tightly curly, the waves and fullness deliver that plush aesthetic. You will brush thoroughly several times a week and detangle around the armpits and legs.
Personality blends terrier spark with affectionate charm. Use positive training, impulse control games, and consistent boundaries to guide enthusiasm. Daily walks, play sessions, and mental tasks keep the temperament steady.
Wheatens may lean exuberant with greetings, so practice polite hellos and calm sits. Regular grooming appointments maintain shape and reduce matting. With steady structure and exercise, you get a joyful companion with irresistibly touchable texture and shine.
Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington Terrier brings a unique lamb like outline with a plush, curly textured coat. That teddy adjacent vibe turns heads, especially in a tidy lamb trim. You will brush weekly, scissor regularly, and watch friction zones for mats.
Under the sweet look is a spirited, athletic terrier that enjoys sprints and games. Training benefits from calm clarity and fun rewards to prevent stubborn streaks. Short sessions and variety keep engagement high.
At home, expect affectionate companionship without being overly clingy. Maintain ear hygiene, check teeth, and keep nails short for comfort. With mindful grooming and consistent exercise, the Bedlington delivers both style and substance in a charming, curly package.
Kerry Blue Terrier
The Kerry Blue Terrier carries a wavy to curly blue gray coat that feels plush and polished. It can project a teddy inspired presence when kept in a soft, tidy trim. You will brush thoroughly and schedule scissoring to prevent mats, especially around the beard.
Expect a bold, bright terrier mind with plenty of energy for training. Use structured routines, positive reinforcement, and thoughtful socialization to shape manners. Daily exercise and puzzle tasks curb boredom and preserve harmony.
In the home, Kerries are loyal and watchful without excessive noise. Regular ear and skin checks support coat health and color clarity. With consistency and grooming care, you get a striking companion with cozy texture.
Komondor
The Komondor is famous for massive white cords that create an unforgettable shaggy teddy silhouette. This coat requires patience, cleanliness, and careful separation as cords form and mature. You will bathe strategically and dry completely to prevent odor and skin trouble.
Originally a guardian, the breed is calm, thoughtful, and protective with family. Early socialization and firm, fair boundaries shape reliable behavior. Spacious yards and low key routines suit this independent mindset.
Expect minimal shedding but significant grooming time, especially during cord development. Manage weight to reduce strain on joints under that heavy coat. With dedicated care and respect for guardian instincts, you enjoy a majestic, corded companion unlike any other.
Puli
The Puli delivers a compact, kinetic bundle of cords with serious teddy charm. Those cords begin as curls, then mat and shape with careful management. You will separate, wash, and fully dry cords to maintain hygiene and comfort.
Energetic and agile, the breed shines in herding games, agility, and fast paced training. Keep sessions short and upbeat to match the lively temperament. Mental challenges, like sniff-and-seek, prevent mischief and keep focus sharpened.
At home, expect loyal closeness paired with independent judgment. Regular coat checks around ears, feet, and tail keep things tidy. With patience and routine, the Puli rewards you with bouncy character, manageable size, and irresistibly textured style.