Large Dogs With Curly Hair: Majestic Canine Elegance
Curls & Canines: Unleashing the Majestic Beauty of Large Dogs With Curly Hair
Large dogs with curly hair — how many can you think of? When you mention wavy or curly-haired canines, most people instantly think of smaller dog breeds — the Toy Poodle or small white fluffy dogs like the Bichon.
However, there are some much larger breed dogs with curly hair who tower over these little balls of fluff. So let’s meet them.Top 10 Large Breed Dogs With Curly Hair
For this guide, we’re classifying ‘large’ as any dog that stands over 20 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder. Some, like the Black Russian Terrier, reach impressive heights of 30 inches or more. Other dogs like the Barbet or Standard Poodle can often drop as low as 20 inches tall. However, their weight places them in the large category.
1. Curly-Coated Retriever
A ‘gun dog’ at heart, the Curly-Coated Retriever is known for its strong swimming skills. The tight crisp curls of brown or black hair traditionally acted as a waterproof and thorn-resistant coat for them when working in thick brambles or chilly lakes.
Although a large breed, standing between 25 to 27 inches tall and weighing 60 to 95 pounds, they tend to be more graceful and elegant than other Retrievers. The other characteristic that sets the Curly apart from their canine cousins is their tapered, wedge-shaped head.
However, just like the Golden or the Lab, the Curly Coated is a gentle and incredibly affectionate dog. That said, they can be a bit more independent and less needy.
For families with younger toddlers, this big dog with curly hair makes an excellent pet, playful and often mischievous. But, they can sometimes be aloof in the presence of strangers, making them more suited as your family watchdog than other more gregarious Retrievers.
2. Standard Poodle
No list of large dogs with curly hair would be complete without mentioning the Poodle. This breed is found in three sizes — miniature, toy, and standard being the largest. Poodles are renowned for their hypoallergenic thick, tightly curled and perhaps lesser known — waterproof coats.
The Standard Poodle has a minimum height of 15 inches but can reach up to 26 inches tall, qualifying as one of our 10 favorite large curly haired dogs.
Poodles were bred as hunter dogs, helping to retrieve waterfowl. Wanting their dogs to enter the water as unencumbered as possible, their masters would trim the Poodle like a pom pom, leaving the hair intact around the important joints to keep them warmer. Hence, the reason behind the elaborate style.
Poodles are one of the smartest dog breeds, are eager to please, and easy to train — a good combination for first-time pet parents.
3. Bouvier Des Flandres
The Bouvier Des Flandres is a large, powerful dog breed with a double coat. Their unkempt-looking outer coat is coarse and curly, while the undercoat is soft and dense. Originally bred as herding dogs from the Flanders region of Belgium, they’re also brilliant watchdogs.
The Des Flandres is also a very affectionate and loyal dog breed, which makes for an excellent lifelong companion. Intelligent and playful, despite their somewhat imposing presence, they make great family pets and are more of a gentle giant than a fearsome furball.
Standing from 23 to 27 inches tall and weighing up to 110 pounds, the Bouvier needs plenty of space, and with their seemingly never-ending energy — plenty of exercise too. Their coat requires bi-weekly brushing, and their impressive beard will also need attention to avoid matting.
4. Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel is a curly haired large dog with a distinctive topknot of tight curls on their head — akin to an 80s-style perm. This breed has excellent swimming abilities, retrieving skills, and exceptional brain power. IWSs are highly trainable and loving canines.
Brave, hardworking dogs, the Irish Water Spaniel also likes to have fun. Their playful nature makes them the ideal pooch for outdoorsy families.
Reaching heights of up to 24 inches tall, the Irish Water Spaniel is one of the curly haired large dog breeds that weighs in at less than 100 pounds — more commonly between 45 to 68 pounds.
Their soft coats have dense, crisp curls that are waterproof too. Suitable for allergy sufferers, this breed’s low-shedding coat requires only weekly brushing, and trimming every couple of months to neaten and shape their luscious curls.
5. Black Russian Terrier
Combining the elements of over 17 different breeds, the Black Russian Terrier reaches anywhere between 27 to 30 inches tall at the shoulder. A brawny guard dog, they can tip the scales at up to 140 pounds — so it’s easy to see why they’re in our large dog breeds with curly hair favorites.
The Black Russian’s tousled, double coat keeps them warm in even the most inhospitable of environments. But, it will require regular maintenance to prevent matting, with special attention paid to the face and beard area.
Highly intelligent but also incredibly powerful, the Black Russian Terrier needs an owner who’s prepared to put in the training with this large breed. Firm and consistent methods are best, as BRTs can become pushy with anyone they think they can intimidate.
And, while obedient when treated with kindness and respect, they may be just a little too big for families with smaller children or toddlers.
6. Airedale Terrier
Crowned ‘King of the Terriers,’ Airedales boast a dense, wiry coat with a slight curl. They’re also the largest Terrier breed, weighing 70 pounds and standing 23 inches tall.
Airedales are active, smart, and brave. They can be docile and patient around children, and as they’re super protective/alert they’re also wonderful watchdogs. They bark frequently, but early socialization can help curb this habit and make them more friendly to strange dogs.
Traditionally the Airedale has a black and tan coat with wavy hair and famously long curls on their muzzle and chin, almost making them look like a distinguished gent. They need relatively little coat maintenance — weekly brushing should be sufficient. Plus, they’re low-shedding, so a bonus if you have allergies.
7. Portuguese Water Dog
Porties are one of the large dog breeds with curly hair that’s both hypoallergenic and waterproof. Bred for herding, but of an aquatic nature — they would chase fish into the nets of their masters and retrieve lost fishing tackle.
Hence, Portuguese Water Dogs love the water. Plus they’re highly energetic dogs, so would appeal to active pet parents/families who can match their athletic pace.
Their cheerful demeanor and loyalty make for an excellent non-shedding family-friendly canine. The Portuguese Water Dog ranks highly on the friendliness scale and gets along with everyone, your friends, strangers, and even other dogs. They can grow to a non-imposing height of 22 inches and weigh in at 60 pounds when fully grown.
Porties vary in coat type — from tight curls to a wavy shaggy-dog look — but both require brushing several times throughout the week. You can also clip them into various styles, for example, the all-over Retriever cut, or just the hind quarters for the fancy lion clip.
8. Barbet
Hailing from France, the Barbet is a close relative breed to two other water-hunting dogs, the Poodle and the Briard. As well as a thick curly-haired coat, they also have webbed feet to move better in the water.
Reaching heights between 22 to 26 inches tall, the Barbet isn’t the largest big curly hair dog we’ve looked at, but all that hair bumps up their build. With a calm and affectionate nature, they get along well with the entire family, kids and other pets included. And, while they love to play, after they’ve worn themselves out, they’re also happy to kick back and chill.
This breed’s coat can either be wavy or curly, with both varieties requiring daily brushing to remove any knots they may have picked up. With many colors — white, black, gray, and brown, you’ll also be happy to hear they don’t shed much either, ideal for owners who may suffer mild allergies.
9. Borzoi
The Borzoi, also known as the Russian Wolfhound, is a magnificent large dog breed that possesses a striking and elegant appearance.
Originally bred as hunting dogs, Borzois have a strong prey drive and an innate instinct to chase — be mindful if you have cats. They’re incredibly fast runners, capable of reaching impressive speeds. However, their calm and docile nature shines through in their day-to-day interactions, making them gentle companions at home.
The Borzoi has three coat types — straight, wavy and curly, but they’re all long and silky, which requires regular grooming to maintain its beauty. The coat protects against Siberian-like weather conditions and gives the Borzoi a majestic look. The unique texture of their curly fur adds to their charm, making them stand out among other large dog breeds.
Despite their large size — a mature Borzoi stands at least 28 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 75 to 105 pounds — they’re remarkably gentle with children, making wonderful family pets.
10. Labradoodle (Standard)
Probably the most famous designer crossbreed, the Labradoodle is a mix of the Standard Poodle and the Labrador. They can grow upward of 24 inches and often weigh over 70/80 pounds, depending on their parentage.
The Labradoodle is known for their shaggy, curly coat, gentle disposition, and unwavering loyalty to their family. A highly intelligent, loving, large curly-haired dog breed, the Labradoodle gets on well with everybody, both children and adults alike, and is easy to care for. Brushing daily can help keep the pooch’s curly coat shiny and free from tangles.
With a sweet temperament and high levels of energy, the Labradoodle has to be kept mentally and physically stimulated to avoid boredom and becoming unruly. If left alone for too long they can become destructive. But, these dogs are such a joy to be around, it's unlikely you’ll ever want to leave them at home alone.
Large Dogs With Curly Hair Final Thoughts
Big dogs with curly hair or dogs with wavy hair not only captivate us with their stunning appearances, but also offer a wide range of traits and temperaments. From the elegance of the Poodle to the charm of the Bozoi, these breeds are a testament to the diverse beauty of these canines.
Whether you're seeking a loyal companion, a versatile working woof woof, or a firm family-friendly pet, these 10 breeds offer you a starting point. Whichever of the large dogs with curly hair you choose, be prepared to be enchanted by their curls and their unwavering devotion.Big Curly Haired Dog Breeds FAQs
Are There Any Pure White Large Dog Breeds With Curly Hair?
Among all the dog breeds we’ve looked at, the Standard Poodle can be a fashionable pure white curly-haired large dog. White Poodles have a vibrant and distinctive coat, especially if left untrimmed. They’re sure to get noticed at the dog park.
The Borzoi can also be found in white, but they may have colored markings on their curly coat — including red, black, brindle, or cream.
What Are the Best Black Large Curly Hair Dogs?
As the name suggests, the Black Russian Terrier only ever comes in black curly hair. But the Bouvier Des Flandres is another large dog breed with curly hair that normally comes in black — as well as fawn or gray.
Other breeds from our list that can have black coats include:
Standard Poodle.
Barbet.
Irish Water Spaniel.
Portuguese Water Dog (black and white).
Are Large Dog Breeds With Curly Hair Hypoallergenic?
Most dogs with curly hair tend to be hypoallergenic and suitable for owners who may suffer from mild allergies. However, there’s such a wide variety of curly-haired dogs, not all are low-shedding.
How Do I Groom a Curly-Haired Large Dog?
Grooming requirements vary depending on breed, but regular brushing is essential to prevent matting and keep their coats healthy. Professional grooming, including trimming and shaping, may be necessary for some breeds.