Top 10 Small Curly Haired Dogs: Breeds & Care Tips

Introduction: Why Small Curly Haired Dogs Make Perfect Pets

Imagine this: You’re walking through the park, and a little fluffball with tight curls prances by, looking as cute as a teddy bear. You can’t help but wonder — what breed is that? Are they as soft as they look? And do they shed?

Small curly haired dogs are undeniably charming. From their hypoallergenic coats to their playful personalities, these pups make excellent companions for families, singles, and seniors alike. But curly coats require special care, and not every breed is suitable for every household.

In this guide, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about small curly haired dogs — from the top breeds to grooming tips and how to choose the right one for your home.

What Makes a Dog Small and Curly Haired?

Before diving into specific breeds, it’s essential to understand what defines a small curly haired dog. These dogs typically weigh under 25 pounds and have dense, curly coats that range from soft waves to tight ringlets.

Why Curly Coats Are Unique:

Curly-haired dogs often shed less than straight-haired breeds, making them popular among allergy sufferers.

Their dense fur can trap dander and prevent it from spreading, but it also requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

Curly coats provide insulation, keeping the dog warm in cooler weather.

However, that adorable, fluffy coat comes with a price — maintenance. Regular brushing, trimming, and bathing are necessary to keep those curls looking pristine and tangle-free.

Top 10 Small Curly Haired Dog Breeds

Now that we know what makes these dogs special, let’s dive into the top small curly-haired dog breeds. Each breed has its own unique characteristics, temperament, and grooming needs.

1. Bichon Frise

Appearance: Small, white, and incredibly fluffy with a powder-puff coat.

Temperament: Cheerful, playful, and highly sociable.

Grooming Needs: High maintenance. Bichons require daily brushing to prevent matting and professional grooming every 4-6 weeks.

Why They’re Great: Their hypoallergenic coat makes them ideal for allergy sufferers, and they’re excellent with children.

2. Miniature Poodle

Appearance: Compact, athletic, with tight, dense curls.

Temperament: Intelligent, trainable, and highly adaptable.

Grooming Needs: Regular clipping every 4-6 weeks and frequent brushing.

Fun Fact: Poodles are one of the most intelligent dog breeds, making them easy to train.

3. Toy Poodle

Appearance: The smallest of the poodle varieties, with the same dense, curly coat.

Temperament: Alert, affectionate, and outgoing.

Grooming Needs: Similar to Miniature Poodles — frequent brushing and trimming to maintain the coat.

Why They’re Great: Their small size makes them perfect for apartments, but they still have the intelligence and trainability of a standard poodle.

4. Havanese

Appearance: Long, curly or wavy coat, often in shades of white, black, or brown.

Temperament: Friendly, playful, and highly affectionate.

Grooming Needs: Moderate. Regular brushing to prevent tangles and trimming around the eyes.

Why They’re Great: Havanese are known for being excellent with children and other pets, making them perfect for families.

5. Cocker Spaniel (Curly Variant)

Appearance: Curly or wavy coat with feathering on the ears and legs.

Temperament: Gentle, loving, and eager to please.

Grooming Needs: High maintenance. Regular ear checks are necessary to prevent infections.

Why They’re Great: Cocker Spaniels are incredibly affectionate and loyal, making them ideal companions.

6. Pumi

Appearance: Distinct, curly, corkscrew-like coat.

Temperament: Energetic, intelligent, and highly alert.

Grooming Needs: Regular brushing and trimming to maintain the curl shape.

Why They’re Great: Pumis are great for active households, as they love to run and play.

7. Lagotto Romagnolo

Appearance: Small, stocky, with a dense, curly coat that’s water-resistant.

Temperament: Active, loyal, and affectionate.

Grooming Needs: Regular trimming and brushing to maintain texture.

Why They’re Great: Originally bred to hunt truffles, they’re excellent at scent work and have a calm disposition.

8. Bedlington Terrier

Appearance: Curly coat resembling a lamb’s fleece.

Temperament: Loyal, gentle, and calm.

Grooming Needs: Monthly grooming to prevent mats and maintain coat texture.

Why They’re Great: Bedlington Terriers are quiet and calm, making them great apartment dogs.

9. Portuguese Water Dog (Miniature Version)

Appearance: Dense, curly or wavy coat, hypoallergenic.

Temperament: Energetic, friendly, and intelligent.

Grooming Needs: Regular trims and brushing to prevent tangling.

Why They’re Great: These dogs love water and are excellent swimmers.

10. Curly-Coated Retriever (Miniature)

Appearance: Tight, small curls that are water-resistant.

Temperament: Active, playful, and friendly.

Grooming Needs: Weekly brushing and occasional trimming to maintain coat texture.

Why They’re Great: They’re athletic and love outdoor activities, making them great companions for active owners.

Grooming Tips for Small Curly Haired Dogs

Grooming small curly haired dogs requires a bit more effort than straight-haired breeds. Their dense, curly coats can easily mat and tangle if not properly cared for. Here’s how to keep those curls looking fabulous:

Brushing: Use a slicker brush and a detangling comb to prevent mats and tangles. Curly coats can trap dirt and debris, so regular brushing 3-4 times a week is essential to keep the coat manageable and mat-free.

Bathing: Opt for a moisturizing shampoo specifically designed for curly coats. This helps maintain the coat’s natural texture and prevents dryness. Aim for a bath every 4-6 weeks to keep the coat clean and soft.

Clipping: Schedule trims every 4-6 weeks to keep the coat at a manageable length. This is especially important for breeds like Poodles and Bichon Frise, whose hair keeps growing and can become unmanageable.

Ear Cleaning: Curly-haired breeds are prone to ear infections due to trapped moisture. Regularly clean the ears with a vet-approved solution to prevent wax buildup and infections. Check weekly for any redness, odor, or excess wax.

Are Small Curly Haired Dogs Hypoallergenic?

Many small curly haired dogs are considered hypoallergenic because their curly coats trap dander and hair, reducing the amount that becomes airborne. However, it’s important to note that no dog is completely hypoallergenic.

Best Hypoallergenic Breeds: Poodles, Bichon Frise, and Portuguese Water Dog.

Why It Matters: Allergy sufferers can benefit from breeds that shed less, but regular grooming is crucial to minimize allergens.

Tips: Regularly wash your dog’s bedding, brush them outdoors, and consider air purifiers to reduce allergens in the home.

FAQs – Small Curly Haired Dogs

1. Are small curly-haired dogs hypoallergenic?

Many curly-haired breeds are hypoallergenic because they shed less dander.

2. Which small curly-haired dog is best for apartments?
Toy Poodles, Bichon Frise, and Havanese are ideal for apartment living due to their small size and adaptability.

3. How often should I groom a small curly-haired dog?

Aim for brushing several times a week and professional grooming every 4-6 weeks.

Conclusion – Why Small Curly Haired Dogs Make Ideal Companions

Small curly haired dogs are more than just adorable — they’re also affectionate, hypoallergenic, and full of personality. Whether you’re looking for a playful Poodle or a calm Bedlington Terrier, there’s a curly-haired breed to match every lifestyle.

Choosing the right breed depends on your activity level, grooming commitment, and living space. But one thing is for sure — with their charming curls and sweet temperament, these small dogs will quickly curl their way into your heart.

Thinking of adopting a small curly-haired dog? Which breed stands out to you the most? Share your thoughts below!