Dogs are comforting regardless of their size. The warmth of a loving companion by our side is reassuring and uplifting, supplying us with the motivation and support we need to get through the day.
While small dogs may be endearing, there’s nothing quite like snuggling up to a curly-haired giant. The larger the dog, the more dog there is to love. Curly haired breeds are known for having dense and luxurious coats that can make cuddling an even more enticing prospect. Here we’ll go over 8 big dogs with curly hair.
As you’ll see, the dogs on this list cover a spectrum of sizes and coat types. Some may be larger than others, although all qualify as larger breeds.
8 Big Dogs with Curly Hair
The coats of dogs on this list also range from tight curls to loose and wavy locks. As is sometimes indicated by a curly coat, a number of the dogs presented are hypoallergenic, and will be listed as such when they come up.
1. Bouvier Des Flandres
Average Lifespan: 10-13 years
Average Size: 70-95 pounds
Coat: curly
A large dog with a shaggy coat, the Bouvier Des Flandres was originally bred and developed in Belgium as an all-purpose cattle and herding dog.
With its muscular frame and dense coat, this breed is well equipped for the outdoors and can withstand harsh weather conditions. A dedicated and loyal worker, the breed has been used to manage and protect livestock, as well as pull carts.
The Bouvier Des Flandres is a sizable dog with a heavy coat. The first hypoallergenic breed on our list of big dogs with curly hair, this dog is perfect for prospective owners with allergies and a large backyard.
2. Irish Water Spaniel
Average Lifespan: 10-12 years
Average Size: 40-70 pounds
Coat: medium, curly
Superficially resembling a poodle, the Irish Water Spaniel is the tallest of spaniel breeds and was originally bred in Ireland for use by hunters to retrieve downed waterfowl.
Developed in the 1830s, historians believe the Irish Water Spaniel to have been produced by crossing Poodles with Portuguese Water Dogs, both of which are known for their large frames and curly hair.
Good around small children and large families, the breed is moderately active and should receive regular exercise. Like the Poodle, it also possesses a hypoallergenic coat.
3. Standard Poodle
Average Lifespan: 12-15 years
Average Size: 40-70 pounds
Coat: medium-long, curly
Perhaps the first dog that comes to mind when we think of big dogs with curly hair, the Standard Poodle was originally developed between Germany and France to assist on hunts.
Known for its keen intelligence and athletic build, the Standard Poodle is a trainable breed that requires a good deal of physical engagement and mental stimulation to be kept happy and healthy.
Another hypoallergenic breed, this dog was used as the parent stock of a number of breeds on our list, and is perhaps one of the most popular as a household pet and companion.
4. Black Russian Terrier
Average Lifespan: 10-11 years
Average Size: 80-150 pounds
Coat: medium-long, curly
An indomitable giant, the Black Russian Terrier is a large working breed originally developed in the 1940s in the Soviet Union as a multi-purpose working breed. Despite being called a terrier, this dog is not actually a terrier breed and none of the 17 dogs used to develop the Black Russian Terrier is of terrier descent.
This dog is muscular and well-built, with a distinctive beard of black curly hair around its muzzle. Unlike some of the other dogs on our list, the Black Russian Terrier’s coat is rough and stiff to the touch.
5. Curly-Coated Retriever
Average Lifespan: 9-14 years
Average Size: 70-105 pounds
Coat: tight curls
The Curly-Coated Retriever was originally developed in England in the 1860s for use by hunters to retrieve downed waterfowl and wild game.
Perhaps one of the least well known retriever breeds, the Curly-Coated Retriever is also thought to be the tallest of the retrievers, towering several inches over the better known Labrador Retriever.
Its curly coat is well insulated and the dog is physically capable, eager and willing to follow its owner through harsh and marshy terrain after their prey. While it can make a good household companion, its primary use remains as a bird dog.
6. Wetterhoun
Average Lifespan: 12-13 years
Average Size: 55-77 pounds
Coat: curly
A dog with a striking coat, the Wetterhoun was originally bred and developed in the Netherlands as a hunting dog. Like many other curly-coated breeds, this dog is well equipped for hunting on wet terrain.
To this end, the name “Wetterhoun” literally translates to “water dog” in Friesan. While its history is unclear, the dog was thought to have been bred by crossing older water dog varieties with strays brought by migrants.
Possessing one of the most interesting appearances of big dogs with curly hair, the Wetterhoun’s coat is oily to the touch, a characteristic which helps to repel water from the animal’s body.
7. Standard Labradoodle
Average Lifespan: 12-15 years
Average Size: 30-70 pounds
Coat: curly
The most recently developed dog to make our list, the Standard Labradoodle is the product of crossing a Labrador Retriever with a Standard Poodle.
Considered a hybrid and not a true breed, this dog is incredibly popular within the United States as a household and family pet, as the Standard Labradoodle is known for its playful demeanor and being good with children.
Notably, since Poodles can vary greatly in size, Standard Labradoodles can also range from medium to large sized dogs. The size of one will largely depend on the size of its parents.
8. Borzoi
Average Lifespan: 7-10 years
Average Size: 55-100 pounds
Coat: medium-long, curly or feathery
Also known as the Russian Wolfhound, the Borzoi was originally developed in Russia for hunting large game. As a sighthound, this dog hunts primarily by sight and not by smell, as is typically of many hunting breeds.
Lanky and almost horse-like in appearance, the Borzoi possesses a dense coat of curls that can range in tightness from especially tight curls to feathery wisps. This coat helps protect them from biting winds and cold winters.
A working breed, this dog is rarely kept as a family dog or household pet. Although not a risk to small children, the breed is not known to be overly affectionate. Because it is a dog accustomed to running long distances, it is necessary to exercise your Borzoi in order to keep it happy and healthy.