Finding small dogs with curly hair is easier than you might think. I tried to make sure these dogs stay in the 20 to 25 pound range or under, and each one has some type of curls or waves. Most of the dogs on this list live around 12 to 15 years. Though some of the breeds listed will often live well into their mid teens with good care.
In this article, you will find 15 small curly coated dogs that are popular pets. Use it so you can quickly compare how they look, how big they get, and what they are like to live with. Enjoy!
1. Miniature poodle
Miniature poodles have tight, dense curls that make them one of the most recognizable curly coated dogs in the world. Their coat grows all over the body in a thick, wool like texture that can be trimmed into many different styles. Minis usually fall well under 20 pounds, so you get the full poodle look in a compact package that is easier to manage in a small home or apartment.
Mini poodles are known for being very intelligent and easy to train. They often do well in obedience, agility, and other dog sports, but they are just as happy being your couch buddy if you give them regular walks and mental stimulation. If you like a dog that stays close, watches you, and picks up routines quickly, a miniature poodle is one of the best small dogs with curly hair you can choose.
2. Toy poodle
Toy poodles are even smaller than the miniature variety and usually weigh well under 10 pounds as adults. Their coat is almost identical in texture, with tight curls that frame the face and cover the body. When you see a toy poodle in a simple pet trim, the curls give them a soft, plush look that makes many people fall in love at first sight.
Even though they are tiny, toy poodles have big personalities. They are bright, lively, and love being part of everything you do. Many owners notice that their toy poodle always wants to be near them, whether that means sitting on the couch or following from room to room. If you want a very small dog that still has that classic curly poodle coat, toys are a strong option.
3. Bichon frise
The bichon frise has a soft white coat that forms loose, round curls, especially when kept in the traditional bichon style. Their coat is naturally curly enough to puff out around the head and body, which is why they often look like little white clouds. Most bichons stay in the low to mid teens for weight, so they fit comfortably into the small dog category.
Bichons are cheerful, playful, and often very social with people. They usually enjoy meeting visitors and can be a good fit if you like a friendly companion that greets guests at the door. The breed is also known for being good with families when properly trained and socialized. If you are willing to keep up with grooming, a bichon gives you a classic small curly coated dog with a happy, outgoing personality.
4. Havanese
Havanese coats can range from wavy to curly, and many individuals have loose curls that definitely qualify for this list. Their hair is long, soft, and often left in a slightly tousled style that shows off its natural texture. Adult Havanese usually stay under 15 pounds, so they remain easy to carry, pick up, and manage in smaller spaces.
These dogs are very people oriented and usually love being close to their owners. If you choose a Havanese, you will probably notice that your dog follows you from room to room and wants to be part of daily life. They are playful without being too intense and often do well in apartments as long as they get regular walks and a bit of play. Their easygoing nature is part of why they have become so popular in the United States.
5. Maltipoo
Maltipoos are a cross between a Maltese and a poodle, and many of them inherit a curly or very wavy coat from their poodle parent. Their size is usually well under 20 pounds, often landing in the 8 to 15 pound range, which keeps them firmly in the small dog category. The curls can be tight or loose, but in most cases you end up with a fluffy, textured coat that fits exactly what people picture when they think of small dogs with curly hair.
This mix is known for being affectionate, friendly, and people focused. Many Maltipoos love cuddling on the couch just as much as they enjoy playing or going for walks. Because of their outgoing nature, they can be a good fit if you have visitors or live in a busy household. If you want a small curly coated companion that feels like a lap dog, a Maltipoo is one of the more popular choices.
6. Cockapoo
Cockapoos are a cocker spaniel and poodle mix that often end up with a curly or wavy coat. The amount of curl can vary from tight ringlets to softer waves, but the coat almost always has some degree of curl and fullness. Many cockapoos from smaller breeding lines fall into the 15 to 20 pound range, which keeps them close to the size guideline for this list.
Cockapoos have been around for a long time and are one of the earlier designer breeds. They tend to be happy, friendly, and energetic without being overwhelming if you give them enough exercise. If you like going on walks or playing in the yard, a cockapoo will usually be thrilled to join in. They often do well with families, which makes them a good all around small curly coated dog for many homes.
7. Yorkipoo
Yorkipoos combine the Yorkshire terrier with the poodle and often end up with a soft, curly or wavy coat. Their size is generally very small, usually under 10 pounds as adults, so they are one of the tiniest curly coated dogs you will come across. Their curls may not be as tight as a purebred poodle, but the texture is still clearly different from a straight coated breed.
This mix tends to be lively and full of personality. If you like a small dog that acts like a little comedian, a Yorkipoo might be a good match. They often enjoy playing, zipping around the house, and then settling down to snuggle. Many owners appreciate their small size because it makes them easy to travel with and manage in almost any living situation.
8. Schnoodle
Schnoodles are a mix between a schnauzer and a poodle, and the smaller versions usually use the miniature schnauzer and miniature poodle. Their coats often come out curly or very wavy, with a texture that can feel thick and slightly wiry underneath the curls. When kept at a moderate length, the coat has a full, slightly shaggy look that still clearly shows the curl.
In terms of personality, schnoodles are alert, clever, and often a bit playful. You may notice some of the schnauzer’s watchdog instincts paired with the poodle’s quick learning ability. Many owners like this mix because the dogs are energetic but can still settle down inside the house. As long as you give them regular walks and a bit of training, they tend to be rewarding small curly coated companions.
9. Cavapoo
Cavapoos are a cross between the Cavalier King Charles spaniel and the poodle. Their coats are often wavy or loosely curly, giving them a soft teddy bear look that is very popular right now. Most cavapoos fall into the small to medium small range, often around 12 to 20 pounds, which keeps them comfortably within the guideline for this article.
Cavapoos usually have gentle, affectionate personalities. If you are looking for a dog that enjoys sitting with you on the couch, following you calmly around the house, and playing in shorter bursts, a cavapoo can be a great fit. They tend to get along well with children when properly socialized and are often a good choice for first time dog owners who want a small dog with a wavy or curly coat.
10. Bichpoo
Bichpoos, also called bichon poodle mixes, naturally develop a curly and fluffy coat. The curls are usually tight enough to give them a rounded, plush look that many people love. Their size is almost always under 20 pounds, and they often look like miniature stuffed animals when they are groomed.
This mix tends to inherit the cheerful temperament of the bichon and the intelligence of the poodle. Many bichpoos are outgoing, friendly, and enjoy being around people. If you like teaching tricks or doing short training sessions, you will probably find that a bichpoo picks things up quickly. They are a good match for owners who want a small, curly coated dog that is social and interactive.
11. Poochon
Poochon is another name often used for bichon and poodle mixes, and just like bichpoos, they typically have curly coats and small frames. In many cases, breeders use toy or miniature poodles with bichons, which keeps the adult weight in the low to mid teens. The coat is usually very curly, soft, and dense, fitting right into the small dogs with curly hair category.
Poochons are generally affectionate dogs that enjoy being involved in your daily routine. Many owners describe them as happy little shadows that stick close and like to be picked up or held. If you enjoy grooming or do not mind scheduling regular professional grooming visits, this mix can be a very rewarding choice thanks to its combination of looks and temperament.
12. Lhasa apso
Lhasa apsos are usually shown with long, flowing coats, but many individuals have a natural wave to their hair that becomes more obvious when kept in a shorter pet trim. While they do not have the tight curls of a poodle, their coat often falls into loose, slight curls or waves along the body. Adult Lhasas typically stay under 20 pounds, which makes them a solid small breed for this list.
This breed was originally developed as a watchdog in Tibetan monasteries, so they have a confident and sometimes independent personality. If you choose a Lhasa, you can expect loyalty and a strong bond with their family. They may be a bit reserved with strangers at first, but many warm up once they feel comfortable. If you like the idea of a small, wavy coated dog that carries itself with a little dignity, the Lhasa apso might appeal to you.
13. Miniature labradoodle
Miniature labradoodles are created by crossing smaller poodles with Labrador retrievers and then breeding down for size. Many mini labradoodles from careful breeding lines stay close to or under the 20 to 25 pound range, especially when there is more poodle influence. Their coats range from very wavy to tightly curled, and many owners like that classic doodle look in a smaller body.
Personality wise, mini labradoodles are often friendly, social, and energetic. If you enjoy outdoor activities like walking, hiking, or playing in the yard, this type of dog will usually be happy to join in. At the same time, many mini labradoodles settle well indoors after exercise and become relaxed companions. They can be a good option if you want a slightly more active small curly coated dog that still feels manageable in size.
14. Tibetan terrier
Tibetan terriers often have a wavy to loosely curly coat that gives them a soft, full appearance. Even though the name includes the word terrier, they are not true terriers and have a much calmer and more balanced personality. Many Tibetan terriers stay in the 18 to 22 pound range, which fits the size guideline for this list while still offering a noticeable curl or wave throughout the coat.
The breed was originally kept in Tibetan monasteries, where they served as companions and alert watchdogs. They are loyal, affectionate, and usually bond closely with their families. If you want a dog that enjoys spending time with you, adapts well to indoor living, and still has a unique wavy or curly coat, the Tibetan terrier is a strong fit.
15. Toy labradoodle
Toy labradoodles are the smallest size in the labradoodle family, coming in below the miniature version we just read about. Breeders create them by refining size through miniature and toy poodle lines while still keeping the Labrador influence. Most toy labradoodles land in the 10 to 18 pound range, which makes them the most compact option if you want the classic doodle coat. Their hair is usually very curly or wavy, giving them the same fluffy look as larger labradoodles but in a much smaller body.
This mix is friendly, social, and eager to be part of whatever you are doing. Toy labradoodles usually enjoy training, short play sessions, and spending time with their owners. If you like the personality of a doodle but want something easier to manage in an apartment or small home, the toy labradoodle offers that same charm at a size that fits almost anywhere.
Want to see some of these dog’s counterparts? Check out: 8 big dogs with curly hair