What can be more attractive on a pup than a mop of curly hair?
If you’re into large breed dogs, one with soft, curly fur is bound to win your heart.
But curly coats aren’t just for looks.
They protect dogs from the cold and outdoor environment when they work or play.
Many large curly-haired breeds were raised to help hunters, fishermen and farmers with their livestock or daily tasks.
Here’s a list of some well-known and not so well-known large breed canines with curly locks.
1. Curly-Coated Retriever
Standing 23 to 27 inches tall, the Curly-Coated Retriever was originally bred to be a hunting dog, capable of withstanding cold temperatures and harsh environments.
They generally come in brown or black coloring and their coat consists of tight-ringlet curls that require little to no brushing.
This breed is gentle and affectionate, but has an independent streak that requires lots of action to keep them challenged and happy.
With a lifespan of up to 12 years, your Curly-Coated Retriever can provide you with years of faithful service and/or loving companionship.
2. Bouvier des Flandres
The Bouvier des Flandres, literally translated as “cowherd of Flanders,” was originally bred in Belgium as a farm dog to help with herding cattle and protecting livestock.
Fully-grown, this canine stands between 24 and 27.5 inches tall and weighs up to 110 pounds.
Generally, they come in black, but you can find them in brindle, fawn, blue or a mix of these.
These dogs are smart and loyal to a fault once they integrate into your family. Daily brushing of their thick, tousled curls will help your pup maintain an attractive appearance.
3. Airedale Terrier
Referred to as the “King of Terriers,” the Airedale Terrier is the largest of its breed, growing up to 23 inches in height.
It sports a handsome tan and black coat composed of a dense, wiry topcoat and short, soft undercoat that requires minimal upkeep.
Weekly brushing along with quarterly grooming should keep your pup looking his best.
Airedale Terriers are full of energy and have a penchant for running, jumping and chasing.
With proper training, they make great contenders in agility, hunting and obedience competitions.
People who live active lifestyles will find Airedale Terriers willing companions that are more than capable of keeping up.
4. Komondor
If you’ve ever seen a Komondor lying on the floor, you’d swear it was a floor mop, right up to the time it got up on all fours!
Then it became a walking floor mop due to its long, “dreadlock” curls that resemble mop strings covering its entire body.
Originating in Hungary, this large curly-headed canine was originally bred to protect sheep.
The dog’s long, white coat blended in beautifully with the flock and protected him from the cold.
Komondors are large, muscular dogs growing up to 27 inches in height and weighing up to 130 pounds. Their love and devotion make them great watchdogs for your family.
5. Barbet
The curly-haired Barbet hails from France and shares roots with both the Briard and Poodle.
He’s a high-energy dog requiring lots and lots of exercise.
In fact, this breed is often found in competitions showing off its agility skills.
The Barbet sports a water-resistant, wavy or curly-haired coat, webbed feet for swimming and a beard.
He’s a joy to have around as he gets along well with kids, adults and other pets.
Barbets come in a number of colors to include black, white, brown, grey and fawn.
They shed very little, a plus for dog lovers who are prone to allergies.
6. Borzoi
This tall, slender, regal-looking canine comes from Russia.
His elegant appearance gives the impression he belongs in a palace, but he was actually bred as a hunter dog.
Once he caught the attention of the royal class, however, he became more of a show dog.
Ordinarily, the Borzoi has a calm and gentle disposition.
However, his hunter roots may kick in when he spots small animals, so it’s good to keep him on a tight leash when outdoors.
Despite its large size, (some grow up to 32 inches tall), the Borzoi isn’t the protective type, so don’t count on him to be much of a watch dog.
His long, wavy locks require constant grooming to keep them in shape.
7. Labradoodle
The Labradoodle is perhaps one of the most popular “designer dog” breeds on the market today.
A cross between a Standard Poodle and a Labrador, this breed can grow upwards of 24 inches and weigh in at over 100 pounds.
The Labradoodle can be characterized by its shaggy, curly coat, gentle disposition and devotion to its family.
This highly intelligent, loving breed gets along well with children and adults alike and is easy to care for. Daily brushing will keep your pup’s curly coat shiny and tangle-free.
8. Black Russian Terrier
Bred as a military dog in the 1930s, the Black Russian Terrier has an extremely “checkered” heritage.
In an effort to create a “super dog” for military use, Russian breeders combined elements of 17 dog breeds to produce the Black Russian Terrier, which was then used to protect borders and guard internment camps.
Today, this big-boned, curly-haired pup makes a great guard dog for your home.
As a high-energy dog, the Black Russian Terrier requires brisk exercise daily to keep him happy.
Routine grooming will keep its curly, double coat looking great.
9. Irish Water Spaniel
What do you get when you combine a Cocker Spaniel with a Standard Poodle?
Why, the Irish Water Spaniel, of course!
This playful, hypoallergenic pup can grow up to two feet in height and weigh up to 65 pounds.
As the name implies, these dogs are natural-born swimmers, complete with water-repellent coats and webbed feet.
The Irish Water Spaniel actually has a double coat, with the bottom layer being more tightly curled than the top for extra protection from the environment.
Frequent brushing and routine trips to your groomer are a must to maintain your pup’s good looks.