Perhaps the first breed that springs to mind when discussing curly-haired dogs is the poodle. A traditional curly-haired dog in large, miniature, and toy sizes is the fluffy poodle.
Another athletic curly-haired dog breed is the Portuguese water dog, or PWD. These canines had to be strong swimmers in order to help fisherman recover lost gear or even save sailors who were drowning.
The French word "bichon frise" literally translates to "curly-haired dog". This little companion dog has a fluffy, white coat that resembles powder.
When properly maintained, the dog's short, fluffy curls give it a rounded appearance.
The largest terrier breed and one with one of the most striking coats is the Airedale.
The Hungarian Pumi is a rare breed with a medium-length coat that is distinguished by a mix of waves and curls and is made up of both softer guard hair and coarser body hair.
With its blend of silky and coarse hair, the Bedlington terrier resembles a lamb and feels just as gentle as one.
A curly-haired dog breed that is less well-known is the French Barbet Water Dog. The coat should be kept between three and five inches in length, with curly hair left to hang loose.