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Do you love big dogs with curly hair? If so, you’re in luck! In this post, we will be discussing 11 beautiful large dog breeds that have curly hair.
These dogs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they require different amounts of maintenance.
So, whether you are looking for a lazy Sunday companion or a high-energy jogging partner, there is sure to be a big curly-haired dog breed that is perfect for you.
Let’s jump right in.
Table of Contents
11 Large Dog Breeds With Curly Hair
1) Standard Poodle
Standard Poodles are among the most popular dog breeds in the United States. They are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and playful nature.
Standard Poodles typically weigh between 40 and 70 pounds and stand 15 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder. The breed’s dense, curly coat can be any color, including black, brown, gray, white, or parti-color (two colors).
The Standard Poodle is a descendant of several other breeds of water dogs, including the French Barbet and the Medium German Poodle.
Standard Poodles were originally bred in Germany to retrieve gamebirds from water. In the early 1800s, the breed gained popularity in France, where they were used as circus performers and companion animals.
Today, Standard Poodles are still popular companion animals and perform well in a variety of dog sports, including agility, obedience, and tracking. They are also used as therapy and service dogs.
2) Black Russian Terrier
The Black Russian Terrier is a large, powerful dog breed that was developed in the Soviet Union in the 1940s.
The breed is a cross between the Giant Schnauzer and several other breeds, including the Airedale Terrier, Rottweiler, and Moscow Water Dog. Black Russian Terriers typically weigh between 80 and 130 pounds and stand 26 to 30 inches tall at the shoulder.
They have a thick, double coat that is black in color.
Black Russian Terriers were initially bred for military and police work. They are still used as working dogs in many parts of the world, but they also make great companion animals.
Black Russian Terriers are intelligent, trainable, and devoted to their families. However, they need plenty of exercise and do best in homes with large yards.
3) Airedale Terrier
Airedale Terriers are a type of working terrier that originated in the Aire Valley of Yorkshire, England.
They are the largest of the terrier breeds, with adult dogs typically weighing between 50 and 70 pounds. Males usually stand about 23 inches tall at the shoulder, while females are generally slightly smaller.
Airedales have a dense, wiry, curly coat that is Heather grey in color, with a black saddle and tan markings on their legs and face. They are an energetic and playful breed but can also be quite willful.
Airedales were originally bred for hunting small game, such as rabbits and foxes. However, they have also been used as guard dogs, police dogs, and even as theatrical performers.
Today, they make excellent family pets and still retain their natural athleticism and intelligence.
4) Barbet
The Barbet is a large, shaggy-coated water dog. They are believed to have originated in Asia and then brought to Europe by travelers.
Their name “Barbet” comes from the French word “barbe,” meaning beard, referring to their long, shaggy hair. They were originally bred as hunting dogs and used for retrieving game from water.
Today, they are still used for hunting and also make excellent companion dogs. The average height of a Barbet is 19-24 inches, and they weigh 35-65 pounds.
They have a thick, waterproof coat that can be either black, liver, or brown in color. Barbets are intelligent, friendly, and loyal dogs that make great family pets.
They are good with children and other animals and love to play fetch. However, their high energy levels mean they need plenty of exercise and may not do well in an apartment setting.
5) Bouvier Des Flandres
The Bouvier des Flandres is a large, powerful dog with a dense, curly coat. Initially bred in Belgium as a working dog, the Bouvier has been used for everything from herding cattle to pulling carts.
Today, the Bouvier is still an excellent working dog, but they are also cherished as a loyal and gentle companion.
Standing 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing 70 to 110 pounds, the Bouvier is one of the largest members of the herding group. Yet, despite their size, the Bouvier is an agile dog with plenty of stamina.
Their strong body is covered in a thick, waterproof coat that comes in four colors: brindle, fawn, black, and gray. The Bouvier has a large head with drooping ears and expressive brown eyes.
They are known for their courageous and protective nature, as well as their loyalty and affection for their family. With proper training and socialization, the Bouvier can be an excellent companion for active adults and families with children.
They do their best in a home with a large yard or access to plenty of opportunities for exercise.
6) Goldendoodle
The Goldendoodle is a cross between the Golden Retriever and the Standard Poodle. They are typically medium to large in size, with males averaging 22-26 inches tall and females 20-24 inches.
They can weigh anywhere from 50-90 pounds, with males on the larger end of the spectrum. Goldendoodles have a wide range of coat colors, including black, white, cream, apricot, and red.
They can also have a variety of coat types, from straight to wavy to curly. Regardless of coat type or color, all Goldendoodles require regular grooming. The breed is known for being intelligent, affectionate, and loyal.
Goldendoodles make great family pets and are good with children of all ages. They are also relatively easy to train and excel in obedience, agility, and other dog sports.
7) Labradoodle
The Labradoodle is a cross between the Labrador Retriever and the Standard Poodle. They are typically medium to large in size, with males averaging 22-24 inches tall and females 20-22 inches.
They can weigh anywhere from 50-70 pounds, with males on the larger end of the spectrum. Labradoodles have a wide range of coat colors, including black, white, cream, apricot, and red.
Labradoodles come in all shapes and sizes, with a variety of coat types. Some have straight coats, while others have wavy or curly coats. All Labradoodles require regular grooming regardless of their coat type or color. The breed is known for being intelligent, playful, and loyal.
The Labradoodle became popular in Australia in the 1980s when Wally Conron of the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia began breeding them as service dogs for people with allergies.
He found that the cross-breeding resulted in a dog that was intelligent, gentle, affectionate, and had a low-shedding coat.
Today, Labradoodles are popular pets all over the world and come in many different colors and sizes.
8) Irish Water Spaniel
Irish Water Spaniels are an ancient breed of dog that has been associated with Ireland for centuries.
The exact origin of the breed is a bit of a mystery, but they are thought to be descended from the same family of dogs that includes the poodle and the Portuguese water dog.
Irish Water Spaniels were originally bred to assist fishermen in retrieving nets and fish from rivers and lakes. They are still excellent swimmers and make great swimming companions.
The breed is also known for being very intelligent and easily trained. Irish Water Spaniels are typically medium to large-sized dogs, weighing between 45 and 70 pounds.
They have a thick, curly coat that is red or chestnut in color, and they shed very little. Irish Water Spaniels are gentle, loving dogs that make great family pets.
They do require some exercise and need to be brushed regularly to prevent the matting of their coat.
9) Curly-Coated Retriever
The Curly-Coated Retriever is a breed of dog that is known for its distinctive coat of curly hair.
The breed has a long history, dating back to the early 19th century. Early records show that the Curly was used as a working retriever in England. It is believed that the breed was developed from crosses between the English Water Spaniel and the Newfoundland.
The Curly-Coated Retriever was introduced to the United States in the late 1800s and quickly became popular as a gun dog.
Today, the breed is still used for retrieving game but is also valued as a companion dog. The average height of a Curly-Coated Retriever is 23-27 inches, and the average weight is 60-95 pounds.
The breed is known for being intelligent and trainable and has a gentle and affectionate temperament.
10) Komondor
The Komondor is a large, imposing breed of dog that is known for its thick, mop-like coat of curly hair. The breed originates from Hungary, where they were used as guard dogs and livestock guardians.
Komondors are still used for these purposes today but are also becoming increasingly popular as companion animals. The average height of a Komondor is 25-27 inches, and the average weight is 80-100 pounds.
Komondors are large, powerful dogs that need plenty of exercise. They are also very independent and can be aloof with strangers. However, they are gentle and loving with their family and make great companion animals.
Komondors require a lot of grooming, and their coat needs to be brushed several times a week to prevent matting.
11) Spanish Water Dog
Spanish Water Dogs are a versatile breed of dog that originated in Spain. They were initially bred to be working dogs, and their most commonly known task is water rescue.
However, Spanish Water Dogs are also excellent herders, hunters, and guard dogs.
They are a mid-sized breed, with males and females averaging between 15 and 20 inches tall. They typically weigh between 30 and 50 pounds.
Spanish Water Dogs have a dense, waterproof coat that can be either curly or wavy. Their coat is usually black, brown, or white but can also be found in a variety of other colors.
Spanish Water Dogs are intelligent and trainable dogs that make wonderful companions. They are loyal and protective of their family but are also friendly and playful.
They require moderate exercise and do not do well in apartments or small homes as they enjoy being outdoors and need plenty of space to run and explore.
Final Thoughts
There are many large dog breeds that have curly hair, and each one has its own unique temperament and set of needs.
Before you adopt a curly-coated dog, be sure to do your research to make sure they are the right fit for you and your family. With the proper care, these dogs can make loyal and loving companions for years to come.
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