Big curly haired dogs are basically everywhere now. You can't walk through a suburban park without seeing a giant, bouncing cloud of fluff leading a human around. But honestly, most people just point and yell "Doodle!" at anything over fifty pounds with a wave in its coat. It's a bit of a misunderstanding. While the Labradoodle and Goldendoodle craze definitely put these guys on the map, the world of large, curly-coated breeds is actually way older and more diverse than the 1990s designer dog trend.
If you’re looking at a big curly haired dog, you’re usually looking at a specialized worker. These aren't just decorative rugs. Most of them were bred to jump into freezing water or guard livestock in the mountains. Their hair isn't just for looks; it's high-tech insulation.
The Standard Poodle: The Original Athlete
Let’s get the Poodle thing out of the way first. People see the show cuts—the "pompoms" and shaved faces—and think they’re prissy. They aren't. A Standard Poodle is a powerhouse. Historically, they were duck hunters. That curly coat is water-resistant and dense, designed to keep their skin dry while they’re paddling through a lake in Germany or France.
They are incredibly fast. Seriously.
If you own a Standard Poodle, you’ve probably noticed they don’t just walk; they spring. They have this light, athletic gait that belies their size. Because they are so smart—often ranked second only to the Border Collie in working intelligence—they get bored. A bored big curly haired dog is a destructive one. They’ll figure out how to open your "child-proof" cabinets just to see what’s inside.
Why the curls matter
The texture is different here. It’s coarse. It grows constantly, more like human hair than fur, which is why people call them hypoallergenic. There’s no such thing as a truly non-allergenic dog, but because the curls trap dander and shed hair instead of dropping it on your sofa, they’re much easier on the sinuses. But you pay for that in grooming bills. If you don't brush a Standard Poodle down to the skin, they will mat. Once those mats get tight, it’s painful for the dog.
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The Giants You Probably Haven't Met
Everyone knows Poodles, but what about the Portuguese Water Dog? Or the Irish Water Spaniel?
The Portuguese Water Dog (PWD) hit the mainstream when the Obamas lived in the White House. Bo and Sunny were the faces of the breed for a decade. These dogs are solid. They’re shorter than a Poodle but much more muscular. They have two coat types: curly and wavy. The curly ones look like tight little springs. Portuguese fishermen used them as literal deckhands. They would herd fish into nets and even swim messages between boats.
Then there’s the Irish Water Spaniel. This is the tallest of the spaniels and arguably the quirkiest looking. They have a "rat tail"—smooth and hairless—which contrasts wildly with the dense, liver-colored curls on their body. They even have a natural topknot of curls between their ears.
Barbet: The French Water Dog
If you want a big curly haired dog that looks like a Muppet, the Barbet is it. This is an ancient French breed. They are the ancestors of many modern curly dogs, including the Poodle.
They’re muddy.
Honestly, that’s the best way to describe life with a Barbet. They love water. Their name comes from the French word barbe, meaning beard. Because they have hair on their chin, they carry a gallon of water around every time they take a drink. If you value a pristine house, a Barbet will test your soul. But they are remarkably chill indoors compared to the high-strung energy of a Poodle. They just want to be near you.
The Maintenance Reality Check
We need to talk about the "non-shedding" myth.
Yes, a big curly haired dog won't leave a layer of fur on your black leggings. That’s great. However, you are trading vacuuming for brushing. It is a direct trade.
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Professional groomers generally recommend a "velocity dryer" if you’re going to wash these dogs at home. If you let a curly coat air dry, it can stay damp near the skin for hours, leading to hot spots or a musty smell that basically makes your house smell like an old gym locker.
- The 6-Week Rule: Most owners of large curly breeds find that 6 to 8 weeks is the limit for professional grooming.
- The Line Brushing Technique: You can't just swipe a brush over the top. You have to part the hair and brush from the skin out.
- Ear Care: Many of these breeds grow hair deep inside their ear canals. This traps moisture. If you aren't cleaning them weekly, you're looking at a $300 vet bill for ear infections.
Temperament: Not Just a Big Teddy Bear
There is a weird assumption that because a dog looks like a stuffed animal, it acts like one.
Many of the big curly haired dog breeds are actually quite "sharp." The Black Russian Terrier, for example, is a massive, curly/wavy guardian. They were developed by the Soviet military. They are not "Ooodles." They are serious protection dogs that happen to have curls.
Even the Airedale Terrier, the "King of Terriers," has a wiry, curly-ish coat. They are stubborn. They are brave. They will chase a squirrel through a plate-glass window if you aren't careful.
You have to look at what the breed was doing before it was sitting on your rug. If it was a retriever, it’ll be mouthy and want to carry your shoes around. If it was a guardian, it’ll be suspicious of the Amazon delivery guy.
The Health Side of the Curls
Big dogs have big dog problems, curls or no curls. Hip dysplasia is a major concern for almost every breed mentioned here.
One thing specific to the "curly" world, especially in Poodles and Doodles, is Sebaceous Adenitis. It’s a skin condition where the inflammatory process destroys the sebaceous glands. It leads to hair loss and a really specific "mousy" smell. It’s often misdiagnosed as allergies, so if your curly dog starts losing their bounce and getting crusty skin, ask your vet about a biopsy.
Also, Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus). Because many of these breeds are "deep-chested," their stomachs can literally flip. It’s a life-or-death emergency. Many owners of large curly breeds opt for a "gastropexy"—a surgery where the stomach is tacked to the abdominal wall—during the spay or neuter process.
Finding the Right Match
If you're looking for a big curly haired dog, don't just look at Instagram photos.
Visit a dog show or a specialized breeder. Feel the coat. A Poodle coat feels like wool; a PWD coat feels a bit more oily. Think about your lifestyle. If you live in a rainy climate, a Barbet or a Poodle is going to bring half the outdoors inside with them.
Actionable Steps for Potential Owners
Before you bring home a large curly-coated companion, do these three things:
- Budget for the Groomer: Call a local groomer and ask what they charge for a full groom on a 60-pound Poodle or Doodle. Multiply that by eight. That is your annual "hair tax."
- Buy a High-Quality Slicker Brush: Don't get the cheap ones with the plastic tips. You need the long, firm metal pins (like a Chris Christensen Big G) to actually get through the curls.
- Check the Hips: If buying from a breeder, demand to see OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) or PennHIP scores for both parents. "My vet said they look great" is not a health clearance.
Living with a big curly haired dog is a lot of work, but there is something deeply comforting about a giant, soft, intelligent creature leaning against your legs. Just keep a towel by the door. You’re going to need it.
Next Steps for Current Owners:
If your dog's coat is starting to feel "felted" or thick near the skin, don't wait for the next grooming appointment. Use a metal comb to check for mats behind the ears and in the armpits. If the comb catches, use a detangling spray immediately. Keeping up with small tangles now prevents the dreaded "shave-down" later this spring. For those interested in the history of these working dogs, the American Kennel Club (AKC) archives offer detailed records on the Barbet and Poodle’s transition from marshlands to the show ring.