Last Updated on October 8, 2026 by admin
The best-known small curly-haired dog breeds are the Toy Poodle, Miniature Poodle, Bichon Frise, Bolognese, Havanese and Bedlington Terrier. All weigh under about 25 pounds and have coats that curl or wave rather than lie flat. Those coats shed little hair around the house, but they mat easily and need regular brushing and professional trims.
If size matters most, see our guide to small dog breeds for apartments. If it is the coat you are after, compare the best non-shedding dog breeds and curly-haired breeds with long, floppy ears.
Small curly-haired dog breeds at a glance
Sizes and lifespans below are from each breed’s American Kennel Club profile.
| Breed | Height | Weight | Life expectancy | Coat type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toy Poodle | Up to 10 in | 4–6 lb | 10–18 years | Dense, tight curls |
| Miniature Poodle | 10–15 in | 10–15 lb | 10–18 years | Dense, tight curls |
| Bichon Frise | 9.5–11.5 in | 12–18 lb | 14–15 years | Soft curls over a dense undercoat |
| Bolognese | 10–12 in | 6–10 lb | 12–14 years | Long, fluffy white coat in loose tufts |
| Havanese | 8.5–11.5 in | 7–13 lb | 14–16 years | Silky; can be straight, wavy or curly |
| Bedlington Terrier | 15–17.5 in | 17–23 lb | 11–16 years | Crisp, woolly coat that curls, especially on the head |
| Löwchen | 12–14 in | About 15 lb | 13–15 years | Long, wavy coat |
The breeds in more detail
Toy and Miniature Poodle
The Poodle is the classic curly-coated dog, and its two smaller varieties are the obvious choice if you want a small dog with tight curls. They are the same breed as the Standard Poodle, just bred down in size. Poodles are quick learners and active for their size, so they do best with daily walks and short training sessions. The coat grows continuously and needs clipping every few weeks.
Bichon Frise
The AKC describes the Bichon as small but sturdy, and one of the great “personality dogs.” Its white coat is a mass of soft curls over a thick undercoat, which is what gives it the powder-puff look. Loose hair gets caught in the coat rather than falling out, so mats form quickly without brushing. Read our Bichon Frise pros and cons before committing.
Bolognese
A small Italian companion breed related to the Bichon, the Bolognese is calmer and quieter than many toy breeds. Its coat is white, long and fluffy, standing away from the body in loose tufts rather than tight ringlets. More in our Bolognese guide.
Havanese
The only dog breed native to Cuba, the Havanese is cheerful, sociable and well suited to city living. The Havanese coat varies more than most: some dogs are straight-coated, some wavy and some curly. If curls are the point, meet the puppy’s parents. See how big Havanese get.
Bedlington Terrier
Often described as a terrier in sheep’s clothing, the Bedlington has a lamb-like woolly coat and an arched back. It is the largest dog on this list and still a terrier underneath: alert, athletic and quick to chase small animals.
Löwchen
The Löwchen (“little lion dog”) has a long, wavy coat that is often clipped in a lion trim. It is small, affectionate and less common than the other breeds here, so expect to wait for a puppy.
Slightly bigger options: small-to-medium curly breeds
If “small” can stretch to 25–35 pounds, look at the Lagotto Romagnolo, Italy’s curly-coated truffle dog (24–35 lb, 16–19 in). The Portuguese Water Dog also has tight, low-shedding curls but at 35–60 lb it is a medium dog, not a small one.
What about Poodle mixes?
Maltipoos, Cavapoos, Cockapoos and other Poodle crosses are popular small curly dogs, but their coats are not predictable. A puppy can end up with a straight, wavy or curly coat depending on which parent it takes after, and shedding varies with it. If a curly, low-shedding coat is essential, a purebred Poodle or Bichon is the more reliable bet.
Are small curly-haired dogs hypoallergenic?
Not fully. The AKC is clear that no breed is 100% hypoallergenic. Allergies are triggered mainly by dander, saliva and urine, not the hair itself. Curly, low-shedding coats do leave less hair and dander around the house, so some people with mild allergies cope better with them. Spend time with the breed, ideally the actual dog, before you bring one home.
Grooming a curly coat
Low shedding means the coat holds on to loose hair, so it needs more work, not less.
- Brush several times a week right down to the skin with a slicker brush, then check with a metal comb. Curly coats mat behind the ears, under the legs and on the belly first.
- Book a professional trim every 4–8 weeks. Poodles and Bichons in a short “puppy cut” are much easier to keep than a full coat.
- Bathe every few weeks with a dog shampoo and conditioner, and dry fully. Damp curls mat fast.
- Check ears weekly. Hair grows in the ear canal of many curly breeds and traps moisture.
- Clean tear stains on white breeds gently with a damp cloth.
Budget for grooming as a fixed cost. It is a large part of the lifetime cost of these breeds.
Health and care
Matted coats pull on the skin and can hide sores, so grooming is part of health care. Small breeds in general are prone to dental disease, so daily tooth brushing and regular dental checks help. Ask any breeder for the health screening done on both parents for that breed, and ask a rescue what they know about the dog’s history.
When to call your vet: head shaking, ear odour or discharge; red, flaky or broken skin under the coat; limping or reluctance to jump; bad breath with red gums; or any lump you find while brushing.
How to choose
- Tightest curls and lowest shedding: Toy or Miniature Poodle, Bichon Frise.
- Calmest lap dog: Bolognese.
- Most adaptable family companion: Havanese.
- Sporty and a bit bigger: Bedlington Terrier, or Lagotto Romagnolo if you can go to medium size.
FAQ
What is the name of the small dog with curly hair?
Usually a Toy or Miniature Poodle or a Bichon Frise. If the dog is white and fluffy, it is most often a Bichon; if the curls are tight and the dog is any solid colour, it is most likely a Poodle or a Poodle mix.
What small curly-haired dog breeds are hypoallergenic?
No breed is completely hypoallergenic, but Poodles, Bichons, Bolognese and Bedlington Terriers have low-shedding coats that some allergy sufferers tolerate better.
What small white dogs have curly hair?
The Bichon Frise and Bolognese are always white. Toy and Miniature Poodles can also be white.
Do small curly-haired dogs shed?
Very little hair falls out, because shed hair gets trapped in the curls. That trapped hair is why these coats mat without regular brushing.