Advertisements
Craving a dog with curls and a one-of-a-kind vibe? These 9 hybrid dog breeds with curly hair mix the best of their purebred parents—delivering stunning coats, quirky traits, and tons of love! As of March 3, 2025, with pet ownership soaring (65 million U.S. dog-owning homes, per APPA) and X buzzing about “curly hybrid stars,” these designer dogs shine for their unique blends and curly allure. Full bios, fun facts, and why they’re irresistible—let’s dive into these curly-coated wonders!
Why Curly Hybrids Are a Hit
Hybrids blend traits from two purebreds—think Poodle curls with Retriever charm—creating dogs with standout looks and personalities. These 9 curly-haired mixes offer low-shedding coats, playful spirits, and adaptability, making them 2025’s top picks for curl-loving pet fans. Ready for the lineup? Here we go!
Advertisements
Hybrid Dog Breeds
1. Labradoodle 🌊
- History: Bred in Australia in the 1980s by Wally Conron—crossing a Labrador Retriever and Poodle to create a guide dog with a hypoallergenic coat, they’ve since become a U.S. favorite.
- Height: 21-24 inches
- Weight: 50-65 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
- Temperament: Friendly, smart, energetic—curly charmers with a playful, social edge.
- Care Requirements: 60-90 minutes of exercise—swims, fetch, or runs keep them buzzing; they need action to match their lively spirit.
- Grooming Needs: Brush 2-3 times weekly, clip every 6-8 weeks—curly or wavy coat sheds little but needs care to prevent mats and keep curls bouncy.
- Physical Traits: Wavy to tight curls (various colors), deep chest, floppy ears—built for play with Lab sturdiness and Poodle flair.
- Training Tips: Positive rewards—they’re eager and sharp; use treats or play to channel their energy and smarts. Early socialization boosts friendliness.
- Adaptability: Flexible—yards or homes with exercise; apartments work with big playtime and mental tasks.
- Social Behavior: Loves family, friendly with all—social butterflies who bond tight and play with curly glee.
- AKC Ranking: Not AKC-recognized (Lab #2, Poodle #8)
- Why They’re Loved: Labradoodles mix Lab’s friendly bounce with Poodle’s curly smarts—perfect for active folks who adore a versatile, low-shedding pal!
- Did You Know?: The first Labradoodle, Sultan, was bred for a blind woman—curly guide champ!
2. Goldendoodle 🌞
- History: Bred in the U.S. in the 1990s—crossing a Golden Retriever and Poodle for a friendly, hypoallergenic family dog, they’ve soared in popularity since.
- Height: 20-24 inches
- Weight: 50-90 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 10-15 years
- Temperament: Gentle, friendly, intelligent—curly cuddlers with a golden heart.
- Care Requirements: 60-90 minutes of exercise—walks, swims, or fetch keep them happy; they love play and bonding time.
- Grooming Needs: Brush 2-3 times weekly, clip every 6-8 weeks—curly or wavy coat sheds little, needs care to stay golden and tangle-free.
- Physical Traits: Loose to tight curls (gold, cream), muscular build, floppy ears—built for gentleness with Poodle curl appeal.
- Training Tips: Positive reinforcement—they’re eager and smart; use treats to guide their gentle energy. Early socialization keeps them social.
- Adaptability: Flexible—yards or homes with exercise; apartments work with big play and mental fun.
- Social Behavior: Loves family, friendly with all—gentle giants who bond deep and charm with curly grace.
- AKC Ranking: Not AKC-recognized (Golden #3, Poodle #8)
- Why They’re Loved: Goldendoodles bring Golden’s gentle love and Poodle’s curly smarts—perfect for families who adore a soft, low-shedding pal!
- Did You Know?: They’re therapy dog stars—curly comfort champs!
3. Cockapoo 🐔
- History: Bred in the U.S. in the 1960s—crossing a Cocker Spaniel and Poodle for a small, curly companion, they’ve been loved for decades.
- Height: 10-15 inches
- Weight: 6-19 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
- Temperament: Playful, affectionate, smart—curly charmers with a cheerful edge.
- Care Requirements: 30-60 minutes of exercise—walks or play keep them content; they’re active but not hyper.
- Grooming Needs: Brush 2-3 times weekly, clip every 6-8 weeks—curly coat sheds little, needs care to stay soft and mat-free.
- Physical Traits: Tight curls (various colors), small frame, floppy ears—built for cuddles with Cocker-Poodle flair.
- Training Tips: Positive rewards—they’re eager and clever; use treats to focus their playful smarts. Early socialization boosts friendliness.
- Adaptability: Apartment aces—small and cozy anywhere; they adapt with love and playtime.
- Social Behavior: Loves family, friendly with all—cheerful pals who bond tight and charm with curly antics.
- AKC Ranking: Not AKC-recognized (Cocker #30, Poodle #8)
- Why They’re Loved: Cockapoos bring Cocker’s cheer and Poodle’s curly smarts—perfect for those who adore a tiny, low-shedding companion!
- Did You Know?: They’re one of the first designer breeds—curly pioneer champs!
4. Schnoodle 🧔
- History: Bred in the U.S. in the 1980s—crossing a Schnauzer and Poodle for a curly, smart guard dog, they’ve grown into family favorites.
- Height: 10-26 inches (varies by Schnauzer size)
- Weight: 20-75 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 10-15 years
- Temperament: Loyal, alert, playful—curly watchdogs with a bold heart.
- Care Requirements: 45-60 minutes of exercise—walks or play keep them fit; they need action to match their spirited nature.
- Grooming Needs: Brush 2-3 times weekly, clip every 6-8 weeks—curly or wavy coat sheds little, needs care to stay wiry and neat.
- Physical Traits: Wiry curls (gray, black), sturdy build, bearded face—built for alertness with Schnauzer-Poodle grit.
- Training Tips: Firm, positive—they’re sharp but bold; use rewards to guide their assertive energy. Early socialization curbs wariness.
- Adaptability: Flexible—apartments or yards with play; they adapt with space and tasks.
- Social Behavior: Loves family, wary of strangers—bold protectors who bond tight and charm with curly flair.
- AKC Ranking: Not AKC-recognized (Schnauzer #19, Poodle #8)
- Why They’re Loved: Schnoodles bring Schnauzer’s bold loyalty and Poodle’s curly smarts—perfect for those who adore a feisty, low-shedding pal!
- Did You Know?: They’re nicknamed “teddy bear dogs”—curly cuddle champs!
5. Sheepadoodle 🐑
- History: Bred in the U.S. in the 1990s—crossing an Old English Sheepdog and Poodle for a curly, gentle giant, they’ve surged in love since.
- Height: 22-28 inches
- Weight: 60-80 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
- Temperament: Gentle, smart, playful—curly cuddlers with a soft, protective edge.
- Care Requirements: 60-90 minutes of exercise—walks or play keep them happy; they love action and bonding time.
- Grooming Needs: Brush 2-3 times weekly, clip every 8 weeks—curly or shaggy coat sheds little, needs care to stay plush and mat-free.
- Physical Traits: Shaggy curls (black/white), broad chest, droopy eyes—built for gentleness with Sheepdog-Poodle charm.
- Training Tips: Positive, gentle—they’re eager and smart; use treats to guide their playful energy. Early socialization boosts friendliness.
- Adaptability: Needs space—yards or big homes; apartments strain with limited playtime.
- Social Behavior: Loves family, friendly with all—gentle giants who bond deep and charm with curly softness.
- AKC Ranking: Not AKC-recognized (Sheepdog #74, Poodle #8)
- Why They’re Loved: Sheepadoodles bring Sheepdog’s gentle love and Poodle’s curly smarts—perfect for families who adore a big, low-shedding pal!
- Did You Know?: They’re called “sheepie-poos”—curly teddy champs!
6. Maltipoo 🧸
- History: Bred in the U.S. in the 1990s—crossing a Maltese and Poodle for a tiny, curly lap dog, they’ve won hearts as plush companions.
- Height: 8-14 inches
- Weight: 4-15 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 10-15 years
- Temperament: Affectionate, playful, gentle—curly cuddlers with a sweet heart.
- Care Requirements: 20-30 minutes of play—indoor fun or short walks keep them content; they’re gentle but spry.
- Grooming Needs: Brush 2-3 times weekly, clip every 6-8 weeks—curly or wavy coat sheds little, needs care to stay soft and plush.
- Physical Traits: Soft curls (white, cream), tiny frame, round eyes—built for cuddles with Maltese-Poodle charm.
- Training Tips: Positive rewards—they’re eager and smart; use treats to guide their gentle energy. Early socialization boosts friendliness.
- Adaptability: Apartment stars—small and cozy anywhere; they thrive in laps with love.
- Social Behavior: Loves family, friendly with all—sweet pals who bond tight and charm with curly softness.
- AKC Ranking: Not AKC-recognized (Maltese #37, Poodle #8)
- Why They’re Loved: Maltipoos bring Maltese’s gentle love and Poodle’s curly smarts—perfect for those who adore a tiny, low-shedding lap pal!
- Did You Know?: They’re called “teddy bear pups”—curly plush champs!
7. Cavapoo 🐻
- History: Bred in the U.S. in the 1990s—crossing a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle for a curly, gentle companion, they’ve soared in love since.
- Height: 9-14 inches
- Weight: 7-18 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 10-15 years
- Temperament: Gentle, affectionate, playful—curly cuddlers with a royal heart.
- Care Requirements: 30-45 minutes of exercise—walks or play keep them content; they’re gentle but active.
- Grooming Needs: Brush 2-3 times weekly, clip every 6-8 weeks—curly or wavy coat sheds little, needs care to stay soft and neat.
- Physical Traits: Loose curls (various colors), small frame, big eyes—built for cuddles with Cavalier-Poodle charm.
- Training Tips: Positive rewards—they’re eager and smart; use treats to channel their gentle energy. Early socialization boosts friendliness.
- Adaptability: Apartment aces—small and cozy anywhere; they adapt with love and playtime.
- Social Behavior: Loves family, friendly with all—gentle pals who bond tight and charm with curly grace.
- AKC Ranking: Not AKC-recognized (Cavalier #15, Poodle #8)
- Why They’re Loved: Cavapoos bring Cavalier’s royal love and Poodle’s curly smarts—perfect for those who adore a gentle, low-shedding companion!
- Did You Know?: They’re nicknamed “cavoodle”—curly cuddle champs!
8. Aussiedoodle 🌾
- History: Bred in the U.S. in the 2000s—crossing an Australian Shepherd and Poodle for a curly, energetic herder, they’ve gained fans fast.
- Height: 20-23 inches
- Weight: 40-70 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 10-13 years
- Temperament: Energetic, smart, loyal—curly herders with a playful edge.
- Care Requirements: 90 minutes of exercise—runs, agility, or play keep them buzzing; they need action to match their herding spirit.
- Grooming Needs: Brush 2-3 times weekly, clip every 6-8 weeks—curly or wavy coat sheds little, needs care to stay vibrant and tangle-free.
- Physical Traits: Wavy to tight curls (merle, solid), muscular build, alert ears—built for herding with Aussie-Poodle flair.
- Training Tips: Positive, engaging—they’re sharp and eager; use tasks to channel their energy and smarts. Early socialization curbs wariness.
- Adaptability: Needs space—yards or trails; apartments strain without big exercise and mental fun.
- Social Behavior: Loves family, friendly with strangers—playful herders who bond tight and charm with curly energy.
- AKC Ranking: Not AKC-recognized (Aussie #10, Poodle #8)
- Why They’re Loved: Aussiedoodles bring Aussie’s herding zip and Poodle’s curly smarts—perfect for active folks who adore a lively, low-shedding pal!
- Did You Know?: They’re called “Einstein dogs”—curly brain champs!
9. Bernedoodle 🏔️
- History: Bred in the U.S. in the 2000s—crossing a Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle for a curly, gentle giant, they’ve won hearts as plush pals.
- Height: 23-29 inches
- Weight: 70-90 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
- Temperament: Gentle, loyal, playful—curly cuddlers with a mountain heart.
- Care Requirements: 60-90 minutes of exercise—walks or play keep them happy; they need action but love chill time too.
- Grooming Needs: Brush 2-3 times weekly, clip every 8 weeks—curly or wavy coat sheds little, needs care to stay plush and mat-free.
- Physical Traits: Shaggy curls (tri-color often), sturdy build, gentle eyes—built for gentleness with Berner-Poodle charm.
- Training Tips: Positive, gentle—they’re eager and smart; use treats to guide their playful energy. Early socialization boosts friendliness.
- Adaptability: Needs space—yards or big homes; apartments strain with limited playtime. Cool climates suit them best.
- Social Behavior: Loves family, friendly with all—gentle giants who bond deep and charm with curly softness.
- AKC Ranking: Not AKC-recognized (Berner #22, Poodle #8)
- Why They’re Loved: Bernedoodles bring Berner’s gentle love and Poodle’s curly smarts—perfect for families who adore a big, low-shedding pal!
- Did You Know?: They’re nicknamed “Berner-poos”—curly mountain champs!
Why These Curly Hybrids Shine in 2025
With hybrid trends spiking and X raving about “curly cuties,” these breeds fit the moment—unique blends, low-shedding curls, and boundless charm make them 2025’s top picks for curl-loving homes!
✨ Your Pick!
Which curly hybrid won your heart? Labradoodle’s playful bounce? Maltipoo’s plush cuddles? Drop your fave in the comments—share your stories or dream pup! Tag a friend and let’s get this curly party barking! 🐾
