Of the hundreds of different breeds of dogs, there are actually only seven different types of dog coats (or phenotypes)- three of which are curly.
And that it wasn’t until the summer of 2010 that scientists found out exactly what it is that makes a dog’s coat curly.
Most of this article is devoted to introducing you to eleven different dog breeds that have curly ears.
But before we get to that, I want to talk more generally about curly haired dogs.
[2] Cocker Spaniel
Did you know that this dog was the most popular breed of dog in America for eighteen years from 1935 to 1953?
That’s news to me as well.
Immortalised in the film Lady and the Tramp, Lady was a Cocker Spaniel. Other famous names to have had their hearts stolen by a Cocker include George Clooney and Oprah Winfrey.
Known to be playful, faithful and highly affectionate, it must be the pairing of those large round eyes and those long ears that melt our hearts.
And that beautiful coat which is sometimes wavy and sometimes straight needs almost daily attention to keep it at is silky best.
And they are a small dog, with an adult male weighing up to 30 lbs and standing tall at around 15 inches.
But what they lack in physical size, they make up for in their physical needs.
A cocker isn’t a couch potato- although they love nothing more than being with their owner, they need lots of exercise.
[6] King Charles Spaniel:
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, or King Charles Spaniel for short, is very similar to its cousin, the Cocker Spaniel.
King Charles Spaniels are characterized by their sweet faces and big eyes.
This dog has one of the “loosest” curls of any on my list.
Curls that are as “loose” as this have quite a messy look.
And these curls are on their ears and around the stomach and tail of a Cavalier.
Their coats are also very soft and flowy.
Generally, King Charles Spaniels are gentle and affectionate, yet athletic and playful. They are lovely dogs, with a regal air that surrounds them wherever they go.
They were initially bred to be companion lap dogs for royalty, so descendants of ancient King Charles Spaniels still carry that air of aristocracy with them. Since they love to sit, they require little exercise: less than 20 minutes per day.
Generally, a King Charles Spaniel will reach 13 inches (33cm) in height and 18lbs (8kgs) in weight. They also come in various colours: red, red and white, black and tan, and tricolour.
Dogs that have curly ears might require more grooming from the owner, but it’s worth it when you see the awesome pictures down below!
There’s something so cute about seeing a fluffy dog with long and curly fur hanging down on its ears. A dog’s ears are one of those features that really change the appearance of the pet.
FAQ
What kind of dog has curly hair on ears?
American water spaniels are medium-sized dogs, who’re readily recognizable because of their long, curly haired ears and short, thick fur. As a highly sensitive pup, the American water spaniel does demand a lot of attention from his humans.
What is the name of a curly dog?