TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Introduction
2. The Evolution of a Dog’s Curly Hair
3. Animals with Curly Hair
4. FAQs
5. Conclusion

INTRODUCTION

Similar to humans, dogs, and other animals can also have different hair textures, like straight or curly. Nonetheless, when it comes to how much they shed, a common myth is that the curlier, the less they shed. This was probably derived from the fact that poodles have low to non-shedding. But puppies can carry low to non-shedding genes from their poodle lines while still having curly or straight hair.

Curly hair may have given some animals an edge, while it may have done the opposite for others. Nonetheless, they’re extremely popular and continue to be so in the years to come. There are some fascinating animals with curly coats that add to their aesthetic look and appeal.

THE EVOLUTION OF A DOG’S CURLY HAIR

Based on a new study, the poodle’s tight curls to the straight fur of a beagle stems from variants in three genes in various combinations. It’s said that modern dog breeds diverged from wolves around 15,000 years ago. Nevertheless, in the past 200 years, selective breeding has created dogs with a range of qualities. 

Curls in animal coats have evolved through the years as mutations and breeding changed.

• Genetic Variation

  Over time, genetic mutations can lead to different types of hair coats. In curly hair dogs, specific genes, such as the KRT71 are responsible for the curliness and texture of the fur.
  
  

• Selective Breeding and Domestication

  As humans started to domesticate wolves into dogs, they bred individual traits selectively, for various purposes, including companionship, hunting, or herding. Curly hair may have been favored because of hypoallergenic qualities, aesthetic reasons, or as protection from the harsh weather. The curly coat in poodles helps trap air that provides warmth and buoyancy.
  
  

• Natural Selection

  Curly coats, in some environments, have advantages in terms of survival. This led to natural selection favoring dogs with curly coats. From generation to generation, these traits became more pronounced in certain dog breeds.
  
  

POPULAR ANIMALS WITH CURLY HAIR

The following are some quirky, popular, and unusual animal breeds with lovely, curly locks. 

1. Poodle

A poodle, whether standard, miniature, or even a toy, is going to have curly hair. Poodles remain one of the most popular dog breeds. Poodles do not shed and are hypoallergenic, making them great for people with allergies. Nevertheless, poodles of all sizes require regular trimming and brushing to prevent their fur getting matted and tangled. 

2. Selkirk Rex Cat

With its distinctive curly fur, the Selkirk cat is a breed that stands out in the feline world. Physically, it’s a medium to large cat with a robust build. The fur is plush and wooly and comes in various colors, with loose unstructured curls that give it a teddy bear appearance. 

3. Mangalica Pig

A breed known for its curly, woolly hair. Often referred affectionately as a ‘sheep-pig’ because of its unique fleece, this pig breed hails from Hungary. Mangalicas are cloaked in curly, thick hair that makes them very suitable to the hair winters of their country. The coat of the Mangalica pig could vary from light blond to a deep, rusty red.

4. American Bashkir Curly Horse

This horse breed captures the imagination with its spiraled, distinctive locks. Moreover, this breed is not only renowned for its unique coat but for its historical significance as well. These horses are beautiful to look at, with a range of curls that could be loose waves to tight ringlets.

5. Airedale Terrier

Bred originally around the factories of Aire, England, this dog breed is sweet and loyal. They can, however, be challenging to train as well. The tight, wiry coats required regular brushing but in general, they only need a haircut a few times a year. 

6. Puli

A Hungarian herding dog, a Puli is a small-medium breed. It’s renowned for its long, corded coat. The long, curly hair forms into dread-lock curls, giving the appearance of a four-legged mop. The coat can be combed out to give a resemblance of a giant puffball or trimmed short. Puli family dogs are obedient and playful.

7. Angora Rabbit

A distinctive breed that’s celebrated for its soft, long, and naturally curly fur. Originally from Ankara, Turkey, these rabbits are a staple in the textile field for centuries. There are three types of Angora Rabbits. 
The French Angora has a silky, dense wool with fewer facial furnishings, thus, it has a more simplified look. The English Angora is covered in fur from the ears to the feet, making them look like fluffy balls. The third type is the Giant Angora, which is the biggest and requires ample grooming.

8. Lincoln Sheep

A spectacle to behold, the Lincoln Sheep boasts of one of the longest and heaviest fleeces among sheep breeds. Furthermore, the wool is not just curly but incredibly shiny as well, giving it a distinctive appearance. The fleece typically comes in shades of white, but there are some with natural-colored, beautiful shades.

9. Curly-Coated Retriever

The curly coat is simply amazing. These dogs are large and sturdy, covered in tight, ringlet curls that do not require much trimming and need not be brushed. A curly-coated retriever is the tallest among the retrievers and can be distinguished easily by the mass of tight curls that cover its body. 

10. Frillback Pigeons

Frillback pigeons are known for their ornate curly feathers. They’re a sight to behold with the most striking feature, which is the curls or fills on the wing shields. They also come in different colors, such as black, red, blue, and white, each adding to their visual appeal.
The physical characteristics are not limited to the curly feathers. They come in different hues, such as red, blue, black, and white. With feathering that extends to their crest, it gives them a somewhat regal appearance. 

11. Bichon Frise

A stuffed toy look-alike. This kind of dog breed is hypoallergenic and does not shed. Bichons are one of the most popular breeds of curly dogs that love spending time with families and are great apartment dogs. They do not require regular grooming and daily brushing to avoid their fluffy coats getting matted. They are great apartment dogs.

12. Irish Water Spaniel

The Irish Water Spaniel has the face of a Cocker Spaniel and the coat and size of a standard poodle. Hypoallergenic, it’s a clown dog with a strong sense of playfulness and boundless energy. The coats contain oil, making them water-repellant. The coat color is a chocate-brown to liver-puce hue with a distinct purple undertone, which is rarely and even not seen in other breeds. 

13. Portuguese Water Dog

Portuguese Water Dogs, although shredders, are hypoallergenic. They are medium-sized dogs bred for corralling fish into nets. The thick coats protect them from frigid water temperatures. Nowadays, these easily trainable and lovable family dogs require daily brushing and an occasional trim to keep hair out of their eyes. 

14. Barbet

Barbets, with long and shaggy hair in different colors, often are spotted with a hair tie or barrette to keep the fur out of their eyes. While they’re low shredders, these playful, friendly dogs should be brushed once a week so their thick fur does not tangle or mat. These clever pups love swimming and they should also be kept exercised and busy.

15. Labradoodles

FAQs

1) Why are there curly-haired animals?

In animals, curly hair typically comes from genetic mutations, which alter the hair structure. 

2) Are there curly-haired horses?

Although there is no horse breed known only for curly coats, some horses across different breeds sometimes develop curls, particularly during winter, which helps insulate their bodies.

3) Are there birds with curly feathers?

Yes. Some birds have curly feathers. While these feathers may affect their flying ability, they add unique beauty and appeal to their appearance.

4) Can cats have naturally curly hair?

Cats with curls are a unique and fascinating breed. The distinct coats set them apart from other feline breeds. 

5) Are there curly-haired rabbits?

Yes. One fine example is the Angora Rabbit as mentioned above.

6) What is the use of a curly-haired horse?

Curly-haired horses are versatile and can be used for different purposes, such as ranch work, endurance riding, trail riding, and many more. They are also considered therapy horses because of their calm and gentle nature.

CONCLUSION

Curly-haired animals are beautiful to look at, particularly dogs. It adds to their appeal and charm. It’s interesting to note that some animals, just like humans, have curly hair as well. To find out more on how to care and groom curly hair, there are many reasons on the web.