Description

The Curly-Coated Retriever is a large, hardy, athletic retriever with a distinctive crisp curly coat. The thick, black or liver-colored coat of tight curls protects the dog from brambles and icy water. Even the small ears, back of the head, neck and tapering tail are covered with little curls. Only the face, hocks and front of the legs are smooth. The ideal Curly should be agile, graceful, and strong, yet elegant. The body is slightly longer than the height at the withers. The back is strong and level. The limbs are muscular. The head is wedge-shaped - longer than it is wide. The foreface and skull are approximately the same length, with their toplines forming parallel planes when viewed from the side. The muzzle tapers to a well-developed, wide-nostril, dark nose. In black dogs the nose is black and in liver dogs the nose is amber or brown. The teeth should meet in a scissors bite. The smallish ears are pendant. The eyes are either black or chestnut. The tail reaches approximately to the hock and is carried straight.

Origin

The Curly-Coated Retriever is considered to be one of the oldest retriever breeds. It has been used for retrieving as long ago as the late eighteenth century in England, where it was developed. The breed probably resulted from crosses with the Close-Curled English Water Dog, the Old Water Spaniel and the St. John's Newfoundland dog. Some sources suggest the Irish Water Spaniel, the Labrador, and the Poodle. In any case, the Curly is a fine water retriever with a gentle mouth, particularly ideal for duck and quail. He is an excellent hunting companion and gun dog, and his gentle temperament also makes him an outstanding family companion. The Curly-Coated Retriever is quite popular in Australia and New Zealand, but is not well-known in the United States, though the breed was recognized by the AKC in 1924. The first exports to America were in 1907. Even popularity of the Curly in England waned during the 1900's. One theory about its fall in popularity is that several atypical Curlies gave the breed an undeserved reputation as a hard-mouthed retriever, causing newer hunters to choose other retrievers. Those bred are actually quite soft-mouthed. This breed may take some effort to find. Some of the Curly's talents are hunting, tracking, retrieving, watchdogging, guarding, agility, and competitive obedience.

Temperament

The Curly-Coated Retriever is easy to get along with, loyal and eager to please. Proud and confident. Very intelligent and trainable. Clever and mischievous, but sensitive. This breed is not for everyone; they need early, gentle, but firm obedience training. They can do well in competitive obedience and agility but are not as predictable a performer as a Golden Retriever. They like to do things their own way. The Curly-Coated Retriever is affectionate, loving, and excellent with children; however, they may accidentally knock over a toddler. Socialize them well with people and other pets at an early age, as this breed tends to be reserved and even timid with strangers if not properly socialized. A good watchdog who will also protect the family if danger threatens. This breed loves to swim. They make good therapy dogs. Curly-Coated Retrievers make an ideal partner for an active, outdoor-oriented person who also wants a loyal family companion. This breed does not fully mature until it is about three years old.

Height

Height: 25-27 inches (63-69 cm.)

Weight

Weight: 65-80 pounds (29-36 kg.)

Known Health Problems

Prone to hip dysplasia, epilepsy and eye problems.

Conditions for Living

The Curly-Coated Retriever is not recommended for apartment life. They do best with at least a large yard. An eager and tireless land and (especially) water retriever outdoors, but a calm companion indoors. Curlies need to be part of the family and not left alone outside in the yard all day.

Exercise Requirments

The Curly-Coated Retriever is a high-energy dog that needs a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to be truly happy. Preferably involving brisk walk, or jog.

Life Expectancy

About 8-12 years.

Grooming

The curly coat of the Curly-Coated Retriever is easy to care for. It should be washed, but brushing and combing will make the coat frizzy. Wet the coat after grooming to resume the curls. Some minimal scissoring may be desirable to tidy up scraggly hairs. It does need regular brushing during its shedding seasons. This breed is an average shedder.

Group

Gun Dog, AKC Sporting Group