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Breed Characteristics
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Curly-Coated Retriever
| Nicknames | Curly, CCR |
| Country of Origin | Great Britain |
| Weight | 65 - 80 lbs. (29 - 36 kg) |
| Height (at withers) | 25 - 27 in. (63 - 69 cm) |
| Coat | The water-resistant coat very distinct with small, tight curls that cover every part of the body except for the forehead, face, front of forelegs and feet. The coat protects the dog from brambles and icy waters. |
| Colour | Coat colours come in black or liver. The coat may have a small white patch, but it is not desired in the show ring. |
| Litter Size | 6 - 10 puppies, average 8 |
| Life Span | Average life expectancy is 9–14 years, although there are instances of Curlies living to 15 to 17 years of age. |
| Origin & History | 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 descended from the English Water Spaniel, the St. John’s Newfoundland, the retrieving setter, the Poodle and possibly the Irish Water Spaniel and the Labrador. The Curly-Coated Retriever is an excellent hunting companion and gun dog, waterfowl retriever and upland game hunter, with a gentle mouth. They were often used to hunt duck and quail. The breed is pretty rare inside the USA but is more popular in Australia and New Zealand. The first exports to America were in 1907. The Curly-Coated Retriever was recognized by the AKC in 1924. This breed may take some effort to find. Some of the Curly's talents are hunting, tracking, retrieving, watchdog, guarding, agility and competitive obedience. |
| Personality | The Curly-Coated Retriever is easy to get along with, loyal and eager to please. Proud and confident, very intelligent and trainable, be sure to thoroughly obedience train your dog starting from puppyhood. They have been used in competitive obedience and agility, but are not as predictable as some other breeds. This is not a breed for everyone. They do not fully mature until they are about three years old and can be willful with meek owners. Make sure you are the dog's firm, but confident, consistent pack leader to bring out the best in its temperament. Proper canine to human communication is essential. The Curly-Coated Retriever is affectionate, loving and excellent with children. The more mental and physical exercise you give it, the calmer it will be. Socialize them well with people and other pets at an early age. Without proper balance in its life, it can be reserved or timid with strangers. 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. They make good watch and even guard dogs if they see the family is threatened. |
Care Requirements
| Health | Known medical issues; Bloat Cancer Cardiac problems Epilepsy Exercise-induced collapse (EIC) Eye problems such as cataracts, corneal dystrophy, distichiasis, entropion, ectropion, or retinal dysplasia Glycogen storage disease (GSD) Hip dysplasia |
| Grooming | The curly coat is easy to care for. Bathe when necessary. Brushing and combing is not recommended as it makes the coat frizzy; if this happens simply wet the coat again and let it air dry. 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. |
| Feeding | An active dog which is also prized for its endurance, the Curly usually needs a high-quality food. Some breeders feed a natural diet, consisting of meat and vegetables. Others feed good quality commercial dog foods. |
| Exercise | The Curly-Coated Retriever is a high-energy, but also very intelligent dog that needs a lot of exercise, both mental and physical, preferably involving swimming and retrieving. It needs to be taken on a daily long brisk walk, or jog, where the dog is made to heel beside or behind the human holding the lead, as in a dog's mind the leader leads the way and that leader needs to be the humans. |
| Other Considerations | The Curly-Coated Retriever is not recommended for apartment life. It does 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. |
