Dog Breeds - Curly Coated Retriever

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
The level of affection a breed displays towards family members and individuals they are familiar with can vary. Certain breeds may exhibit aloofness towards everyone other than their owner, while others tend to treat anyone they know as their closest friend.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
The level of tolerance and patience a breed demonstrates towards children's behavior, as well as its overall family-friendly nature, can vary. It is crucial to always supervise dogs in the presence of young children or children of any age who have limited exposure to dogs.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
The general level of friendliness a breed exhibits towards other dogs can vary. While it's important to supervise and carefully introduce dogs to one another, certain breeds tend to have a natural inclination to get along with other dogs, both within their home environment and in public settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
The amount of fur and hair that a breed is likely to leave behind can vary. Breeds with high shedding tendencies typically require more frequent brushing and their shedding may potentially trigger specific types of allergies. Moreover, they may necessitate more consistent efforts in terms of vacuuming and lint-rolling to manage the presence of loose hairs.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
The frequency of bathing, brushing, trimming and other forms of coat maintenance can differ among breeds. When considering the grooming needs of a breed, it's important to factor in the amount of time, patience, and budget you have available for such care. Regular nail trimming is necessary for all breeds.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
The tendency of a breed to drool can vary. If you have a preference for cleanliness, breeds that have a propensity to leave trails of slobber on your arm or create large wet spots on your clothing may not be the most suitable choice for you.
COAT TYPE +
Double, Curly
COAT LENGTH +
Short

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
The level of welcoming a breed is towards strangers can vary. Certain breeds tend to be cautious or reserved around unfamiliar individuals, regardless of the setting, while others are generally enthusiastic about meeting new people whenever they are around.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
The degree of enthusiasm a breed displays towards play can vary even beyond puppyhood. Some breeds maintain a strong desire to engage in play activities like tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years. Meanwhile, other breeds may be content with spending most of their time relaxing on the couch alongside you.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
Certain breeds have a higher tendency to alert their owners when strangers are present. These breeds are more likely to react to any perceived threat, whether it's the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. However, they are also likely to become more comfortable with strangers who enter the house and are welcomed by their family.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
The ability of a breed to handle change can vary. Some breeds adapt well to changes in living conditions, noise, weather, daily schedules, and other variations in day-to-day life. They tend to be more versatile and flexible in adjusting to new circumstances. On the other hand, certain breeds may be more sensitive or resistant to change requiring a more gradual transition and consistent routines to maintain their comfort and well-being.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
The ease of training and the willingness of a dog to learn new things can vary by breed. Some breeds are naturally inclined to please their owners and are eager to learn making them generally easier to train. They are motivated by rewards and enjoy the mental stimulation of training sessions. In contrast, other breeds may have a more independent or stubborn nature preferring to do things on their own terms. Training these breeds may require additional patience, consistency, and finding the right motivation that resonates with them.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
The exercise and mental stimulation required by different breeds vary. High-energy breeds exhibit readiness and enthusiasm for their upcoming adventures, engaging in activities such as running, jumping, and playing throughout the day. Conversely, low-energy breeds resemble couch potatoes, content to laze around and snooze.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
The exercise and mental stimulation required by a specific breed differ. High-energy breeds exhibit readiness and eagerness for their next exciting escapade spending their days engaged in running, jumping, and playful activities. Conversely, low-energy breeds resemble couch potatoes content with leisurely lounging and snoozing.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
Determining the level of mental stimulation required by different breeds to maintain their overall well-being and happiness is crucial. Dogs that have been bred for specific purposes often possess skills that entail decision-making, problem-solving, and concentration. When these intelligent breeds lack sufficient mental stimulation, they tend to take matters into their own paws and create their own activities to keep their minds occupied. However, these self-initiated projects might not align with your preferences. Therefore, it's important to provide appropriate brain exercises to prevent any undesirable and potentially mischievous endeavors.

COLORS

PATTERNS

CARING WITH FAMILY

Independent

Lovey-Dovey

The level of affection a breed displays towards family members and individuals they are familiar with can vary. Certain breeds may exhibit aloofness towards everyone other than their owner, while others tend to treat anyone they know as their closest friend.

LOVE WITH CHILDREN

Unwise

Good With Children

The level of tolerance and patience a breed demonstrates towards children's behavior, as well as its overall family-friendly nature, can vary. It is crucial to always supervise dogs in the presence of young children or children of any age who have limited exposure to dogs.

BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS

Unwise

Good With Other Dogs

The general level of friendliness a breed exhibits towards other dogs can vary. While it's important to supervise and carefully introduce dogs to one another, certain breeds tend to have a natural inclination to get along with other dogs, both within their home environment and in public settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT

No Shedding

Hair Everywhere

The amount of fur and hair that a breed is likely to leave behind can vary. Breeds with high shedding tendencies typically require more frequent brushing and their shedding may potentially trigger specific types of allergies. Moreover, they may necessitate more consistent efforts in terms of vacuuming and lint-rolling to manage the presence of loose hairs.

COAT GROOMING STANDARDS

Monthly

Daily

The frequency of bathing, brushing, trimming and other forms of coat maintenance can differ among breeds. When considering the grooming needs of a breed, it's important to factor in the amount of time, patience, and budget you have available for such care. Regular nail trimming is necessary for all breeds.

DROOLING INTENSITY

Less Likely to Drool

Always Have a Towel

The tendency of a breed to drool can vary. If you have a preference for cleanliness, breeds that have a propensity to leave trails of slobber on your arm or create large wet spots on your clothing may not be the most suitable choice for you.

COAT STYLES GUIDE

Double, Curly

COAT SPECTRUM

Short

FRIENDLINESS

Reserved

Everyone Is My Best Friend

The level of welcoming a breed is towards strangers can vary. Certain breeds tend to be cautious or reserved around unfamiliar individuals, regardless of the setting, while others are generally enthusiastic about meeting new people whenever they are around.

LIVELINESS

Only When You Want To Play

Non-Stop

The degree of enthusiasm a breed displays towards play can vary even beyond puppyhood. Some breeds maintain a strong desire to engage in play activities like tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years. Meanwhile, other breeds may be content with spending most of their time relaxing on the couch alongside you.

VIGILANCE INTENSITY

What's Mine Is Yours

Vigilant

Certain breeds have a higher tendency to alert their owners when strangers are present. These breeds are more likely to react to any perceived threat, whether it's the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. However, they are also likely to become more comfortable with strangers who enter the house and are welcomed by their family.

ADAPTATION CAPACITY

Lives For Routine

Highly Adaptable

The ability of a breed to handle change can vary. Some breeds adapt well to changes in living conditions, noise, weather, daily schedules, and other variations in day-to-day life. They tend to be more versatile and flexible in adjusting to new circumstances. On the other hand, certain breeds may be more sensitive or resistant to change requiring a more gradual transition and consistent routines to maintain their comfort and well-being.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL

Self-Willed

Eager to Please

The ease of training and the willingness of a dog to learn new things can vary by breed. Some breeds are naturally inclined to please their owners and are eager to learn making them generally easier to train. They are motivated by rewards and enjoy the mental stimulation of training sessions. In contrast, other breeds may have a more independent or stubborn nature preferring to do things on their own terms. Training these breeds may require additional patience, consistency, and finding the right motivation that resonates with them.

STAMINA LEVEL

Couch Potato

High Energy

The exercise and mental stimulation required by different breeds vary. High-energy breeds exhibit readiness and enthusiasm for their upcoming adventures, engaging in activities such as running, jumping, and playing throughout the day. Conversely, low-energy breeds resemble couch potatoes, content to laze around and snooze.

VOCALIZATION

Only To Alert

Very Vocal

Medium

LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL

Happy to Lounge

Needs a Job or Activity

Determining the level of mental stimulation required by different breeds to maintain their overall well-being and happiness is crucial. Dogs that have been bred for specific purposes often possess skills that entail decision-making, problem-solving, and concentration. When these intelligent breeds lack sufficient mental stimulation, they tend to take matters into their own paws and create their own activities to keep their minds occupied. However, these self-initiated projects might not align with your preferences. Therefore, it's important to provide appropriate brain exercises to prevent any undesirable and potentially mischievous endeavors.

COLORS

Description	Registration Code
Black	007
Liver	123

PATTERNS

About The Breed

Known for its impressive versatility and exceptional swimming abilities, the Curly-Coated Retriever holds a special place as one of the oldest retriever breeds. This breed's distinctive feature includes tight, crisp curls in either black or liver, creating a resilient coat that offers protection against water and thorns, making it ideal for navigating dense vegetation and icy lakes in any weather conditions. Despite being a robust gun dog, the Curly-Coated Retriever exudes an elegant and graceful demeanor that sets it apart from other retrievers. One noticeable characteristic that distinguishes Curlies from their counterparts is their tapered, wedge-shaped head.

Similar to Labradors and Golden Retrievers, Curlies are known for their affectionate and gentle nature albeit displaying a slightly more independent and less demanding personality. While they enjoy playful and mischievous moments with their loved ones, they may exhibit an aloof demeanor towards strangers. It is this cautiousness that makes them excellent watchdogs, as they exercise discernment compared to the more sociable retrievers. Given their tireless nature, Curlies require ample outdoor exercise to stay content. Lack of mental and physical stimulation can make them high-maintenance companions as bored and underemployed Curlies can prove to be quite a handful.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CARING FOR A CURLY-COATED RETRIEVER

Holding the title of a dog owner is not just a luxury. It’s a critical responsibility. They require from us the basics - food and shelter at a minimum but they are worthy of so much more. Welcoming a dog into your life necessitates an understanding of the depth of commitment involved in caring for a pet.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Curly Coated Retriever: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	Curlies, for the most part, are considered a healthy breed. Responsible breeders have shown great dedication in conducting thorough screenings for hip, eye, and heart conditions to ensure the overall health of their dogs. However, it is important to note that there are certain concerns regarding cancer within the breed. Additionally, Curlies have been found to be susceptible to gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV), a serious and potentially fatal condition that affects the stomach and is commonly known as bloat. As owners, it is crucial to stay vigilant and informed about the symptoms and be prepared to take prompt action if such a situation arises. Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association: Hip Evaluation Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC) - DNA Test Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Cone-Rod Dystrophy 4 (crd4/cord1) (PRA-crd4/cord1) - DNA Test Glycogen Storage Disease IIIa (GSDIIIa) - DNA Test Cardiac Exam Ophthalmologist Evaluation

Grooming

	The Curly-Coated Retriever is unique in that it lacks an undercoat. As a result, female Curlies typically go through a shedding phase approximately every six months during which they may shed a substantial amount of hair. Outside of their coat season, female Curlies may appear relatively bare. To manage shedding, it is recommended to use a rake-type grooming tool with metal prongs to effectively remove dead hair. Some owners prefer to scissor down the coat after using the grooming tool. Interestingly, the majority of Curly-Coated Retriever owners do not brush their dogs to prevent frizzing of the coat. Instead, a simple wet-down and air-dry routine can be employed, which often enhances the natural curls. Bathing requirements for this breed are not frequent, as with most dogs. However, regular nail trimming is necessary for proper grooming, as is true for all breeds.

Exercise

	Curlies indeed require a considerable amount of exercise, but they also excel at unwinding and relaxing in the comfort of their homes. The size of their living space is not a critical factor as long as they have the companionship of their owner and receive sufficient exercise. Living with a Curly-Coated Retriever is generally easy and enjoyable, especially when they have received proper basic training to establish good manners. While they have a fondness for the outdoors, they are equally content spending quality time indoors with their human companions. However, it's worth noting that they are not well-suited to being left alone for extended periods of time, as they thrive on human interaction and companionship.

Training

	When it comes to training a Curly-Coated Retriever, the owner must find the right balance between firmness and kindness. Being too harsh can cause the dog to become fearful, while being too lenient or unclear can lead to a lack of attention. These intelligent dogs require an owner who can outsmart them in a sense. In training, it is beneficial to avoid excessive repetition, as it can result in boredom and decreased interest from the dog. Making the learning experience enjoyable is crucial. The objective is to ensure that the Curly-Coated Retriever finds pleasure in the training sessions. While some Curlies excel in obedience training, others may lose interest due to the repetitive nature of certain exercises. Considering fieldwork training, it is important to approach it with knowledge and expertise avoiding any rough methods. If you are new to the breed and interested in starting field training, it is advisable to seek out a training group in your area. Observing their methods and techniques beforehand can help you make an informed decision about joining and participating in their training activities.

Nutrition

	Most Curly-Coated Retrievers thrive on a diet consisting of high-quality dry dog food. While some owners choose to supplement with meat or canned food and a few others opt for a raw diet, the majority stick to good-quality dry food. Treats can play a significant role in training, but it's important to exercise moderation to prevent obesity. Educating yourself about safe and suitable human foods for dogs is essential, while also being aware of foods that should be avoided. If you have any concerns regarding your dog's weight or diet, it is always recommended to consult with your veterinarian for professional advice and guidance. They can provide specific recommendations tailored to your dog's individual needs.

Historiography

Curlies are believed to be one of the oldest retriever breeds, whereas retrievers as a group emerged relatively recently in the sporting field compared to spaniels and setters. The introduction of retrievers occurred in the late 1700s when rifle-based wing shooting became viable.

The origins of the Curly-Coated Retriever can be traced back to England in the 1800s, although there are no written records detailing its earliest history. Based on educated assumptions, it is widely believed that the Curly descended from two now-extinct breeds: the English Water Spaniel and the Retrieving Setter. It is also presumed that the Curly's ancestry includes bloodlines from the Irish Water Spaniel and the St. John's Dog, which was a smaller type of Newfoundland. By 1860, thanks to their distinctive appearance and proud demeanor, Curlies gained popularity and were showcased at England's inaugural dog shows.

During the early 1880s, it is said that the Curly was crossed with Poodles to enhance its unique low-shedding curls. The addition of Poodle blood may have also influenced the Curly's graceful carriage and complex personality.

By the end of the 19th century, Curlies had become beloved companions of British sportsmen. They were exported to various countries, including Australia and New Zealand, where they are still highly regarded among hunters for their versatility as all-purpose retrievers, characterized by their steady temperament and gentle mouth.

While the Curly's prominence among retriever breeds has been overshadowed by the immense popularity of Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers, they retain a dedicated following worldwide. The Curly-Coated Retriever was officially included in the AKC Stud Book in 1924.