Description: Curly Coated Retriever
The Curly Coated Retriever is one of the oldest retriever breeds, distinguished by its unique coat of tight, water-resistant curls. Developed in England, this breed was primarily used for hunting upland birds and waterfowl, making it an excellent swimmer and a versatile working dog. Curly Coated Retrievers are known for their intelligence, energetic spirit, and athleticism. They are affectionate and loyal companions, but their independence may make training a bit more challenging compared to other retrievers. These dogs tend to be good-natured with children and fit well into active families. Their minimal grooming needs and low tendency to shed make them appealing for owners seeking a lower-maintenance retriever, but they do require regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy.
Curly Coated Retriever ratings
Properties
The Curly Coated Retriever is a distinctive and versatile breed, well-known for its unique appearance and remarkable retrieving skills. This breed is one of the oldest of the retriever family, originating in England in the early 19th century. The most notable feature of the Curly Coated Retriever is its curly coat, which is dense, water-resistant, and made up of small, tight curls that cover the entire body except for the face and legs. This coat provides excellent protection against harsh weather, cold water, and thick underbrush, making the breed especially well-suited for retrieving game in both land and aquatic environments.
The breed is medium to large in size, with males typically standing 25 to 27 inches at the shoulder and females slightly smaller. They generally weigh between 60 to 95 pounds. Their build is athletic and agile, allowing for great stamina and speed during retrieval tasks. Curly Coated Retrievers are distinguished by their wedge-shaped head, long neck, and deep chest. Their eyes are large and almond-shaped, often reflecting a gentle and intelligent expression.
Temperamentally, the Curly Coated Retriever is known for being independent, intelligent, and confident. They are generally friendly and loving with their families, but they can be slightly more reserved or aloof with strangers compared to other retriever breeds. This makes them reliable watchdogs as well. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them highly trainable, but their independent nature sometimes means they require patient, consistent, and positive training approaches.
This breed is very active, requiring regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and content. They excel in various canine sports and activities, including obedience, agility, hunting, and field trials. Curly Coated Retrievers are also known for their playful, mischievous streak and thrive in environments where they are given plenty of tasks or engagement opportunities. They generally do well with children and other dogs if socialized properly from an early age.
When it comes to health, the Curly Coated Retriever is a robust breed, but it can be predisposed to certain hereditary conditions like hip dysplasia, some types of cancer, and eye issues. Regular check-ups, a balanced diet, and routine exercise contribute to their overall wellbeing. Their special curly coat, while relatively low-maintenance, does shed seasonally and may require occasional trimming and regular brushing to prevent mats and tangles. Overall, the Curly Coated Retriever is a devoted, adaptable companion ideally suited for active families or individuals who appreciate an intelligent and hardworking dog breed.
Appearance
The Curly Coated Retriever is a distinctive and elegant breed, instantly recognizable by its unique curly coat, which sets it apart from other retriever breeds. The breed is medium to large in size, typically standing between 23 to 27 inches (58-69 cm) at the shoulder, with males generally being larger than females. Adult dogs weigh between 60 to 95 pounds (27-43 kg), giving them a well-balanced, athletic build that is slightly longer than it is tall. This combination of size and build makes them perfectly suited for both land and water work, a testament to their heritage as versatile gundogs.
The hallmark of the Curly Coated Retriever is, without a doubt, its distinctive coat. The coat consists of tight, water-resistant curls that cover the body from tail to ears and down the legs, providing natural protection against harsh weather and rough vegetation. The curls are crisp and dense, but should never be woolly, frizzy, or open. Uniquely, the face, forelegs, and feet are covered in smooth, short hair with no curls. This practical and functional coat gives them their characteristic look and helps them perform efficiently in the field.
Curly Coated Retrievers come in two recognized solid colors: black and liver (a rich brown shade). Their expressive, oval-shaped eyes are usually black or brown, complementing their coat color, and the eye rims are tight with a keen, alert expression that exudes confidence and intelligence. The ears are relatively small, set slightly above eye level, and lie close to the head with little feathering, blending seamlessly into the coat.
The head of the Curly Coated Retriever is long and wedge-shaped, with a well-proportioned muzzle that tapers smoothly and gives them a refined look. The nose is prominent, with wide nostrils for excellent scenting ability. The body is deep-chested with well-sprung ribs and a straight back, providing strength and stamina. Their tail is carried straight and covered with curls, in line with the topline but never curled over the back.
Overall, the Curly Coated Retriever combines elegance, athleticism, and practicality, crafted for endurance and efficiency in a variety of terrains. Their unique appearance, blending function with form, is both eye-catching and deeply tied to their working heritage.
History
The Curly Coated Retriever is one of the oldest retriever breeds, with origins tracing back to the 18th century in England. Developed primarily for retrieving game from both water and land, the Curly Coated Retriever is believed to be the result of crossing several breeds, including the now-extinct English Water Spaniel, the Irish Water Spaniel, the Poodle, and perhaps the Newfoundland. These crosses aimed to create a dog with the stamina, intelligence, and resilience needed for demanding hunting tasks, along with a coat that offered protection in cold and wet environments.
The breed's signature tight, crisp curls are its hallmark feature and serve a practical purpose—they provide excellent insulation and water resistance, which were essential for long days spent in the field or marshes during hunting seasons. Early records from the 1800s describe Curly Coated Retrievers as popular among British gamekeepers and hunters, notably for their versatility. Not only were these dogs reliable retrievers, but they were also valued as watchdogs and companions, thanks to their loyal and energetic nature.
The first written standard for the breed appeared in the late 1800s, but the Curly Coated Retriever was already making appearances at dog shows, including the very first dog show in Birmingham, England, in 1859. Their popularity in Britain was substantial throughout the 19th century, and the breed soon found its way to other countries, including Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. The breed was recognized by The Kennel Club (UK) in 1854 and later by the American Kennel Club in 1924.
Despite their capabilities, Curly Coated Retrievers saw a decline in popularity in the early to mid-20th century, particularly as other retriever breeds such as the Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever gained prominence. Nevertheless, dedicated breed enthusiasts have helped preserve this unique breed, promoting its qualities not just as a working dog, but as a loyal family companion. Today, this breed remains relatively rare compared to other retrievers, but their intelligence, athleticism, and distinctive appearance continue to endear them to enthusiasts around the world.
The Curly Coated Retriever stands as a testament to the rich history of British gundogs and remains a striking example of selective breeding aimed at both function and form.