The Curly Coated Retriever is a rare breed, with only a few hundred registered each year in the United States.
They are an ancient breed, with roots dating back to the 18th century in England.
Their distinctive curly coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
Their friendly, outgoing personalities make them excellent family pets.
Curly Coated Retrievers are highly intelligent and trainable, but they can be stubborn at times.
They thrive on physical and mental stimulation, making them a great fit for active families.
With proper care and attention, a Curly Coated Retriever can live a long and healthy life, up to 12-15 years on average.
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Breed Appearance
The Curly Coated Retriever is a sturdy dog with a unique appearance.
Their coat is one of their most distinguishing features - it's made up of tight, crisp curls that repel water and prevent damage.
A Curly Coated Retriever's body is normally longer than it is tall, giving them a slightly leggy appearance.
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They have strong, muscular hindquarters and rounded, webbed feet.
Their head is wedge-shaped, with strong jaws and a scissor bite.
Their eyes are large and oval-shaped, often green or hazel in color.
The breed comes in two main colors: solid black and solid liver.
Occasional white hairs are permissible, but large white patches are considered a serious fault.
Their nose should be fully pigmented and the same color as their coat.
The Curly Coated Retriever's coat requires minimal grooming, which is a big advantage for busy owners.
Their tail is carried straight and level with the topline when they're moving.
Their ears are small and lie close to the head, slightly above eye level.
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Health
Curly-Coated Retrievers are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be susceptible to certain health conditions. Their life expectancy is around 10-12 years.
Regular check-ups with a veterinarian are essential for maintaining good health and catching any issues early on. This can help prevent and treat common health issues that may affect the breed.
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Some common health issues that may affect Curly-Coated Retrievers include hip dysplasia, eye conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy, ear infections, and skin allergies.
Here are some dog health tips to help keep your Curly-Coated Retriever in top shape:
- Provide a balanced diet and monitor their weight to avoid obesity, which can exacerbate health issues like hip dysplasia.
- Keep up with routine care, such as vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, and regular grooming to maintain their coat and skin health.
- Offer plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them fit and prevent boredom-related behaviors.
- Check their ears regularly for signs of infection and clean them as recommended by your vet.
- Schedule regular veterinary visits for check-ups and early detection of any health concerns.
It's also essential to be aware of the breed's predisposition to certain health conditions, including elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, glycogen storage disease, and gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV).
Exercise
The Curly-coated Retriever is an athletic dog that loves to stay active. They were bred for endurance and athleticism in the field.
A Curly is happiest when it has adequate exercise, mental stimulation, and play. This means you'll need to provide them with plenty of physical and mental challenges to keep them engaged.
They're great for active sports like hunt tests, flyball, and dog agility trials. Curlies love the outdoors, working with people, and activities of any kind.
Swimming is a favorite activity for Curly-coated Retrievers. In fact, the International Encyclopedia of Dogs (1984) notes that "this dog's delight is swimming".
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Daily activities like walking, running, and playing fetch are great for their physical and mental well-being. They also enjoy swimming, which is a fantastic way to burn energy and keep their joints healthy.
To keep your Curly happy and healthy, aim for around two hours of exercise or more per day. This should involve off-lead work, retrieving, swimming, exploring new environments, training, and play with their family.
Care and Maintenance
Curly-Coated Retrievers require regular grooming maintenance to manage their unique coat. This includes brushing their curly coat, which helps to prevent mats and keep their coat in good condition.
You'll need to brush their coat in the Spring and Fall when they start to molt, using a plastic or wooden open-toothed comb. Be gentle and avoid over-brushing, as this can cause the coat to become frizzy.
Bathing your Curly-Coated Retriever is best done during the shedding seasons, as this helps to remove dead hair. Otherwise, it's best to avoid regular baths unless absolutely necessary.
To keep your Curly-Coated Retriever's teeth healthy, brush them at least twice a week. This will help to prevent dental issues and keep their teeth clean.
Checking your Curly-Coated Retriever's ears regularly is also important, as it can help to prevent infections. Trim their nails as soon as they start clicking against the floor to prevent any discomfort.
Remember to provide routine care for your Curly-Coated Retriever, including regular health check-ups to ensure they stay healthy and happy.
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Dog Nutrition
A well-balanced diet is crucial for Curly-Coated Retrievers to thrive. They require the right proportions of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals to maintain their overall health and energy levels.
High-quality dog food that meets their nutrient requirements is essential, especially for active dogs who can benefit from low-fat options to prevent weight gain.
Their regular meals should be consistent, with adult dogs typically fed twice a day. Puppies, on the other hand, may require more frequent feedings to support their growth.
It's essential to monitor their weight and adjust their diet accordingly to prevent overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and associated health issues.
Always ensure fresh water is available, and consult with a veterinarian for personalized advice on the best diet for your dog's individual needs.
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Training
You can train your Curly-Coated Retriever at home using positive reinforcement techniques, as they are smart and generally responsive to training.
Basic dog training commands should be taught early on, and treats like Our Puffs products can be used as rewards during training sessions.
Curly-Coated Retrievers will enjoy training for fun as well as basic manners, and kind, positive-reinforcement based methods will create a faithful and willing companion.
They are easily capable of a variety of dog activities and sports, from traditional gundog work to agility, Rally, and much more.
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Temperament and Personality
The Curly Coated Retriever is a calm and steady breed, making them excellent family pets. They are not overly energetic, but still require sufficient exercise and mental stimulation.
They can be aloof with strangers, but are usually very loyal and affectionate with their owners and family. This is likely due to their origin as a guard dog for Victorian gamekeepers.
These dogs are extremely intelligent, but training can sometimes be difficult as they can easily get bored with repetitive training. Variation in training is key to keeping them engaged.
Curly Coated Retrievers are similar to Labrador and Golden Retrievers in many regards, being easy-going and friendly. They're known for their loyalty and obedience, making training relatively easy.
However, their innate curiosity and low attention span can make training challenging at times. Early socialization is crucial to help them become well-rounded dogs.
A Curly Coated Retriever puppy is an energetic and rambunctious thing, and they have the habit of nipping or chewing at anything they can find. Crate training is often recommended to keep them out of trouble at this formative age.
With the right training and care, the Curly Coated Retriever can make a lovely companion or working dog. They are outdoor dogs, who love to swim, follow scent, explore, and of course, retrieve from land or water.
They can be excitable around the house, but sufficient exercise should keep them calm. Establishing who's boss and delivering consistent obedience training is essential.
Good with children and other pets, this breed will do best with early socialisation. They are a beloved breed among dog enthusiasts worldwide, known for their amiable nature and handsome appearance.
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Similar Breeds
The Curly Coated Retriever is a unique breed, but it's not the only one with its charm. They share some similarities with other breeds like the Labrador and Golden Retrievers, which they resemble facially.
One of the key similarities is their friendly and playful nature, making them great family pets. They're also known for their intelligence and obedience, traits that were highly valued by hunters in Great Britain during the 18th and 19th centuries.
These breeds also share a similar need for exercise and socialization, especially around strangers. A Curly Coated Retriever's reserved nature around strangers makes early socialization all the more important.
If you're considering bringing a Curly Coated Retriever into your family, you should be prepared to provide a substantial amount of daily exercise to keep them happy and healthy.
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Reviews and Pictures
They are a large dog with energy in bucket loads, so don't scrimp on walks. They have a character which is both elegant and goofy, a real joy.
These family friendly, happy dogs are far from being common, they are a breed which is unfortunately dying out. They are a rare find, you'll have to hunt down a breeder and wait for a puppy.
They have a great sense of humour, but be prepared to spend your life explaining that it's not some sort of "doodle"!
Pictures
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The Curly-Coated Retriever is a large breed, and the males can grow to be quite massive. They have a great deal of energy, so it's essential to provide them with plenty of exercise.
These dogs are known for their loving and affectionate nature, making them a great addition to many families. They are also surprisingly calm, especially compared to other retriever breeds.
One thing to be aware of is that they do shed, so they may not be the best choice for those with allergies. On the other hand, their unique appearance and charming personality make them a joy to be around.
As one reviewer noted, they have a great sense of humor, which is just one of the many qualities that make them such wonderful companions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Curly-Coated Retrievers rare?
Yes, Curly-Coated Retrievers are a relatively rare breed, making up a small percentage of AKC registrations. They're a unique and special find, especially for those who encounter them in everyday life.
Do Curly-Coated Retrievers shed a lot?
Curly-Coated Retrievers experience heavy shedding, particularly females, who can become nearly hairless during their bi-annual shedding seasons. This can be a significant consideration for potential owners.
What breeds make a curly-coated retriever?
The Curly-Coated Retriever is believed to have descended from the English Water Spaniel, Retrieving Setter, and possibly the Irish Water Spaniel. Its origins date back to 16th century England.
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