Curly-Coated Retriever

The history of the Curly-Coated Retriever breed stretches back centuries, and it’s considered one of the oldest among all retrievers. The exact origins of the Curly are shrouded in mystery, but the main theories point to Great Britain as the breed’s homeland. It’s believed that Curly-Coated Retrievers were specifically bred for waterfowling, so breeders aimed to combine and solidify the qualities of hardy and efficient water dogs in them. Among the likely ancestors of the Curly are the now-extinct Old English Water Spaniel, as well as the Irish Water Spaniel, from which the Curly might have inherited its distinctive curly coat and love for water. There are also suggestions of a mix with the blood of the smaller St. John’s water dog, an ancestor of many retrievers including the popular Golden Retriever, and perhaps even a Poodle to improve coat texture and intelligence.

The first mentions of dogs resembling modern Curly-Coated Retrievers date back to the 16th century. They were valued for their stamina, ability to work in cold water, and their thick, protective coat. By the early 19th century, the breed was quite well-established. In 1854, the Curly-Coated Retriever was officially recognised by the English Kennel Club, which attests to its popularity and stable breed characteristics. By the late 19th century, these curly-coated water hunters began to spread beyond Britain, making their way to America and Australia, and later gaining popularity in continental Europe. Interestingly, in Australia and New Zealand, Curlys became extremely popular as versatile hunting dogs and companions, and their population there remains significant to this day. Despite their ancient history and unique qualities, the Curly-Coated Retriever is a relatively rare breed today, especially compared to other retrievers like the Labrador or Golden.

The main distinguishing feature of Curly-Coated Retrievers is their unique coat. It consists of a mass of small, tight, springy curls that lie close to the body, forming a continuous covering. To the touch, this coat may feel somewhat harsh, but it’s incredibly effective at protecting the dog from cold water, thorny vegetation, and harsh weather. An important characteristic is that the coat has natural water-repellent properties thanks to its structure and oily lubrication. However, despite this, such a dense coat can take quite a while to dry after a long swim, so it’s important to provide the dog with a warm place to dry off.

The breed standard recognises two classic coat colours for the Curly-Coated Retriever: black and liver (a deep dark brown, resembling the colour of raw liver). Both colours should be solid and rich. Occasionally, dogs may have small white markings on their chest, but these are undesirable for show specimens. The hair on the muzzle, front of the legs, and paws is usually shorter and smoother, without pronounced curls.

The Curly-Coated Retriever’s head has a characteristic wedge shape, where the length of the skull is approximately equal to the length of the muzzle. The transition from the forehead to the muzzle (stop) is smooth, not abrupt. The muzzle is strong, not pointed. The eyes are quite large, oval-shaped, and set slightly obliquely. Eye colour should harmonise with the coat colour: in black dogs, from dark brown to black; in liver dogs, from brown to hazel. The ears are small, teardrop-shaped, lie close to the head, are set slightly above the eye level, and are covered with fine curls. The neck is strong, muscular, of medium length, without a dewlap. The body is well-balanced, with a deep chest and a moderately tucked-up abdomen. The back is straight and strong. The tail is a continuation of the topline, of medium length, gradually tapering to the end, and also covered with curls, although they may be less pronounced than on the body. The limbs are straight, strong, with well-developed musculature, providing the dog with powerful drive and stamina.

The Curly-Coated Retriever is a breed with a multifaceted character. A distinctive trait of this energetic and hardworking dog is a certain inclination towards independence and self-reliance in decision-making. They might appear somewhat thoughtful before performing a task or “lost in thought” during downtime. If your beloved pet is engrossed in their canine dreams, it’s best not to disturb them without urgent need; allow the dog to calmly ponder life. This trait is sometimes interpreted as stubbornness, but in reality, it’s a manifestation of their intelligence and ability to analyse situations.

Otherwise, Curly Retrievers are active, cheerful, and persistent companions. They are very devoted to their family but can be somewhat reserved and wary with strangers, which makes them decent watchdogs, although aggression is not characteristic of them. Curlys need maximum interaction with their owner and family members. They do not cope well with prolonged solitude; feeling a lack of attention, they can become sad, destructive, or excessively noisy. These are dogs that thrive in close human contact.

Curly-Coated Retrievers generally get along well with children, especially if raised together. However, given their energy and size, it’s important to teach children how to interact properly with the dog, and the dog to be gentle during play with youngsters. With other household pets, Curlys usually coexist peacefully, especially if socialisation begins at an early age. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them capable learners, but their independence requires a patient, consistent, and positive approach to training. They don’t respond best to harsh methods; methods based on encouragement and play will be far more effective. Similar to other intelligent breeds, such as the Pumi, Curlys require not only physical but also mental stimulation for harmonious development.

The Curly-Coated Retriever is generally considered a fairly hardy and robust dog, capable of spending long periods in cold water and performing strenuous physical work without harm to its health. However, like many other purebred dogs, Curlys are prone to certain genetically predisposed conditions. One of the most common issues in large dogs, including the Curly-Coated Retriever, is hip and elbow dysplasia. This is a developmental abnormality of the joints that can lead to pain, lameness, and arthritis. It’s crucial to choose a puppy from parents who have undergone relevant tests and are free from dysplasia.

The breed also experiences some eye conditions, which include:

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): a degenerative disease leading to gradual vision loss.
• Cataracts: clouding of the lens that can impair vision.
• Distichiasis/Trichiasis: abnormal eyelash growth that can irritate the cornea.
• Entropion/Ectropion: inward or outward rolling of the eyelids.

Genetic inheritance creates a predisposition for potential epilepsy – a neurological disorder characterised by recurrent seizures. While not as common, potential owners should be aware of this risk. Another rare but serious condition that can affect Curlys is Glycogen Storage Disease Type IIIa, which impacts liver and muscle function. Genetic tests are available to identify carriers of this disease.

It’s also worth noting potential skin and coat problems, especially if grooming is insufficient, and the risk of bloat (gastric torsion), which is characteristic of large, deep-chested dogs. Therefore, when choosing a Curly-Coated Retriever puppy, don’t hesitate to inquire about the health of its parents and ancestors, and ask to see the results of genetic tests and screenings. Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, adequate physical exercise, and responsible care will help maintain your beloved pet’s health at a high level.

Like all large and active dogs, the Curly-Coated Retriever needs plenty of space to live. The ideal option for them would be a private house with a large, securely fenced garden where they can run and play freely. Apartment living is possible, but only if sufficient daily long walks and intensive physical exercise are provided. They also need regular access to water, as swimming is one of this hunter’s favourite pastimes. Never leave a Curly alone all day; even a large garden won’t interest them without the opportunity for interaction with their owner and family.

Special attention will need to be paid to caring for your pet’s unique curly coat. Fortunately, the Curly-Coated Retriever’s dense coat doesn’t shed excessively, usually on a seasonal basis (spring and autumn). The main care involves not so much brushing with a brush, but rather periodically untangling mats with your fingers and removing dead hair. Frequent brushing with a brush can damage the structure of the curls, making the coat fluffy and less protective. It’s recommended to moisten the coat before grooming with a special spray or simply water.

You should bathe your Curly-Coated Retriever in warm water as needed, using a mild dog shampoo. When bathing, gently separate the numerous curls with your fingers to wash them down to the skin. After bathing, the coat should be blotted dry with a towel and allowed to air dry naturally. Some owners opt for clipping, especially in warmer weather or to facilitate grooming, but for show dogs, a natural coat appearance is mandatory.

Other aspects of care include regular ear checks and cleaning (as their shape promotes the accumulation of dirt and moisture, which can lead to infections), nail trimming as needed (usually every 3-4 weeks), and dental care (regular brushing with a special brush and toothpaste to prevent tartar buildup and gum disease).

Since the Curly is a very intelligent, quick-witted, but also quite independent dog, its training can have certain peculiarities. This dog won’t blindly follow commands if it doesn’t understand their purpose or if the training seems boring and monotonous. Training can be complicated by the pet’s natural stubbornness, especially if the owner isn’t an authority figure to them. Training your beloved pet should begin as early as possible, from the first days a puppy arrives in your home. It’s crucial to patiently and consistently repeat commands, using positive reinforcement – praise, treats, and play.

Even if your Curly-Coated Retriever has no intention of resisting training, they may sometimes ignore commands due to their natural “dreaminess” or distraction by something more interesting. It’s important to engage the dog, making sessions varied and exciting. Short but regular training sessions will be more effective than long and exhausting ones. Training is absolutely essential for the Curly-Coated Retriever because it allows them not only to learn rules of behaviour but also to utilise their immense energy and intellectual potential.

Early and comprehensive socialisation is key to raising a balanced and confident Curly-Coated Retriever. Introduce your puppy to various people, sounds, places, and other animals (after appropriate vaccinations). This will help them grow into a calm and well-adjusted dog that won’t display excessive shyness or aggression. These active and clever dogs greatly benefit from engaging in various canine sports, such as agility, obedience, flyball, as well as participating in field trials or retrieve competitions (working tests). This allows them not only to maintain excellent physical condition but also to satisfy their natural instincts. Compared to other retrievers, for example, the Flat-Coated Retriever or the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, the Curly might require a bit more patience and inventiveness in training due to their independent streak.

Comparative Activity Table for the Curly-Coated Retriever

Proper nutrition is the cornerstone of your Curly-Coated Retriever’s health, activity, and longevity. This breed can be fed either high-quality dry food of premium or super-premium class, or natural food, or a balanced mix of these two types of feeding. The main thing is to provide the dog with all the necessary nutrients, vitamins, and minerals according to its age, activity level, and physiological condition.

When choosing dry food, pay attention to the ingredients: meat (chicken, turkey, beef, fish) should be listed first. Avoid foods with high levels of grains (corn, wheat), artificial colours, flavourings, and preservatives. For Curly-Coated Retrievers, especially active ones, foods formulated for large breeds with high energy levels will be suitable.

If you opt for natural feeding, the diet must be carefully balanced. Meat (protein) components should make up approximately 50-70% of the total food volume. This can include lean beef, veal, turkey, chicken (boneless), and offal (heart, liver, tripe – previously frozen or boiled). The rest of the diet consists of:

• Porridge (15-25%): buckwheat, rice, oatmeal (use cautiously, as it can cause allergies).
• Vegetables (10-20%): carrots, pumpkin, courgettes, broccoli, cauliflower (raw or lightly cooked).
• Fermented milk products (low-fat kefir, plain yoghurt, cottage cheese) – several times a week.
• Eggs (1-2 times a week) – boiled or raw yolk.
• A small amount of vegetable oil (linseed, olive) for healthy skin and coat.

Never put dry and natural food together in the dog’s bowl, as they have different digestion times. Use them for separate feedings, with an interval of at least 4-5 hours. An adult Curly-Coated Retriever should be fed twice a day (morning and evening), preferably at the same time. Puppies are fed more frequently: at 1.5-3 months – 5-6 times a day, 3-6 months – 3-4 times, 6-12 months – 2-3 times. Always ensure your dog has free access to fresh, clean water.

It is important to monitor your dog’s weight. If you can easily feel your pet’s ribs under a thin layer of fat, but they aren’t sticking out, then obesity is not a threat, even if the dog appears quite plump due to its thick coat. Avoid overfeeding and do not give your dog food from the table, especially sweet, fatty, smoked, or spicy items.

1. One of the oldest retriever breeds: The Curly-Coated Retriever is considered one of the first breeds officially recognised as retrievers, with a history spanning several centuries.
2. “Self-cleaning” coat: Thanks to its dense, oily texture, the Curly’s coat has the property of repelling dirt and water, which simplifies grooming. Often, it’s enough to simply let the dog dry, and the dirt will just fall off.
3. Rare breed: Despite its numerous positive qualities, the Curly-Coated Retriever is a relatively rare breed worldwide, especially compared to Labradors or Golden Retrievers. This makes each representative of the breed particularly valuable.
4. Silent hunters: During hunting, Curlys work very quietly and with great focus, which is highly valued by hunters.
5. Slow to mature: Curly-Coated Retrievers, like many large breeds, mature slowly, both physically and psychologically. They can retain their puppy-like playfulness and mischief until 2-3 years of age.
6. Used during World Wars: Thanks to their intelligence, stamina, and sense of smell, Curlys were enlisted for service during the First and Second World Wars to search for the wounded and deliver messages.
7. The “thinking” retriever: They are often called “thinking” retrievers due to their tendency to analyse a situation before acting, which is sometimes perceived as stubbornness.

Does the Curly-Coated Retriever shed much?

Curlys shed moderately, usually twice a year seasonally (spring and autumn). Their curly coat tends to trap dead hairs, so they don’t spread around the house as much as in smooth-coated breeds. Regular grooming helps to control shedding.

Is the Curly-Coated Retriever suitable for apartment living?

Apartment living is possible, but not ideal. This is a large and energetic dog that requires a lot of exercise. If you are prepared to provide them with at least 2-3 hours of active walks daily, regardless of the weather, then they can adapt. However, a private house with a garden would be a better option.

Does the Curly-Coated Retriever get along well with children and other animals?

Yes, Curlys usually have a good disposition towards children, especially if they grow up together. They are patient and playful. However, due to their size and energy, it’s important to supervise playtime with small children. They can also get along with other household pets, especially with early socialisation. Hunting instincts may manifest towards small animals outside the home.

Is the Curly-Coated Retriever difficult to train?

Curlys are intelligent and capable of learning, but their independence and occasional stubbornness can make the training process somewhat more challenging than with other, more compliant breeds. They require a patient, consistent owner who uses positive training methods and knows how to keep the dog engaged.

How much physical activity does a Curly-Coated Retriever need?

A lot. This is a high-energy breed. They need daily long walks, opportunities to run off-leash (in a safe area), swimming, and games. A minimum of 1.5-2 hours of active engagement per day is essential for their physical and mental health.

What colours do Curly-Coated Retrievers come in?

The breed standard recognises two main colours: black and liver (a rich dark brown colour). Both must be solid.

Does the Curly-Coated Retriever’s coat require professional grooming?

Typically no. The main care involves periodically untangling mats, bathing as needed, and light trimming to maintain a tidy appearance if necessary. Frequent brushing with a brush is not recommended, as it can damage the curl structure. For show dogs, more meticulous coat preparation may be required.