The Curly Coated Retriever may be the most graceful and elegant of the retrievers, appearing longer legged and more agile than the others. They are an active land retriever and a hardy water retriever, able to withstand the rigors of repeated retrieves into heavy thickets or cold waters. Their distinctive coat provides protection from cold and briars and is made up of a dense mass of tight curls. Ready to see what dogs fit you best? Take our short quiz to find out! Breed Image Breed Weight 60-70 lb Breed Height 23-27" Similar Breeds Brittany Spaniel Dogs & Puppies Chesapeake Bay Retriever Dogs & Puppies English Pointer Dogs & Puppies Gordon Setter Dogs & Puppies Golden Retriever Dogs & Puppies Goldendoodle Dogs & Puppies Irish Setter Dogs & Puppies Labradoodle Dogs & Puppies Labrador Retriever Dogs & Puppies Portuguese Water Dogs & Puppies Related Content Your Newly Adopted Dog Dog Grooming Tips – Bathing, Brushing, & More Temperament The Curly-Coated Retriever is an eager and tireless land and, especially, water retriever outdoors, but a calm companion indoors. He is sensitive and gentle, very good with children, and responsive to commands. He is reserved with strangers. One of the most courageous of the retrievers, he is nonetheless quite sensitive. He makes an ideal partner for an active, outdoor-oriented person who also wants a loyal family companion. Upkeep The Curly can be an easy dog to maintain, requiring no unusual care. He needs daily exercise, preferably involving swimming and retrieving. Because brushing diminishes the tight curls, he should be combed only occasionally, preferably before getting wet. Health Major concerns: CHD Minor concerns: none Occasionally seen: distichiasis, cataract, elbow dysplasia Suggested tests: hip, cardiac, eye, (elbow) Life span: 8–12 years History One of the oldest and most distinctive of the retriever breeds, the Curly-Coated Retriever may have been used in England for retrieving as long ago as the late eighteenth century. Although its exact origin remains conjectural, it probably stems from crosses of the descendants of the Old English Water Dog with the Irish Water Spaniel, and a small type of Newfoundland. These breeds together combined some of the finest water dogs in existence into one animal. Later crosses to the Poodle, a fine water retriever in its own right, served to further enhance the tight curls. By the mid 1800s, the Curly-Coated Retriever was the most popular retriever in England, prized not only for its unsurpassed retrieving abilities but also as a staunch and trustworthy companion. It was among the first breeds to be exhibited at English dog shows. Exports to Australia and New Zealand were well received, and the breed still enjoys great popularity there. The first exports to America were in 1907, with the breed receiving AKC recognition in 1924. Breed Family Gun Dog Breed Type Sporting Energy Level 3 Playfulness 3 Friendliness to Dogs 3 Friendliness to Strangers 2 Heat Sensitivity 3 Exercise Requirements 3 Affection Level 3 Friendliness to Other Pets 4 Watchfulness 2 Grooming Requirements 1 Vocality 4 Ease of Training 3 Disclaimer Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. Breed Size Large Plural Name Curly-Coated Retrievers Area of Origin England Date of Origin 1700s Species Dog or Puppy
