Curly-coated Retriever
Extremely Loyal And Fun Loving!
Background and Description
The most distinctive feature of the Curly-Coated Retriever is the profuse curly coat that covers his entire body, save the
face and muzzle, which have short smooth hair. He is a calm and graceful dog with an erect and confident air about him.This
handsome tall dog is an outstanding retriever with great endurance when it comes to working long days in adverse conditions.
His abilities extend to finding fallen game that others have left behind.
This old breed has records dating back
to around 1803. Small Newfoundlands, the Irish Water Spaniel, and various other retriever type dogs and are likely
contributors to the development of the breed according to reputable sources. Some sources say the Poodle may have also been
involved - certainly their intelligence and curly coat are similarities.
Appearance:
Height: 25-27 inches Weight: 70-80 lbs
Color variations: Solid black or liver
Coat and Care:
Surprisingly, the waterproof tightly curled coat requires almost no grooming. Taking a brush to it will make the coat
become frizzy looking and is not recommended by most dog groomers. However, during shedding - about twice a year - combing
and brushing out the loose hair is recommended. Another interesting feature about the coat is that it stops growing at a
certain point, so only the odd stray wisps of hair need trimming.
Personality and Traits:
Among the outstanding qualities of the Curly-coated Retriever is his extreme loyalty and protective instincts toward his
owner. He is a fun loving dog and will put out the welcome mat for friends he has come to know and enjoy. But strangers fall
into another camp - in this situation, he will be politely cool and calm while checking out a newcomer.
Do socialize
this breed early with a variety of experiences, activities, people, pets and places to balance out the Curly's personality
as he matures into adulthood.. Bear in mind that Curlies are considered late-maturers, often exhibiting puppy-like behavior
for quite a few years.
Take this into account when you are training them too. Try to provide creative sessions that
feed into their intelligent minds, yet don't overlook the fact that young pups have short attention spans!
Activity Level:
The Curly-coated Retriever is used to working long days retrieving game in often adverse conditions. If he is not being used
in this respect, other forms of vigorous exercise will be needed to prevent him from seeking his own outlets in ways that may
be negative.
Being very much a loving family dog, long walks or jogs, games of fetch with the kids and any jobs where
he can be at your side, will keep him happy. Access to water activities would also be a natural form of exercise, but if that
is not an option, think about agility.
Space Needs:
Curly-coated Retrievers need room to run, so they are best suited in a home with a substantial yard. Make sure your property
has secure boundaries as these dogs have a reputation for being great escape artists. They are also good jumpers, but the
main thing to remember here is that a well exercised (as in tired) dog will not usually seek other distractions.
Children:
Curlies have kind natures and a very good reputation with children. But as always we caution that interactions between
children and dogs should always be under adult supervision.
Elderly:
Although the Curly-Coated Retriever makes a wonderfully loyal companion, an elderly or more sedentary household should
carefully consider the exercise needs of this breed.
Book Recommendations:
CURLY-COATED RETRIEVER, A
COMPLETE & RELIABLE HANDBOOKA helpful and current book covering breed history, characteristics and attributes,
breed standard, grooming, puppy care, housetraining, nutrition and feeding, basic training, proper health care, and the
potential disorders that may concern the breed. Lots of color photos.
Share Your Dog Pictures
A great way to share photos of your handsome 'Curly'
as well as all your family photos.
Give it a "free" try - you'll be glad you did!
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