The Curly Coated Retriever Shop
Curly Coated Retriever Breed Summary
Intelligent, Loyal, Doting, Energetic and Loving
These dogs are very unique to the eye, due to their curly coats! However, their coats do actually serve a purpose, as they allow the dog to shake off a lot of water in just a matter of seconds and end up virtually dry! They are also considered to be one of the oldest breeds of retriever in the world.
They have since become a popular choice of family pet as they have friendly and kind personalities, with a real love for 'hoomans'! However, they also perform very well in dog competitors as well, including obedience and agility.
Fun Fact: There is a theory that they were developed by crossing Poodles into the mix!
| Lifespan | 8 -13 years |
| Height (at the withers) | Males 25in - 27in, Females 23in - 25in |
| Weight | Males and Females 60lb - 95lb |
| Coat | Consists of a Thick Mass of Tight and Crisp Curls, Lying Close to their Bodies |
| Color | Black or Liver |
| Eye color | Black or Brown |
| Common health issues | Hip dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia, Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC), Glycogenosis (GSD), Cataracts, Cancer, Bloat/Gastric Torsion, Epilepsy & Seizures, Renal failure, Entropion, Distichiasis, Allergies, Alopecia (seasonal hair loss from flanks), Canine follicular dysplasia |
These dogs are known for their fantastic temperament! They are extremely loyal to their families and only seek to please their owners! On top of this, they are also very intelligent which makes them very easy to train and teach new skills. Curly's need to know their place in the pack and without guidance in this context, they may try to become the alpha male. For this reason, plenty of socialization and training is needed in order to create a well-rounded dog and they may not be the best breed for a first time owner! However, these dogs are very loving and rarely show any sign of aggression. They make excellent family pets and have the potential to provide 'humans' with years of joy and love!
Much of the Curly Coated Retriever's history remains a mystery although there are records of a fairly similar dog that dates back to 1803! It's thought by some that they may be one of the first retrievers used for their retrieving skills in England! They were first shown in 1860 in the UK and a standard was written up in 1913! At the time, they were also one of the most popular family pets as well. Although we don't know which dogs were involved in the creation of this breed, it's speculated that they may be related to the Large Rough Water Dog, the Newfoundland and the Tweed Water Spaniel amongst many others! However, with the onset of WW1 and WW2, numbers dropped dramatically. And alongside the introduction of the Labrador, the breed suffered a fair bit!