Large sports breed from England, curly-coated retrievers have floppy ears, athletic physiques, webbed paws for swimming, and a distinctive curly double coat. These calm, affectionate dogs appear to be a hybrid between a poodle and a Labrador, yet they are a distinct breed in their own right.
These retrievers are renowned for their tenacity and loyalty, and they may be identified by their dense, tight curls that are close to the body and are either a rich liver or deep black hue.
The curly-coated retriever, often known as a curly or CCR, has its origins in England and is an uncommon breed compared to more popular varieties of retrievers like the Labrador or golden retriever. Their popularity does not, however, indicate how well-suited the breed is to live at home or in the field.
The curly-coated retriever, like many other athletic dogs, seems to have boundless energy to provide while on the hunt or working on a task. These motivated dogs were developed to search for a game for extended periods in a variety of weather situations.
These dogs have an amazing work ethic thanks to their past, but at home, they become calm, easy-going friends who get along with both adults and children.
About The Breed
Of all the retriever breeds, the Curly-Coated Retriever possesses the most peculiar coat. The breed sheds about twice a year, and the coat only needs light maintenance.
Due to their often oily coats, Curly-Coated Retrievers are more susceptible to eliciting allergic responses in people.
In comparison to other retriever breeds, Curly-Coated Retrievers are less outgoing and need to be properly taught to prevent becoming frightened.
Having the same amount of energy as other working and sports dogs, Curly-Coated Retrievers are sporting dogs. In their ennui, they can become highly destructive if they are not given enough exercise—at least thirty to sixty minutes each day.
The mouthy Curly-Coated Retriever will nip and chew on everything in their line of sight, including hands, clothing, and toys.
The Curly-Coated Retriever is a smart dog that likes to work, but he needs a strong, self-assured owner to prevent him from becoming dominant. Because he tends to become bored doing the same thing repeatedly, he also requires diversity in his training and hobbies.
Especially though Curly-Coated Retrievers are harder to locate than other breeds, it is still crucial to hunt for the finest breeder, even if there are lengthy waiting lists.
Because Curly-Coated Retrievers develop more slowly than other breeds, expect your dog to behave like a puppy for at least three years.
In general, Curly-Coated Retrievers get along well with kids, but regardless of breed, young kids should never be left unattended with any dog.
Curly-Coated Retriever Dog Breed History
The root of the Curly is not well understood. He may have ancestors who were recapture setters and English Water Spaniels, both of which are now defunct, as well as other retriever-type dogs, such as Poodles, who are, in the distillate, retrievers.
Whatever his genetic configuration, he is said to have been the first dog employed for serious retrieving and made his show ring debut in England in the eighteen-sixties.
Curly-Coated Retriever Dog Breed Job Card/Overview
Dog Breed | Curly-Coated Retriever |
Type of Dog Breed | Sporting Dogs |
Origin | England |
Height | Sixty to ninety-five pounds |
Weight | Sixty to ninety five pounds |
Expected lifespan | Ten to twelve years |
Coat Type | Short double-coated with curly hair |
Usual Hues | Solid black or a shade of liver |
Needs for grooming | Low |
Temperament | Intelligent, self-assured, kind, teachable, and energetic |
Living in an apartment | For apartment living, not recommended |
Animal Friendly | Yes |
Requirements for Exercise | Moderate |
Propensity to drool | Low |
Level of Intelligence | Moderate |
Level of Strength | High |
Activity | Moderate |
What To Know
• These dogs are strong and hardworking, originally bred for retrieving waterfowl like ducks and geese.
• Their curly coat requires regular grooming to prevent mats and tangles, so be prepared to brush them often.
• Curly-coated retrievers are intelligent and independent, so early training and socialization are essential for a well-behaved pet.
• While they can be a bit reserved with strangers, they are loyal and loving to their families, making them great companions for active households.
Characteristics
Adaptability
Curly-coated retrievers, acknowledged for their exclusive curly coats and splendid-looking abilities, are also celebrated for their extraordinary adaptability.
These intelligent dogs effortlessly transition from subject to home, making them an exquisite choice for various existence.
Their specific curly coats not only effectively defend them from harsh weather but also reduce shedding, making them perfect for hypersensitivity-inclined households. This breed’s adaptability extends to their temperament too. Curly-coated retrievers are pleasant, and loyal, and can thrive in both active and relaxed environments.
Whether you are an outside enthusiast or a couch potato, these dogs are equipped to conform and emerge as your dependable partner, showcasing their resilience and flexibility in any scenario.
Adaptability
Adaptive to Apartment Living
Suitable for New Owners
Sensitivity Scale
Comfortable Being Alone
Comfortable with Cold Weather
Comfortable with Hot Weather
Friendliness
They may be also renowned for their remarkable friendliness. These dogs are a package deal of pleasure, continually keen to make new friends, whether they may be human beings or fellow hairy buddies.
Their pleasant nature shines through in numerous ways. Curly-coated retrievers are acknowledged to be great family dogs, offering unwavering loyalty and affection. Their pleasant demeanor makes them the best playmates for kids. They’ll thankfully have interaction in games of fetch or cuddle up for a quiet evening on the sofa.
When it involves socializing, these Retrievers are pinnacle-notch. They’re no longer shy around strangers, often greeting them with wagging tails and a welcoming attitude. Their friendly disposition additionally extends to different pets, making them amazing additions to multi-pet families.
All About Friendliness
Lovable with Family
Kid-Friendly
Dog-Friendly
Frank with strangers
Personality
The Curly-Coat is a very motivated and determined retriever. He won’t stop till the job is finished. He is vigilant and self-assured whether he is at home or in the field.
Although he has a neutral temperament, he is less outgoing with strangers than other retrievers. Tactfulness can be avoided via early socialization, which involves exposure to a wide variety of people, sights, sounds, and experiences.
Having said that, don’t mistake his composure and independence for timidity or a lack of desire to please. You should be ready to share your home for several years with a fully grown puppy because Curly-Coated Retrievers mature more slowly than other breeds.
Curlies have independent minds; therefore, they require a self-assured owner who won’t let them rule the show. Despite not always responding to training as rapidly as other dogs, the Curly-Coated Retriever does well.
But that doesn’t make him a moron. He simply gets quickly bored. Make training interesting for him by using a variety of techniques. When a workout or activity gets boring, it’s fairly uncommon for a Curly to disregard his trainer.
Temperament
Friendly with Children
The Curly-Coated Retriever is famous for its pleasant disposition, making it a brilliant preference for families with children. With their affected person and tolerant nature approach they can cope with the energy and interest of kids simply.
These puppies are recognized to be protecting their little ones, forming robust bonds that frequently bring about lifelong friendships.
Amicable to Other Pets
If you’ve got different pets at domestic, worry not! Curly-coated retrievers are commonly quite amicable toward other animals, such as cats and smaller dogs.
With the right socialization from an early age, these retrievers can peacefully coexist together with your other four-legged family members, fostering harmonious surroundings in your own home.
Barking Tendencies
One of the perks of owning a Curly-Coated Retriever is their noticeably low barking disposition. These puppies are not acknowledged to be excessive barkers, which may be a remedy for those living in close-knit neighborhoods or flats. They do bark when necessary, such as alerting you to ability intruders, however, they might not create a ruckus without cause.
Possibilities of Staying Alone
While Curly-Coated Retrievers thrive on human companionship and interplay, they can adapt to quick periods of alone time, in particular, if nicely skilled and exercised.
However, it is essential to make certain they get hold of sufficient intellectual and bodily stimulation to prevent boredom and tension. Providing toys and puzzles can help keep them engaged when you’re now not around.
Pros And Cons Of The Curly-Coated Retriever Dog Breed
Pros
- Unique and striking curly coat appearance.
- Excellent water-resistant coat for outdoor activities.
- Intelligent and trainable with a gentle disposition.
- Good for allergy sufferers due to minimal shedding.
- Strong and healthy breed with longevity potential.
Cons
- High grooming maintenance due to the curly coat.
- Prone to certain health issues like hip dysplasia.
- Requires regular exercise and mental stimulation.
- May not be ideal for first-time dog owners.
- Limited availability compared to more popular breeds.
Male Vs. Female Attitude
When deciding on a curly-coated retriever, understanding the variations among male and lady attitudes can be crucial. Male curly-lined retrievers frequently exhibit a more unbiased and adventurous demeanor, making them extremely good for energetic households.
They can be a bit greater territorial but are normally affectionate. On the other hand, lady curly-covered retrievers tend to be greater nurturing and obedient, making them perfect for families seeking a mild partner. Ultimately, each gender can make extraordinary pets; it simply depends on your way of life and preferences.
Appearance
General Appearance
These dogs sport a specific curly coat that sets them apart from other retriever breeds. With a strong and athletic construct, they exude self-assurance and beauty. Their head features a vast cranium and expressive eyes, showcasing their intelligence and interest.
Curly-coated retrievers have a characteristic curled tail, including their allure. This breed’s look is a testament to their versatility as both a waterfowl retriever and a devoted circle of relatives accomplice.
Coat Color And Grooming
The Curly-Coated Retriever is distinguished by its distinctive coat, which is made up of a mass of tiny, crisp curls that lie close to the skin and cover the body from the tail to the top of the head.
It shields the skin from any harsh brush the dog may run through while he hunts and is weather- and water-resistant.
A Curly occasionally has feathering, or a lengthier fringe of hair, on the ears, belly, thighs, feet, and rear of the forelegs, although this is often cut.
The curls on the ears may be a little looser than the curls on the body. The presence of tail feathering is removed by owners of show dogs, but a Curly’s potential to be a wonderful companion is unaffected.
The coat is short and straight over the forehead, face, feet, and front of the forelegs. The texture of the hair is thick and coarse; it is never soft or dry and brittle. There shouldn’t be any bald spots visible.
The Curly-Coated Retriever is described as being a rich reddish-brown shade of liver or black. There won’t be any noticeable white spots, only a few white hairs throughout the coat.
A Curly-Coated Retriever typically sheds just twice a year; however, the quantity of shedding varies between different dogs.
They also have a reasonably easy-care coat. Early preparation is essential. Like many breeds, your Curly-Coated Retriever puppy needs to be groomed from an early age.
Size
A female Curly-Coated is twenty-three to twenty-five inches and weighs sixty-five to eighty-five pounds, while a male is twenty-five to twenty-seven inches tall at the shoulder and weighs eighty to hundred pounds.
Health
Although Curly-Coated Retrievers are customarily in good health, they are defenseless against some health issues like all breeds. Not all Curlies will contract one or more of these illnesses, but if you’re thinking about getting one, you should be aware of them.
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Entropion
- Ectropion
- Distichiasis
- Persistent Pupillary Membranes (PPM)
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Retinal Dysplasia
- Pattern Baldness
- Glycogen Storage Disease (GSD)
- Lymphosarcoma
- Adenocarcinoma
- Fibrosarcoma
- Mast Cell Tumors
- Hemangiosarcoma
- Melanoma
- Osteosarcoma
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus (Bloat)
Health And Grooming Requirements
Shedding Quantity
Drooling Capability
Effortless to Groom
Overall Health
Capable of Gaining Weight
Size
Maintenance And Care
As puppies, Curly-Coated Retrievers are boisterous. Early training is essential and a wonderful opportunity to develop a relationship with your energetic pup. Puppies need a lot of sleep since they are so active; therefore, they don’t need the same rigorous exercise that an adult may receive.
The mouthy Curly-Coated Retriever will nip and gnaw on whatever it comes across. If the puppy accidentally eats anything that might be harmful to him, this could result in high veterinary expenditures.
Food And Nutrition
Three to four cups of superior dry food should be ingested every day, split between two meals.
Exercise And Activity Level
Curly-Coated Retrievers are active and playful puppies, making exercise a crucial part of their habits. To keep your furry buddy healthful and happy, goal for at least 30-60 mins of everyday exercise.
Activities like fetching, going for walks, and swimming fit their love for water and retrieve video games. It’s essential to engage their agile minds too, with puzzle toys or obedience schooling. Regular exercising helps prevent obesity and continues their curly coats in pinnacle form.
Physical Requirements
Energy range
Intensity
Exercise Requirements
Capable for Playfulness
Trainability
These dogs, with their sensible and keen-to-please nature, make terrific partners for education fans. Their high adaptability and hassle-fixing skills allow them to excel in obedience education, agility, and even water retrieval responsibilities.
With steady advantageous reinforcement and patience, you may free up their capacity. Whether you are coaching basic instructions or superior hints, the Curly-Coated Retriever’s innate trainability shines, creating a bond that is as robust as their loyalty.
Trainability
Effortless to Train
Smartness
Capable for Mouthiness
Tendency to Attack Prey
Urge to Howl or Bark
Wanderlust Ability
Children And Other Pets
The Curly-Coated Retriever makes a wonderful playfellow for older kids who can handle his size and fervor, but he could be too much for smaller kids who are prone to get knocked over during play.
The majority of the time, Curly-Coated Retrievers get along well with other dogs and animals, but enculturation is still climacteric for animal relationships.
Rescue Groups
Frequently, people buy curlies without fully comprehending what goes into owning one. Many Curlies need to be adopted or fostered. We have not included all of the rescues that have occurred. Contact the national breed group or a local breed club to find a Curly rescue if you can’t find one listed for your region.
- Curly-Coated Retriever Club of America
- Curly Rescue
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FAQs On Curly-Coated Retriever Dog Breed…
Do Retrievers with Curly Coats Shed?
A. Throughout the majority of the year, curly-coated retrievers shed very little, although they do shed more heavily twice a year. Thankfully, owners may control shedding by regularly bathing their pets and using a grooming rake.
Are Retrievers with Curly Coats Aggressive?
A. Curly-coated retrievers are not often aggressive, like other retriever breeds. Curlies need more socialization as puppies to be amiable with unfamiliar people and animals as adults since they are more reserved than their Labrador and golden retriever kin.
I am a passionate animal lover with a lifelong commitment to pet care. With over a decade of experience as a pet owner, I’ve nurtured a variety of furry and feathered friends, from cats and dogs to birds and reptiles. I possess a deep understanding of their unique needs, behavior, and health. My mission is to share my knowledge and insights to help fellow pet enthusiasts provide the best possible care for their beloved companions.