Curly-Coated Retriever

Overview of Curly-Coated Retrievers

The Curly-Coated Retriever is one of the oldest retrieving breeds, although retrievers as a group are still relatively modern inventions in the world of dogs – there wasn’t much need for them until it became common to shoot birds using guns.

The Curly-Coated Retriever is no exception and unfortunately as seen in other breeds, the problems seem to multiply as the breed continues to increase in popularity and there is an increase in indiscriminate breeding.

The Curly-Coated Retriever is a loyal, confident, mischievous, energetic dog but are known to be eager to please dog, this breed usually gets on well with dogs and other household animals which include cats.

The Curly-Coated Retriever is a great companion for older children who can stand up to his size and energy level, but he may be overwhelming for younger children who are easily knocked down in play.

Curly-Coated Retriever temperament, personality, training, behavior, pros and cons, advice, and information, by Michele Welton, Dog Trainer, Behavioral Consultant, Author of 15 Dog Books

Curly-Coated Retrievers were first imported into the United States in 1907, and the first one registered with the American Kennel Club was Knysna Conjurer in 1924.

The Curly-Coated Retriever is generally considered tall with a height of between 25 inches and 27 inches for males and 23 inches and 25 inches for females.

Curly-Coated Retrievers, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, and American Water Spaniels are three dog breeds that share a few similarities with Labrador Retrievers.

Curly-coated Retriever, often abbreviated as “CCR,” is a great hunting dog that has made its way into competitions and backyards (with pools), too.

Curly-Coated Retrievers have been entirely purebred since the early 1900s, when the dog clubs in England started to set more breed standards.

Allergies

The curly-coated retriever’s coat tends to be oily, which may make this dog a poor choice for someone with allergies.

Breed

The curly-coated retriever was one of the first dog breeds to be exhibited at English dog shows and gained huge fame in countries like Australia and New Zealand, that they were exported over there and to this day are still a very popular dog breed in Australia and New Zealand.

Cancer

Last but not least, according to a survey carried out in England in 2004, the most common cause of death among Curly-Coated Retrievers was cancer, which was responsible for 30% of deaths.Natural death and diseases of the digestive system came in second place, while heart disease made up 5% of deaths.With that in mind, it’s even more important to ensure these dogs stay active, in order to help promote a strong cardiovascular system.

Coat

For the active individual or family who would like a retriever who stands out from the crowd, the Curly-Coated Retriever is an excellent choice, as he enjoys hunting, fishing and camping in the great outdoors followed by quiet indoor evenings relaxing with his people.He’s more reserved with strangers than other retrievers, however, and needs to be properly socialized — exposed to many different people, sights, sounds and experiences — to prevent timidity.The Curly, as he’s known, is loyal to his family and displays the even temper that is so well loved in all retriever breeds.

Energy

Any time your Curly interacts with children, lay down some ground rules for dog and child.As you groom, take time to check your Curly’s overall condition.For the safety of both, never leave small children unsupervised with any dog.If you can hear them clicking on the floor, they’re too long.It’s not normal for any part of his body to smell bad, including his mouth and ears.Keep an eye out for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness or discharge anywhere on his body.No ear pulling, tail pulling or biting allowed!Trim his nails as needed so they don’t catch on something and tear.

Grooming

A Curly-Coated Retriever has a relatively easy-care coat and usually sheds only twice a year, although the amount of shedding varies among individual dogs.As with all breeds, it’s important to start grooming your Curly-Coated Retriever puppy when he’s young.For more on feeding your Curly, see our guidelines for buying the right food, feeding your puppy, and feeding your adult dog.Make grooming a positive and soothing experience, and he’ll be easier for you and other people to handle when he’s grown.Preparation in puppyhood is key.

Health

Curly-Coated Retrievers are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they’re prone to certain health conditions.Not all Curlies will get any or all of these diseases, but it’s important to be aware of them if you’re considering this breed.The breed saw a resurgence in the United States in the late 1960s when many Curly-Coated Retrievers were imported from England, Australia, and New Zealand.The Curly-Coated Retriever Club of America was founded in 1979.

Personality

If they sense any unusual activities in the surrounding or someone approaching, they will bark and warn their owner.So, Curly-Coated Retriever makes an excellent watchdog for people.The personality of the Curly-Coated Retriever is friendly, loving, and alert.They love their people and enjoy playing with them.

Social

Curly-Coated Retrievers generally do very well with other animals but socialization is still an important factor for them to become friends.

Temperament

As a retriever, they tend to retrieve stuff at home and also help in house chores.The temperament of the Curly-Coated Retriever is active, loyal, and devoted.They are very affectionate towards their family and enjoy their company.They thrive on the human company and does not like being left alone all by themselves.

Training

Provide them with delicious treats and lots of vocal praises which will keep them focused on the training session.The Curly-Coated Retriever is easy to train as long as you provide them with a firm and consistent training.Use positive methods of training as a source of motivation for them.

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A place to learn more about Curly Coated Retriever Dogs.

Do Curly Coated Retrievers make good family dogs?

Curlies will make an excellent addition to any home.They’ll make a great family dog whether you have other pets or children.

Exercise ??

Since Curly-Coated Retrievers are a high-energy dog, it is not wise to bring these dogs into an apartment.They need plenty of time spent outside and doing active things.

Grooming: do Curly Coated Retrievers shed?

This breed is not concerned to be hypoallergenic because they will shed moderately.Due to their tight curls, they don’t shed too much throughout the year, but they will shed a lot twice a year.

Feeding your Curly: how much food consumption do they need?

It’s recommended to feed your adult Curly at least three to four cups of food within two meals daily.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?

Curly-Coated Retrievers are typically easy-going canines that do not mind having other pets around.It can help to keep them with other dogs if you have difficulty managing their energy levels.

Are Curly Coated Retrievers Good Family Dogs?

Curly coats are extremely kid-friendly and great to have in the house as a family dog, although the kids should be taught not to tease, to pull the ears or tail and not to disturb the dog while it is sleeping or eating.

Exercise: how much does your Curly Coated Retriever need?

Curlies have a high energy level and will need an active family to live with.They’ll need at least an hour of daily exercise to run around, play games, walk, and even swim.

Are Curly Coated Retrievers Friendly?

This breed is a self-confident and friendly dog.The Curly comes across as aloof and may seem not as eager to wag his or her tail like the other retrievers.He reserves wagging and greeting for his friends and family.You may notice aloofness and shyness in the presence of strangers but this can be the result of not being socialized enough.

Does a Curly Coated Retriever Need Grooming?

The Curly-Coated Retrievers have small curls that make their coat weather-proof and water-resistant.This also makes it very easy to maintain.Their coat does not require to be brushed often.Brushing often will cause their hair to get frizzy.

How Much Does a Curly Coated Retriever Puppy Cost?

You can expect Curly-Coated Retriever puppies to be slightly more expensive than other retrievers because they are rare.Usually, the average puppy price is between $1500 to $2500.

Curly Coated Retriever vs Labrador – Which is Best?

So, both the Labrador and Curly Coated Retriever breeds are athletic, friendly, and hard working.Both take to training well, and are approximately the same size.

How to care for curly coated retrievers?

When you’re considering how to care for curly coated retrievers, you should make sure you understand their temperament.

Are Curly-Coated Retrievers Good With Kids?

CCRs are known as excellent companions for older children.Play with younger children should be supervised, as CCR puppies and adolescents have a rambunctious play style that can easily lead to children being knocked over.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? ??

Curly-Coated Retrievers are an excellent choice of dog for an active family.They are ever alert and always ready to play or show affection to the humans they love.They typically behave well around kids and often sympathize with them because they behave like puppies for so long.

How Does Curly-Coated Retriever Behave Around Strangers?

Curly-Coated Retriever is shy and wary of strangers.They do not trust them easily and will bark if they see some unfamiliar person approaching them.Early socialization with a variety of people is necessary so that they are welcoming of visitors at home.

Is your dog a Curly-Coated Retriever?

You can use our Dog Scanner app to find out whether your dog is a Curly-Coated Retriever.

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How much is a Curly Coated Retriever puppy?

If you’re looking to add a Curly puppy to your home, then you’re looking at a price that’s about $1,000-$1,500.

What about Curly Coated Retriever breeders?

There are breeders for the Curly Coated Retriever.A great place to start searching for breeders would be the AKC Marketplace and the breeder life from the CCRCA.

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Health and Conditions ??

Although most Curlies are healthy dogs, issues can crop up.Continue to take them to their veterinary appointments consistently so you catch any problems as early as possible.

Training ??

Training Curly-Coated Retrievers can be a mixture of easy and emotionally demanding.This strange combination is because they are so smart, they can catch onto new ideas quickly.However, their attention spans are short and they get bored fast.Too much repetition results in them not caring anymore, and they stop listening.

How often do coated retrievers shed?

How often do coated retrievers shed? This is a common question among people who own these beautiful dogs.

What kind of dogs are part of your family?

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Looking for a puppy?

Looking for a Retriever (Curly Coated)? Explore our list of puppies and rescue dogs for sale near you.

What is the Life Span of a Curly Coated Retriever?

The usual lifespan of the Curly Coated is between 9 to 12 years.

Does a Curly Coated Retriever Shed?

This breed generally sheds twice a year.In the spring and fall at shedding time, brush the dog down with a wide-toothed comb.

What is the Weight of a Curly Coated Retriever?

The males usually weigh between 80 to 100 pounds.Females can weigh in the range of 65 to 85 pounds.

Are their personalities different from other retrievers?

Like most dogs, they’ll be friendly to other pets, dogs, and strangers.However, they may be timid and shy at first.They’ll need to be introduced and appropriately socialized.

What will training look like?

When it comes to training, it is moderately easy though this might be more on the difficult side if you are too meek with it.You will get gradual results with a firm and consistent approach using positive training methods and short and engaging sessions.They can be independent and get distracted easily when sessions become long, tedious or overly repetitive.They are far more stubborn than say the Golden Retriever.Make sure you set clear rules and stay confident and make it clear you are the pack leader.The Curly Coated Retriever needs socialization more so than other retrievers.It is reserved around strangers which can turn to suspicion and it can lean towards being too shy and cautious.Early socialization will help it grow into a more confident and happier dog rather than something more standoffish and unable to deal with different people, sounds and places.

How is the Curly Coated Retriever with children and other animals?

This is a breed that is good with children and being raised with them and well socialized does help too.It is affectionate towards them and loves to play but keep in mind its puppy exuberance when it is in an adult sized body means it easily knocks down toddlers and small children by accident.Make sure the children themselves are taught how to play nicely and stroke safely.Always supervise small children.In general a Curly gets alone well with other dogs and other pets though socialization is still an important part of that.

What Types of Curly Coated Retriever are there?

There are only two types of Curly Coated Retrievers that are accepted – solid dark liver color or solid dull black color.

What’s the Price of Curly-Coated Retriever Puppies?

Curly-Coated Retrievers are purebred dogs that are not extremely common or easy to find.They do make excellent pets, though.When you find a breeder, expect to be put on a waiting list for a while.

Food & Diet Requirements ??

Curly-Coated Retrievers combine being a large-breed dog with a high level of energy and desire for activity.Together, it means that they have rather voracious appetites and need a premium diet to keep them healthy.

How active is the Curly Coated Retriever?

The Curly Coated Retriever is a fairly active breed and is more agile and leggy than other retrievers.As a hunting dog its coat was developed to handle either cold waters or heavy thickets with briars.It is not best suited to apartment living because of its size and because ideally it needs access to a large yard or even some land.How much it needs can vary but in essence the more you give it physical and mental stimulation the calmer it will be.It should have a couple of 20 to 25 minute brisk walks at least each day, along with other opportunities such as running off leash somewhere safely and playing doggy games with you.A dog park is one place where you can do this and it gives it a chance to socialize too.It will also be happy to join you with your activity, jogging, swimming, hiking, cycling and so on.As exuberant as it is outside when inside it tends to be more calm.As well as its physical needs make sure it has puzzle toys to play with, training or some form of mental stimulation daily too.If it is under exercised and bored it gets difficult, chews everything, destructive and hard to control.

How Much Exercise Does a Curly Coated Retriever Need?

This breed is very energetic.They cannot and should not be made to lead a sedentary life.Puppies are full of energy, and the only way to wear it out is by playing and taking the puppy for daily walks.Puppies have bursts of energy, followed by a nap time to recharge.

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Grooming ??

Grooming your Curly is one of the more convenient aspects of caring for them.They do not have an undercoat, so they don’t shed as much as other breeds.However, their coats tend to be oily, so they don’t make outstanding options for those who suffer from allergies.

How big do Curlies get?

A full-grown Curly Coated Retriever will weigh anywhere between 60 pounds and 95 pounds.

What Makes a Curly-Coated Retriever Unique?

The Curly-Coated Retriever is a member of the AKC's 'Sporting Group' with a temperament that is often described as confident, proud and wickedly smart.The Curly-Coated Retriever has a demeanor best described as 'Somewhat Reserved'.When it comes to grooming needs, the Curly-Coated Retriever requires only an occasional bath and brushing and sheds occassionally.In regards to training, you can expect the Curly-Coated Retriever to be often independent with energetic fervor.The Curly-Coated Retriever can be expected to live 10 to 12 years if they receive proper excercise and a Curly-Coated Retriever dog food diet that keeps their weight between 60-95 pounds.The Curly-Coated Retriever is generally considered tall with a height of between 25 inches and 27 inches for males and 23 inches and 25 inches for females.

Where to Buy a Curly Coated Retriever Puppy?

If you decide to own a Curly Coated Retriever as a pet, then the next step is to find one.

Have any questions about health in your breed?

If you have any concerns about a particular health condition in your breed then you may wish to speak to your vet or you could contact your breed health co-ordinator.Breed health co-ordinators are individuals working on behalf of breed clubs and councils who are advocates for the health and welfare of their chosen breed.They acts as a spokesperson on matters of health and will collaborate with The Kennel Club on any health concerns the breed may have.

Is Curly-Coated Retriever Child-Friendly?

Yes, the Curly-Coated Retriever is friendly with children as they are playful and loving towards them.They make excellent playmates for small kids as they enjoy their company and would not get tired of playing with kids all day.No matter how friendly a dog is, it is necessary to supervise their interaction and playtime to avoid any kind of harsh behavior from either party.

How did the Curly Coat Retriever come to be?

Believe it or not, Curlies are the oldest Retriever breeds.This was one of the first breeds of retrievers before the flat-coated retriever.

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What is the Height of a Curly Coated Retriever?

The Curly’s are the tallest of all the 6 retriever breeds, with the male at 27 inches and female at 25 inches tall.

What is the Best Way to Pick a Curly Coated Retriever puppy?

First of all, before getting a Curly Coated Retriever, you need to check if you are ready for a small, lively, fun, naughty bundle of joy in your life.

What Makes Curly-Coated Retriever Aggressive?

Curly-Coated Retriever is not usually an aggressive dog.It gets along with everyone but some might be aggressive in front of the same-sex dogs.The types of environment they were raised also determine their aggression.

History of Curly-Coated Retrievers

In the 1860’s, the curly-coated retriever was receiving attention at dog shows throughout England while continuing to prove its versatility in the field as a hunting companion.

In 1807, an English brig shipwrecked off the coast of Maryland and two Newfoundlands were rescued from the cargo.

In 1879, one was even entered at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show in America.

In 1924, the Curly-Coated Retriever was formally perceived by the AKC, while in 1979, an affiliation named ‘The Curly-Coated Retriever Club of America,’ dedicatedly implied for this breed, was established.

In 1994, for example, it was number 123 out of 137 breeds then recognized by the American Kennel Club.

In the 1800s the Irish Water Spaniel was popular in the United States as a duck hunting dog.

In the 1950’s and 1960’s, Australian breeders imported Darelyn Aristocrat from England, along with Sarona Simon, Banworth Simon, Banworth Athene, and Pegasus; dogs that can be found in over three-quarters of modern Curly Coated Retriever pedigrees.