Curly Coated Retriever Dogs

Breed: Gun Dog

Height: 23-27 inches tall at the shoulder

Weight: 65-80 pounds

Coat Type: Curly

TheCurly Coated Retriever is an English breed that was originally bred for upland bird and waterfowl hunting. This dog is the tallest of all retrievers and the mass of tight curls covering its body makes it easily identifiable. It is an active and well-muscled dog, and somewhat different in structure from the other retrievers. The breed is associated with characteristics like endurance, strength and grace. Solid black and solid liver are the accepted color of theCurly Coated Retriever dogs. Read on to know more about this dog breed.

The Curly-Coated Retriever is one of the oldest retriever breeds. The breed developed in England, where it was used for retrieving since as long back as the late eighteenth century. These dogs have descended from the English Water Spaniel, the St. John’s Newfoundland, the retrieving setter, the Poodle and probably, the Irish Water Spaniel as well as the Labrador. While the Curly-Coated Retrievers are rare in United States, they are pretty popular in Australia and New Zealand. The American Kennel Club recognized this breed in 1924.

The Curly-Coated Retriever is a large dog with a body that is marginally longer than its height. The head is also longer that it is wide. This dog breed has a muzzle with a wedge-shaped tapering. The nose is black in black-colored dogs and brown in amber or liver colored dogs, while the nostrils are wide. The teeth of the dog meet in a scissors bite. The small ears are hanging and the almond shaped eyes are large, predominate and black or brown in color, depending on the overall color of the dog. The deep chest of this dog is not too wide. The tail tapers to a point when the hair from it is removed. Curly-Coated Retrievers have a weather resistant coat, protecting them from bambles and icy weather. The coat may also have a small white patch.

The Curly Coated Retrievers are known to be loyal and eager to please. They are easy to get along with and also easily trainable. This intelligent and confident breed has been used in competitive obedience and agility. These dogs, however, are not as predictable as some other breeds. They need obedience training right from puppyhood and don’t mature fully until they are three years old. They need a firm and confident owner to contain their willfulness and bring out the best in them. These dogs are known to be affectionate, loving, and excellent with children. They need a lot of physical and mental exercise to remain calm. This breed should be made to socialize with other pets right from an early age.  The Curly Coated Retrievers can prove to be good watch and even guard dogs when they see the family being threatened.

The Curly Coated Retriever is prone to hip dysplasia, epilepsy and eye problems, such as cataracts, corneal dystrophy, distichiasis, entropion, ectropion, or retinal dysplasia.

 

The curly coat of Curly Coated Retrievers is easy to maintain. Brushing and coating should be avoided, as it can make the coat fizzy. Minimal scissoring is desired to keep the hair from becoming scraggly. The breed is an average shedder.