Curly-Coated Retriever Dog Breed Information

Group

Sporting

Weight

27-45 kg

Height

24-38 kg

Lifespan

10-14 years

Jump To

About the Curly-Coated Retriever

Reviewed by:

Dr. Dilber Hussain

Veterinarian

Grace and elegance are common descriptions of Curly-Coated Retrievers or Curly as they are loyal, rambunctious, and brilliant.

These dogs seemingly have found the fountain of youth as they never seem to run out of gas.

An adorable puppy that grows into a loyal family member, the Curly is genuinely a member of the clan and not simply a pet.

curly-coated retriever dog breed photo 6

curly-coated retriever dog breed photo 5

curly-coated retriever dog breed photo 4

curly-coated retriever dog breed photo 3

curly-coated retriever dog breed photo 2

curly-coated retriever dog breed photo 1

curly-coated retriever dog breed photo 8

curly-coated retriever dog breed photo 7

What is the history & origin of the Curly-Coated Retriever?

The Curly-Coated Retriever has an extensive history as they are not only among the oldest retriever breeds in existence, they are the oldest retriever breed in existence.

They are the first breed of dog to be classified as a retriever breed and to be exhibited in dog shows.

The commonly accepted linage of Curly-Coated Retrievers is that they are a descendant of multiple other retrievers, including:

Labrador Retriever
Irish Water Spaniel
English Water Dog (or English Water Spaniel / Old English Water Dog)
Retrieving Setter
Poodle
St. John’s, Newfoundland

Their origins date to the early 19th century in the United Kingdom, and they were originally bred as sporting dogs, specifically as hunting dogs and English gamekeepers. They are still purebred in the United Kingdom to this day.

They have a recorded presence in Australia as far back as 1880.

They’re a recognized breed by the American Kennel Club, the Kennel Club, and various national breeder clubs.

What is a Curly-Coated Retriever Breed?

A very active dog, perfect for dog sports as well as hunting and camping. They are also great swimmers and love the water, even icy cold water. There were bred as sporting dogs, and this skill set makes them very good guard dogs. They are extremely loyal to their family yet suspicious of strangers.

However, because they have a very elegant appearance and train incredibly well, they also make great show dogs.

They mature slowly and think they are still in the puppers stage all the way to the age of three. However, they are also among the most intelligent dog breeds.

Who is a Curly-Coated Retriever Best For?

A very energetic dog that is very good with kids, including very small children. They are loyal to the end and protective of family and friends. They absolutely love the outdoors and do require space to run and get enough exercise. They are not a good choice for apartment living.

Like other retriever breeds, they do require a bit of mental stimulation and can get loud when playing or left alone.

They are very affectionate and are also good additions to families that have other dogs, especially other retrievers or other pets, such as cats.

They make a great addition to any home, especially an active family.

Curly-Coated Retriever Grooming & Shedding

While they may look high-maintenance, they really aren’t. Their entire coat is curly; only the face is not. But, their crisp curls are natural, so don’t worry about sharing the curling wand.

They only require the occasional bath. Simply, you only need to brush them regularly. Dry brushing can make their oily coat frizzy, so you should slightly dampen the brush or spritz their coat with water.

They are moderate shedders, and females shed the most. Most of their shedding is primarily a two-time-a-year event, though it can be a lot of fur during those episodes! It is important to note that the amount they shed is influenced by the climate they live in.

The most high-maintenance part of a Curly is its nails. Their nails grow fast and are durable, but they need to be clipped regularly. If not, they will reach overgrowth rapidly along with other issues such as splitting and cracking.

It would help if you brushed their teeth on a regular schedule as well as checked their ears for wax. They can develop excess debris and wax buildup.

Do Curly-Coated Retrievers bark a lot?

Yes, these guys are talkers, and they don’t understand the concept of using their inside voice. They love to bark when they are playing, and they love to bark when they are lonely or simply alone. If you have other retrievers, they will hold meetings and argue.

What is the average weight & height of a Curly-Coated Retriever dog?

Make no mistake about it; this is a big doggo.

The size of an adult dog is:

Males average:

27 to 45 kg
63.5 to 69 cm

Females average:

24 to 38 kg
61 cm

Are Curly-Coated Retrievers easy to train?

Curly-Coated Retrievers are the perfect dog for training. They are amenable to training and relatively easy to train. Whether it is for dog sports, hunting, or security, they are very trainable dogs. A Curly-Coated Retriever club is a great place to start with the training process.

Due to the fact, that they are so trainable, they are common to see in dog shows.

They require a firm owner who can keep them focused and disciplined. Remember, they still think they are a puppy until they are three years of age. That is 21 in dog years.

How do Curly-Coated Retrievers behave? A look at their temperament and personality

It cannot be understated, but the Curly is an active dog with a great demeanor and loves company. A good comparison is Siberian Huskies.

These dogs are safe family members but have extensive physical needs in regard to space and activity time.

They are very independent-minded dogs, meaning they have a mind of their own. They are obedient unless having an enlightened moment and think they know better, such as when you say that is enough time at the dog park for today.

Does the Curly-Coated Retriever have any common health issues?

Unfortunately, these dogs do suffer from an extensive list of health problems, which include:

Hip Dysplasia
Elbow Dysplasia
Entropion
Persistent Pupillary Membranes (PPM)
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Retinal Dysplasia
Hemangiosarcoma
Pattern Baldness
Lymphosarcoma
Adenocarcinoma
Ectropion
Glycogen Storage Disease (GSD)
Gastric Dilatation-volvulus (Bloat)
Fibrosarcoma
Melanoma
Osteosarcoma
Distichiasis
Mast Cell Tumors

What is the lifespan of a Curly-Coated Retriever?

The typical life span of a Curly-Coated Retriever is 10 to 14 human years or reaching the ripe old age of 70 to 84 years old in dog years.

How much does a Curly-Coated Retriever need to be fed?

It is best to keep the dog on a feeding schedule. You should feed them twice a day and roughly 2 cups of food at each meal. And, a good boy always deserves a biscuit.

How much can you expect to pay for a Curly-Coated Retriever in Australia?

In Australia, the Curly-Coated Retriever can be bought as a purebred or as a rescue.

A pet (a dog without any papers) averages around $700.

For a show dog with a certified pedigree, this varies from breeder to breeder but can be in excess of $1,400 for a Curly-Coated Retriever puppy.

Curly-Coated Retriever FAQs

Is a Curly-coated Retriever ideal for a first-time dog owner?

Ideal is a strong word in this case. They’re very independent-minded dogs. Without a confident owner, they can get away doing whatever they feel like. At times, the owner needs to know how to have a firm but gentle hand, which first-time owners typically don’t. For a family, yes, for a single or couple, there are better options.

Do Curly-coated Retrievers suffer from separation anxiety?

Yes, they do suffer from separation anxiety and don’t do well left alone. This is primarily because they think they are still puppers up to the age of three. You should not leave them alone for any length of time, or it could get loud.

Are Curly-coated Retrievers hypoallergenic dogs?

No, it is not a hypoallergenic breed of dog. People who suffer from an allergy to dogs or have asthma have different degrees of sensitivity. While there may be some steps that some people can take to reduce the effect, these dogs do shed, and it can be problematic.

Will a Curly-coated Retriever need professional grooming?

In actuality, these dogs are relatively low maintenance when it comes to grooming. All of what they need can be done at home. However, if you simply do not want to bother with it or have the time to do it, professional grooming is always an option.