Description: The Curly-coated Retriever is a large dog, and is exceptionally hardy. With a body that is slightly longer than it is tall. With a wide head that is longer than it is wide. The nose is black on a black dog, and is brown on the liver dog, with wide nostrils, completing the look. The teeth are of a scissor bite. Their ears hang, and are somewhat small. This breed has large, almond shaped, eyes that are brown or black in the black dog, and Amber Brown in the liver coloured dogs. The neck is slightly arched and is strong and muscular. The chest is deep in this breed. The tail reaches to the hock and is covered with the same curly hair as the body, which is carried straight or semi-straight. The breed has a water resistant coat covered in very distinct, tight curls, except to their forehead, face, feet and front forelegs. Coat protects the dog in icy waters. Colours we see are, black, or liver, they may have a small white patch but this is not desirable in the show ring.
History: The Curly coated retriever is considered to be one of the oldest retrieving breeds' known. Going back to the 18th century, in England. This breed descended from the Newfoundland, English water spaniel, poodle, retrieving setter and possibly the Irish water spaniel, and the Labrador. This is an excellent hunting companion dog. It is an excellent retriever, from water, gundog and game hunter. This is a rare breed inside the USA. with the first Curly coated retrievers arriving in America in 1907.
Temperament: This breed is easy to get along with and is an excellent all-round hunting dog. The Curly-coated Retriever needs to have full obedience training, to gain the best from the breed. They are slow to mature, taking about three years. This dog needs a firm confident consistent leader; which will bring out the best in their temperament. This dog is excellent with children. The Curly coated retriever is affectionate and loving. This breed requires mental and physical exercise, as it is a bright dog with a lot of energy. If this breed is socialised well, with people and other pets from a very early age, they are usually fine. The breed adores swimming. This is a good dog for an outdoor or active person or family.
Health issues: This dog is prone to hip dysplasia, epilepsy and eye problems.
Grooming: The Curly Coated Retriever is easy to care for, and does not need brushing or combing, as this will only result in a frizzy coat. This dog will need some scissoring to keep it tidy. The only time brushing is needed is when they are seasonally shedding.
Living conditions: This is a breed that is not recommended for apartment life. They require a large garden. This dog has lots of energy to release, but indoors, if the right amount of exercise is given can be a calm companion indoors.