The Curly-Coated Retriever is a medium-sized dog breed that originated in England where it was developed to hunt such waterfowl as quail and duck. This is a rare breed that is known by a variety of names including the Curly-Coated Retriever, Curly, CCR and the Curly Retriever. The Curly-Coated Retriever is thought to have been in existence longer than any other retriever breed. It received its name due to its characteristic curly hair. These dogs were used for hunting waterfowl in England since about the late 18th century. It is believed that they descended from such breeds as the Poodle, Irish Water Spaniel, English Water Spaniel, Labrador and the St. John’s Newfoundland.
The Curly Coated Retriever was bred to retrieve birds from waters and it shows in its appearance. It has a distinct, dense curly coat that provides protection from cold waters or temperatures. They are leggy retrievers and therefore more agile than other retrievers. Its grooming needs are low maintenance, its coat needs occasionally brushing. Curly-Coated Retrievers are medium-sized dogs that can weigh between 65 and 80 pounds fully grown. They are most known for their short curly hair that is either liver or black. While some Curly’s may have a small patch of white in their coats, this is considered a fault in show dogs. The CCR’s muzzle is wedge-shaped, and the nose is self-colored (black or liver). The ears are rounded and floppy reaching just below the cheeks. The eyes can be black, brown or amber depending on the color of the dog’s hair. This is a muscular dog that is slightly leggy and has a long tail that is carried straight or semi-straight.
Personality
This is an active dog breed that loves to swim and run. While it is happy and active outdoors, it is a peaceful and calm housedog. It’s very friendly towards children and obedient. It needs vigorous daily exercise with lots of running and possibly swimming. It’s a gentle and sensitive dog that is reserved towards strangers. CCRs are loyal dogs that are eager to please their owners. They are also very intelligent and easy to train. While they can be quite active, they are extremely gentle and great with kids of all ages. With proper socialization, Curlies will get along fine with cats and other dogs; however, they typically do not interact well with such pets as rabbits and rodents.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Family: | Retriever |
| Function: | Sporting |
| Origin: | Europe |
| Preferred Climate: | Any Climate |
| Group: | Sporting |
| Life Span: | 10-14 Years |
| Nicknames: | Curly-Coated Retriever, Curly, CCR, Curly Retriever |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
Curly Coated Retriever Build Information
The Curly Coated Retriever was bred to retrieve birds from waters and it shows in its appearance. It has a distinct, dense curly coat that provides protection from cold waters or temperatures. They are leggy retrievers and therefore more agile than other retrievers. Its grooming needs are low maintenance, its coat needs occasionally brushing. Curly-Coated Retrievers are medium-sized dogs that can weigh between 65 and 80 pounds fully grown. They are most known for their short curly hair that is either liver or black. While some Curly’s may have a small patch of white in their coats, this is considered a fault in show dogs. The CCR’s muzzle is wedge-shaped, and the nose is self-colored (black or liver). The ears are rounded and floppy reaching just below the cheeks. The eyes can be black, brown or amber depending on the color of the dog’s hair. This is a muscular dog that is slightly leggy and has a long tail that is carried straight or semi-straight.
| Size: | Large |
| Length (Male): | 22-27 in. |
| Length (Female): | 22-24 in. |
| Weight: | > 65 lbs |
| Litter Size: | 5 – 10 Puppies |
| Tail Dock or Crop: | No |
Behaviour and Personality
This is an active dog breed that loves to swim and run. While it is happy and active outdoors, it is a peaceful and calm housedog. It’s very friendly towards children and obedient. It needs vigorous daily exercise with lots of running and possibly swimming. It’s a gentle and sensitive dog that is reserved towards strangers. CCRs are loyal dogs that are eager to please their owners. They are also very intelligent and easy to train. While they can be quite active, they are extremely gentle and great with kids of all ages. With proper socialization, Curlies will get along fine with cats and other dogs; however, they typically do not interact well with such pets as rabbits and rodents.
| Activity Level: | Active |
| Affection Level: | Very Affectionate |
| Aggressiveness Level: | Easy |
| Barking: | Moderate |
| Dominating or Submissive?: | None |
| Energy Level: | Active |
| Good to Other Pets: | Friendly |
| Guardian Skills: | Yes |
| Independant: | Yes |
| Kid Friendliness: | Very Friendly |
Appearance
Curly-Coated Retrievers are low maintenance dogs that require very little grooming. You will only need to brush your pet during shedding season. Excessive brushing at other times of the year will straighten the dog’s natural curls. Additionally, only bathe your dog when it is absolutely necessary. You will need to check your Curly’s ears regularly for any excess wax or signs of infection. If you need to remove debris from the ears, use the tip of a damp, clean rag. Finally, when clipping your pet’s nails, use a pliers-type clipper and only trim the tip of each nail.
| Colors: | Black, Liver |
| Shedding: | None |
| Grooming: | Low Maintenance |
| Coat Type: | Curly |
Curly Coated Retriever Common Health Conditions
While the average life span of a healthy Curly is about nine to 14 years, some of these dogs have been known to live as long as 17 years old. This is generally a hardy dog that suffers from few health issues; however, the following problems have been reported in a small number of dogs: Hip Dysplasia, Epilepsy, Various Eye Problems, Bloat, Heart Problems, Glycogen Storage Disease and Various Forms of Cancer. If you are looking for an all-around great dog that will make a good companion, you should consider a Curly-Coated Retriever. These dogs are extremely loyal to their owners and gentle with kids. However, if you do decide to bring a Curly into your home, make sure that you can provide it with sufficient exercise.
Curly Coated Retriever Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
Curly-Coated Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living. Curlies are natural swimmers and will swim tirelessly if they have the chance. Curly-Coated Retrievers excel in a variety of arenas including hunting, agility, flyball and obedience.
| Training: | Easy |
| Hunting Companion: | Yes |
| Jolly for Jogging: | Yes |
| Sighting Capabilities: | No |
| Ideal for Tracking: | Yes |
| Retrieving Skills: | Yes |
| Pointing Breed: | No |
| Herding Skills: | No |
| Dutiful Watchdog: | Yes |
| Security Guard Capable: | Yes |
| Police Performer: | No |
| Wet Water rescues: | No |
| Assist Disable Owners: | No |
| Dog Sledding: | No |
| Able to Perform Dog Carting: | No |
| Agile/Zippy: | Yes |
| Fun with Lure Coursing: | No |
| Obedient: | Yes |
| Possible Schutzhund Work: | No |
| Trainable for Tricks: | No |
