Curly Coated Retriever -
Purebred Dogs and Puppies

The Curly Coated Retriever, a member of the Sporting group, has an

easy to care for coat. Its curls stay in place with little to no attention.

Even the dogs small ears, back of its head, neck and tapering tail are covered with tiny little curls. Only the dogs hocks, face and front of the legs are smooth.

As with all dog breeds, socialize them well with lots of other people and other pets at an early age. The Curly is also the largest of all retriever breeds.

Many groomers advise Curly owners to avoid brushing the dog to keep its coat from getting "frizzy", until just before bathing the dog and then to only comb the coat to remove any dead hair.

The perfect CCR coat is a dense mass of small, tight, distinct, crisp curls. Curlies are a single coated breed (they have no undercoat). The only acceptable coat colors are solid black and solid liver.

It's Retriever's curious nature and it's slow maturation rate (not considered fully mature until it is about 3 years old) may lead him to many amusing escapades that call for an owner with a good sense of humor.

Considered to be one of the oldest retriever breeds, the Curly Coated Retriever is wickedly smart and highly trainable and learns very rapidly and willingly performs almost any task asked of him - provided they can do things their own way.

The perfect exercise for these dogs - swimming. Running and walking are other great alternatives as well as retrieving - work or play is fine. They are highly valued as pets and are a lively and fun-loving breed.

See a short Curly video

This high energy dog needs a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to be truly happy, so keep this in mind before adding a Curly to your family. This is definitely not the dog breed for a lazy owner.

Developed in England, the Curly Coated Retriever is one of the oldest breeds classified as retrievers - a correctly built and tempered Curly will work as long as there is work to be done, retrieving both fur and feather in the heaviest of cover and the iciest of waters.

This smartly upstanding, multi-purpose, high energy hunting retriever is recognized by most canine historians as one of the oldest of the retrieving breeds known today.

Country of origin: England
Lifespan: 9-14 years
Colors: Solid black or liver
Known health problems: Hip dysplasia, Bloat, epilepsy, eye problems

Return from Curly Coated Retriever to Sporting Dog Group