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Curly Coated Retriever puppies sitting in the grass outdoors.

The Curly-Coated Retriever (Curly) is a large-sized, sturdy, and elegant member of the Sporting Group. Learn more about the breed with these Curly-Coated Retriever fun facts.

Curly-Coated Retrievers Are an Old Retriever Breed

The Curly may look like a Labrador Retriever crossed with a Poodle, but he is a breed in his own right. In fact, the Curly is one of the oldest retriever breeds, likely being the first breed used for serious retrieving work in England. He was originally developed in England, and being a long-time favorite of English gamekeepers, he was popular on the large estates. British artwork from 300 years ago features this distinctive dog, and written accounts go back to 1803.

Curly Coated Retriever standing outdoors.

Curlies Have Been Purebred Since the 1990s

 

The ancestry of the Curly is unknown. He has been purebred since the early 1900s, so records of his lineage don’t exist. However, it is likely that some of the breeds in his background include the Newfoundland, the Poodle, and the Irish Water Spaniel, as well as some extinct breeds. The popularity of the Curly-Coated Retriever has waxed and waned over the years, and during both world wars the population dramatically declined. Today, the breed is limited in numbers, with its popularity having been overthrown by the Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever.

Curlies Have Straight Hair on Their Face

The dense coat is a hallmark of the breed and consists of a thick mass of small, tight, distinct crisp curls. Only the face and front of the legs remain straight-haired. The coat lies close to the skin and provides protection from water, bad weather, and harsh underbrush. Per the breed standard, the coat is either black or liver in color.

Curly-Coated Retrievers Only Need Minimal Grooming

The characteristic coat requires minimal grooming and is virtually effort-free. No regular brushing or combing is needed, and bathing is only needed occasionally. However, the Curly does shed, and light brushing can be used to help control falling hair. Males will lose part of their coat once a year, and females twice a year.

Wet Curly-Coated Retriever standing in tall grasses next to a pond.

They’re Eager Hunters and Swimmers

The Curly is an active dog, and when on the hunt he is eager and persistent, going all day long. He is a great multi-purpose hunting companion and will retrieve both fur and feather, even in the worst conditions, such as icy water. The hunting heritage of this quick and agile dog means that he requires plenty of exercise. It’s a huge bonus if that exercise can include swimming or fetching in water.

They Don’t Have Typical Retriever Personalities

The Curly is distinguishable from other retrievers by his coat, and by his personality, as well. These dogs are protective and loyal with their family, but can be slightly more aloof with strangers than other retrievers. They can seem less demonstrative, particularly with people they don’t know, partly due to their discerning nature and independence.

Curlies Mature Slowly, but Are Very Intelligent

With his family, the Curly is charming, gentle, calm, and affectionate. Most make good companions for children, although as with all dogs, children should be taught appropriate behavior. Curlies are slow to mature, meaning you will have a puppy longer than you might expect, but they are also biddable, responsive, and very intelligent. All these factors will influence your training program. To prevent your Curly from becoming bored, consider keeping your sessions playful and fun.

Best of Breed: GCH CH Pizzazz Ticket To Ride BN RN, Retriever (Curly-Coated); Sporting Group judging at the 2016 AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin in Orlando, FL.
David Woo ©American Kennel Club

They’re Not a Popular Breed

Despite being AKC-recognized since 1924 and dating back even sooner, Curly-Coated Retrievers don’t rank among the most popular breeds. They typically fall in the bottom quarter of registrations, making them a rarer breed. Seeing one out and about is even more special since there aren’t as many of them!

Curly-Coated Retrievers Come in Two Colors

When you think of Curlies, you probably think of curly black coats. But black is only one of two standard colors for this breed. According to the Curly-Coated Retriever breed standard, these dogs can also come in “liver,” which is a shade of brown.

Curlies Were Very Popular in New Zealand

Yes, you read that right! Although they originate from England, Curly-Coated Retrievers were very popular in New Zealand in the late 19th-century. Breed specimens were exported there in 1889, and the breed became very popular in New Zealand and Australia.

 

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