Curly-Coated Retriever
Other names: Curly, CCR

The Curly-Coated Retriever was bred in England. It was used for retrieving game and waterbirds and is the tallest of the retriever breeds. The name comes from its distinctive curly coat. The tight curls repel water and burrs (dry seeds that have hooks or teeth) which are often found near lakes and ponds frequented by waterbirds. Like any retriever breed, the curly coated is a lively, friendly, soft-natured animal. They make excellent family pets.
Key facts about the Curly-Coated Retriever
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Origins and history
The Curly Coated is thought to be one of the oldest retriever breeds. Because of its curly coat, some experts believe it was cross-bred from the Poodle. There’s no definitive proof, but, given that the Poodle is also a water dog, such speculation is well within the bounds of possibility. Like many working dogs, its numbers dropped during the beginning of the 20th century as more rural settlements were swallowed up by waves of industrialisation. However, breeding groups were set up in the 1930s and the Curly Coated became a popular household pet in a range of countries including Sweden, Australia, and the USA. Despite being a British breed, the Curly Coated is a rare choice for UK dog owners.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 8 - Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs
Section
Section 1 : Retrievers
Physical characteristics of the Curly-Coated Retriever
Adult size
Female : Between 24 and 25 in
Male : Between 26 and 27 in
Weight
Female : Between 53 and 66 lb
Male : Between 62 and 75 lb
Coat colour
Black or brown (liver).
Type of coat
Single smooth layer, short, tight curls.
Eye colour
Dark brown.
Description
The Curly-coated Retriever is slightly taller and leaner than other retriever breeds. The most obvious feature is their curly coat. They have a robust, long, athletic body, and a well-balanced gait. They have well proportioned, flat and strong jaws, a medium length muzzle and short, flat ears. The tail is quite short, and covered with adorable little curls.
Good to know
These dogs have a very low tolerance for boredom.
Training should always be fun. Treat it like a game.
Unless well socialised, these dogs have an exceptionally high prey drive.
Temperament
Behaviour of the Curly-Coated Retriever
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Compatibility
Price
Between £550 for Non KC Registered dogs, and £775 for KC Registered dogs. Looking after a dog of this size typically costs between £80 to £110 a month, including food, medical/insurance, and incidental expenses.
Grooming
A weekly brush and a trim once every few months should be enough.To avoid frizzy hair, a little moisture should bring it back to shape.
Nutrition of the Curly-Coated Retriever
The Curly Coated Retriever can be greedy, so should be rationed to morning and evening meals to avoid a poorly tummy.
Health of the Curly-Coated Retriever
Life expectancy
This is a very healthy and well-bred dog with an average life expectancy of 11 years.
Strong / robust
The Curly Coated is very strong and robust. They are bred to thrive in rugged, rural environments, and are lean, athletic, and well-built.
Withstand heat
They shed heavily during warmer months, so can tolerate the heat very well.
Withstand cold
A tight, curly coat protects this dog from the cold and the rain. It forms a waterproof barrier which helps keep them warm and dry.
Tendency to put on weight
These dogs are prone to weight gain as they get older. They will also over-eat if you let them. Managing portion size is really important.
Common illnesses
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Joint problems due to slow growth
- Epilepsy
- Eye disorders