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First Impressions
A curly coated, big, powerfully built sporting dog.
The History Of The Curly Coated Retriever
The Curly Coated Retriever also known as the Gamekeeper's Dog originated in England during the 19th century.
The Curly Coated Retriever is an old breed combination of Irish Water Spaniel, Poodle and perhaps a touch of Newfoundland. The exact makeup has been lost in the mists if time.
It was first displayed in the English show ring in 1860 and by 1907 appeared in the United States. Never particularly popular in America where it had to compete with the Chesapeake for water work. However, down under in Australia and New Zealand it remains the water dog of choice.
Description Of The Curly Coated Retriever
The hanging ears and the tail are never altered.
It is a big tough retriever with a crisp, black or liver, tightly curled coat which protects the dog from undergrowth and cold water. The curls cover the whole dog except for the face, hocks and front of the legs which are smooth.
They should be agile, graceful, and strong with a body is a little longer than the height at the withers. The back is strong and level. The head is tapered and longer than it is wide.
The breed averages 25 - 27 inches in height at the shoulder and weighs from 70 - 80 pounds.
Coat & Grooming
The curly coat is low maintenance and should be washed but not brushed or combed which will make the coat frizzy. The coat should be damped down after grooming to bring back the curls. Some minimal scissoring may be needed just to neaten scraggly hairs. It is an average shedder, during which time it will need regular brushing.
Temperament
An easy to get along with and loyal and eager to please. Very intelligent and easily trained. But they to be trained when young with sensitivity and a firm hand. They can perform well in competitive obedience and agility but not as predictable as a Golden Retriever. They do seem to prefer to do things in their own way.
It is excellent with older children but perhaps a little boisterous for a toddler. As with training, they should be socialized at an early age for the best results.
Life Expectancy and Health
The average life expectancy for a Curly Coated Retriever is around 8 - 12 years.
Reported health problems are hip dysplasia, seborrhea skin irritations, epilepsy and eye problems.
Please read our page on health problems by clicking here.
Preferred Environment and Exercise Requirements
Not recommended for apartment life they need a large yard at the minimum. A calm companion indoors which needs to be part of the family and not left alone in the yard all day.
An energetic dog that requires plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. It is particularly happy when it is in it’s element, swimming and retrieving.
For More Information on the Curly Coated Retriever
To get more information, check out the Curly Coated Retriever web site:
www.ccrca.org
There may also be rescue dogs available. Check for details on:
www.ccrca.org/resQ1.htm
Summary
Not at common in the U.S. and finding a puppy may prove difficult. Needs a lot of exercise, preferably involving water. Great with older kids.
:: Curly Coated Retriever Training ::
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