Curly-Coated Retriever
ConfidentProudGentle
England · 10–12 years
About the Curly-Coated Retriever
The Curly-Coated Retriever is the oldest of all retriever breeds, with origins in 18th-century England. Their distinctive mass of tight, crisp curls provides excellent protection against cold water, thorny brush, and harsh weather. Curlies are elegant, athletic, and more independent than other retrievers — they think for themselves rather than blindly following commands. They are confident, proud dogs with a gentle, loyal nature that endears them to their families. Despite their retrieving heritage, they are more reserved and discerning than the constantly friendly Labrador or Golden Retriever.
Breed stats
- Height
- 23–27 in
- Weight
- 60–95 lbs
- Lifespan
- 10–12 years
- Group
- Sporting
- Coat
- Tight, crisp curls covering entire body
- Origin
- England
Coat colors
- Black
- Liver
Temperament & ratings
Compatibility
Exercise & feeding
Daily exercise
60–90 min
per day recommended
Daily food
2.5–3.5 cups
high-quality dry food
Common health issues
- Hip dysplasia
- Glycogen storage disease
- Epilepsy
- Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus)
- Pattern baldness
Not every Curly-Coated Retriever will develop these conditions, but awareness helps with early detection. Regular veterinary checkups and choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests their dogs are the best preventive measures.
Can Curly-Coated Retrievers eat...
- Can dogs eat blueberries?Safe
- Can dogs eat grapes?Toxic
- Can dogs eat bananas?Safe
- Can dogs eat chocolate?Toxic
- Can dogs eat watermelon?Safe
- Can dogs eat cheese?Caution
- Can dogs eat almonds?Caution
- Can dogs eat apples?Safe
Frequently Asked Questions
- Yes, Curly-Coated Retrievers are among the rarest retriever breeds. While Labs and Goldens number in the hundreds of thousands of registrations annually, Curlies register only a few hundred. Their rarity means finding a reputable breeder requires patience and often a waiting list. Their independence and need for experienced handling make them less popular as family pets compared to the ever-friendly Lab or Golden. However, breed enthusiasts prize their unique combination of elegance, intelligence, and self-sufficiency that distinguishes them from other retrievers.
- Curlies differ from Labs and Goldens in several important ways. They are more independent and think for themselves — they will not blindly repeat a task the way a Lab might. They are more reserved with strangers, taking time to warm up rather than greeting everyone enthusiastically. They mature more slowly, retaining puppy-like behavior longer. Their unique curly coat requires minimal grooming compared to a Golden's long coat but more than a Lab's short coat. They are excellent hunting dogs but require a handler who respects their intelligence and independence.
- Curly-Coated Retrievers have relatively easy coat maintenance despite their dramatic appearance. The tight curls should not be brushed — brushing causes frizzing and ruins the curl pattern. Instead, the coat is best maintained by occasional bathing and air-drying, which preserves the natural curl. Light dampening with a spray bottle can help curls reform. Trimming scraggly hair around the ears, tail, and feet keeps them tidy. They shed moderately, with heavier shedding seasonally. The coat is naturally water-resistant and dirt-repellent, making them one of the lower-maintenance retriever breeds.
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