Curly-Coated Retriever

Origin & history

The Curly-Coated Retriever was developed in England, with the breed recognisable by the early nineteenth century, making it one of the earliest retrievers to be standardised. It was built to retrieve waterfowl and upland game for hunters, and the dense curly jacket gave protection in cold water and through thick cover. The exact mix behind it is debated, but old water dogs, retrieving spaniels and very likely the Poodle and the now-extinct English Water Spaniel all contributed, with some later Irish Water Spaniel influence suggested. Curlies were popular with gamekeepers who valued a hardy, no-nonsense worker. Numbers fell sharply around the two World Wars and the breed has stayed scarce ever since, kept alive by committed enthusiasts. In Australia it remains an uncommon sight, found mostly with people who work or show them rather than as a general pet.

Temperament

Curlies are intelligent, self-possessed dogs that think for themselves, which makes them rewarding but not always easy. With their own people they are loyal and affectionate, and well-socialised dogs are good with children, though their size and bounce mean toddlers need supervision. They are typically aloof rather than effusive with strangers, hanging back to assess a new person, and many have a sensible watchdog streak. With other dogs and pets they are usually fine when raised together, helped along by a working retriever''s biddable side. Trainability is good but they bore quickly with drilling and repetition, so keep sessions varied and rewarding. Their independence means they will switch off if training feels pointless. These are active, water-loving dogs that need both physical exercise and mental work, and a Curly without enough to do will find its own entertainment.

Appearance

A large, upstanding retriever, with males around 65 to 69 cm at the shoulder and females a little smaller, weighing roughly 30 to 40 kg. The build is racy and powerful rather than heavy, giving an impression of endurance and reach. The signature coat is a mass of small, tight, crisp curls covering the body and tail, while the face and front of the legs are smooth. Only two colours are correct, black and liver. The head is long and wedge-shaped, the eyes are dark and almond-shaped, and the ears are fairly small and set rather low. The whole dog looks elegant and athletic.

Suitability

This breed belongs in an active household with space, ideally a house with a secure yard and access to somewhere it can swim and run. It is best suited to owners who enjoy outdoor activity and can commit to daily exercise plus training or canine sport. First-time owners should think carefully, since the breed''s independence and slow maturity can frustrate the inexperienced. Curlies tolerate being left for moderate periods better than the clingier retrievers, but they still need company and a job, and will become destructive if under-exercised and bored. In the Australian heat their dense coat means they feel warm weather, so exercise early or late in summer, always offer water and shade, and let them swim to cool off.

Health

Curly-Coated Retrievers are reasonably robust with a typical lifespan of about 10 to 12 years. The main concerns to ask a breeder about are hip and elbow dysplasia, so look for hip and elbow scores on both parents under a recognised scheme. Eye conditions including progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts occur, so annual eye examinations and any available DNA testing matter. The breed has a higher than average rate of certain cancers, and a glycogen storage disease (GSD IIIa) has been identified with a DNA test that responsible breeders use. Bloat, the rapid and life-threatening twisting of the stomach, is a risk in any deep-chested dog, so learn the warning signs and feed sensibly. Choose a breeder who openly shares hip, elbow, eye and DNA results rather than one who glosses over them.