The Curly-Coated Retriever: temperament, price, health, and breeders

The exact origins of the Curly Coated Retriever remain uncertain, notably regarding the crossbreeding at the origin of the breed. One theory mentions the contribution of the Newfoundland and the Irish Water Dog in its development in England. It is among the oldest varieties of retrievers, with breeding probably dating back to the 18th century. Its abilities in retrieving game quickly earned it a place in hunting. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale definitively recognized the breed on 10 December 1954.

The Curly Coated Retriever is a large dog of strong and elegant build, slightly longer than tall. Its topline is horizontal, its chest well let down and its long head forms a wedge when seen in profile. The skull and the muzzle are of the same length, the stop is little marked and the strong jaws have a scissor bite. Its large oval eyes, set obliquely, match the colour of the coat. Its small ears, set slightly above the eye line, are covered with curls. Its tail continues the topline and is carried straight at its level when in action. The solid-coloured coat is black or liver brown. The short, close coat, formed of small curls, covers the whole body, without undercoat.

The Curly Coated Retriever has a balanced temperament. Intelligent, reliable and courageous, it retains a real independence. It is friendly and full of confidence, while being able to be somewhat reserved. Its hunting instinct is pronounced and its specialty remains the retrieving of game.

Very energetic, playful and athletic, he needs daily activity and space to express himself. Long walks once or twice a day, complemented by retrieving activities and mental stimulation, help him stay balanced. Insufficient exercise can encourage boredom and undesirable behaviors. He can live in different settings if he is sufficiently stimulated, but a house with a large garden suits his needs better than an apartment.

His intelligence, his enthusiasm for work and his taste for learning make his training easier. He responds best to a consistent method combining measured firmness and gentleness. Early socialization, recall, control of excitement and retrieving exercises must be worked on regularly.

Uncommon breed in France: a breeder puppy often sells for between €900 and €1,500.

The Curly Coated Retriever is an overall robust and resilient dog. The breed nevertheless has predispositions that justify careful selection of breeding dogs and regular veterinary monitoring, notably with regard to joints and eyes.

The Curly-Coated Retriever, a large athletic retriever, needs a complete diet that is sufficiently energetic on water and retrieving days, more measured at rest.

The Curly Coated Retriever is also known in French under the name Retriever with curly coat. It bears the FCI standard number 110 and belongs to group 8 of game retriever dogs, game flushing dogs and water dogs. A litter generally includes 7 to 8 puppies.