Other names/Nicknames:
- Gamekeeper’s Dog
Country/Date of origin:
- England
- 1800′s
Height:
- Females: 23 to 25 inches
- Males: 25 to 27 inches
Weight:
- 70 to 80 pounds
Personality:
- Devoted and loving to family but aloof with strangers.
- Makes a better watchdog than most sporting breeds.
- Intelligent but stubborn.
- Does not get along well with other dogs.
History:
A water retriever with a coat to do the job. The Curly-Coated Retriever is an old breed probably created with a dash of Irish Water Spaniel, Poodle and possibly a bit of Newfoundland. The Curly Coat first appeared in the show ring in England in 1860, and was being shown in the United States by 1907. Although never very popular in America, it is the water dog of choice in Australia and New Zealand.
Body Type:
- A large, strongly-built, sporting dog with a distinctive curly coat.
- Hanging ears are not altered.
- Tail is not altered.
Coat:
- Body and tail are covered with tight ringlets.
- In contrast the face is distinctively smooth.
- Solid black or solid liver are allowed colors.
- Surprisingly low maintenance grooming.
Health and Wellness:
- Hip dysplasia.
- Follicular dysplasia.
- Frequent seborrhea skin irritations, especially when kept indoors.
What you should know:
- Not common anywhere in the United States. Finding a puppy may take considerable time and effort.
- Becomes hyperactive and cranky if not allowed ample exercise.
- Don’t expect to be able to walk past any body of water without the Curly Coat checking it out.
- Most Curly-Coated Retrievers are dual purpose, being actively used for both hunting and show.
