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Curly Coated Retriever – Curly coated retriever 4
Curly Coated Retriever – Curly coated retriever6Curly Coated Retriever – Curly coated retriever 1
📷 Mattias Agar (CC BY-SA 2.0) · Mattias Agar (CC BY-SA 2.0) · Mattias Agar (CC BY-SA 2.0) · Wikimedia Commons

Curly Coated Retriever

FR Retriever à poil bouclé · IT Retriever a pelo riccio
FCI 8 · Nr. 110
The Curly Coated Retriever is the oldest of the retrievers and one of the most distinctive: his entire body is covered in small, firm curls that make him water-resistant and weather-hardy. He is considered a self-assured, independent and somewhat reserved representative of his group.
Size
Large
Height at withers
64–69 cm
Weight
27–40 kg
Life expectancy
~9–12 years
Coat
Characteristic small, tight curls; black or liver
Origin
Great Britain
FCI
FCI 8 · Nr. 110

🧠 Temperament & character

The Curly Coated Retriever is self-assured, intelligent and considerably more independent than the Golden or the Labrador. Towards his family he is loyal and loving, while towards strangers he shows himself rather reserved and watchful. He is balanced and not effusive, likes to think along and needs a task. With fair, varied training he is a reliable, sensitive partner.

📜 Origin & history

The Curly Coated Retriever arose in the 18th and early 19th centuries in England and is regarded as the oldest recognised retriever breed. His breeding presumably drew on the English Water Spaniel, the extinct St. John's Dog and later probably also the Poodle, which explains the characteristic curls. As a robust retrieving dog for water and feathered game he was valued by hunters early on. With the rise of the Labrador and the Golden he became rare, but to this day has loyal followers.

✂️ Grooming, care & training

The curly coat of the Curly Coated Retriever is astonishingly easy to care for: it is not brushed but only shaped when damp, so that the curls are preserved; during the moult he sheds nonetheless. As a work-loving retriever he needs plenty of exercise, swimming and retrieving work as well as mental occupation. He is capable of learning but independent – monotonous drilling quickly bores him. Varied, motivating training brings out his cooperation best.

🩺 Health

The Curly Coated Retriever is overall robust and reaches an age of about 9 to 12 years. Hip and elbow dysplasia, eye diseases such as PRA and cataracts as well as epilepsy can occur; in some lines a hereditary glycogen storage disease (GSD IV) appears, which is avoidable by genetic test. Reputable breeders examine joints and eyes and use the available genetic tests.

🏡 Who is this breed right for?

The Curly Coated Retriever suits active people and families who appreciate an intelligent, somewhat independent dog and can offer him exercise, water and tasks. For first-time owners he is doable if they are prepared to accompany his independence with fair training. Ideal is a home with a garden and closeness to nature, but active apartment living is also possible. In Switzerland he is rare and rather something for committed retriever enthusiasts.

❓ Frequently asked questions

Does the curly coat of the Curly Coated Retriever have to be brushed?
No, brushing would destroy the curls; the coat is only shaped when damp and is thus very easy to care for.
Is the Curly Coated Retriever like a Labrador?
In temperament not quite – he is more independent, more reserved towards strangers and calmer than the effusive Labrador.
Does he need a lot of exercise?
Yes, as a work-loving retriever he needs plenty of exercise every day with swimming, retrieving and mental work.

🏅 Find the breed club & breeders

Find the breed club in the SKG directory ↗
🐾 You'll find reputable breeders and puppies through the official breed club — the SKG lists the responsible clubs, which in turn list vetted breeders.