<C>Height:</C> 25 to 27 inches (male); 23 to 25 inches (female).
<C>Weight:</C> averages 65 pounds.
<C>Size:</C> Large.
<C>Availability:</C> Very difficult to find.
<b>History:</> The Curly-Coated Retriever is considered to be one of the oldest retriever breeds. Developed in England, the breed probably resulted from crosses with the close-curled English Water dog, the old Water Spaniel and the St. John's Newfoundland dog. The Curly is a fine water retriever with a gentle mouth, particularly ideal for duck and quail. He is an excellent hunting companion and gun dog, and his gentle temperament also makes him an outstanding family companion. The Curly-Coated Retriever is quite popular in Australia and New Zealand, but is not well-known in the United States, though the breed is recognized by the AKC.
<b>Description:</> A large, hardy, athletic retriever with a distinctive crisp curly coat. The thick, black or liver-colored coat of tight curls protects the dog from brambles and icy water. Even the small ears, back of the head, neck and tapering tail are covered with little curls. Only the face, hocks and front of the legs are smooth. The ideal Curly should be agile and graceful, strong yet elegant. The body is slightly longer than the height at the withers. The back is strong and level. The head is wedge-shaped, longer than it is wide. The foreface and skull are approximately the same length, with their toplines forming parallel planes when viewed from the side. The muzzle tapers to a well-developed dark nose (black for black dogs, brown or amber for liver dogs). The teeth should meet in a scissors bite. The smallish ears are pendant. The eyes are either black or brown. The tail reaches approximately to the hock and is carried straight.
<b>Notes:</> Beware of hip dysplasia and eye problems. Buy only from CERF and OFA- certified stock. Loves to swim. Needs a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to be truly happy. The curly coated should be washed, but brushing and combing will make the coat frizzy. Wet the coat to renew the curls after grooming. Curly-Coated Retrievers make good therapy dogs.
<b>Personality:</> Loyal and eager to please. Proud and confident. Very intelligent and trainable. Clever and mischievous, but sensitive. Needs early gentle, but firm obedience training. Can do well at competitive obedience, but is not as predictable a performer as a Golden Retriever; likes to do things his way. Loving with children. Socialize well with people and other pets at an early age, as this breed tends to be reserved and even timid with strangers if not properly socialized. A good watchdog who will also protect the family if danger threatens.
<b>Behavior:</>
<C>Children:</C> Excellent with children.
<C>Friendliness:</C> Reserved with strangers.
<C>Trainability:</C> Easy to train.
<C>Independence:</C> Fairly independent.
<C>Dominance:</C> Moderate.
<C>Other Pets:</C> Generally good with other pets.
<C>Combativeness:</C> Not generally dog-aggressive.
<C>Noise:</C> Average barker.
<b>Grooming and Physical Needs:</>
<C>Grooming:</C> A little grooming needed.
<C>Trimming & Stripping:</C> No trimming or stripping needed.
<C>Coat:</C> Curly coat.
<C>Shedding:</C> Light shedder.
<C>Exercise:</C> Vigorous daily exercise needed.
<C>Jogging:</C> A good jogging companion.
<C>Indoors:</C> Relatively inactive indoors.
<C>Apartments:</C> Not recommended for apartments.
<C>Outdoor Space:</C> Best with a large yard.
<C>Climate:</C> Does well in most climates.
<C>Owner:</C> Good for novice owners.
<C>Longevity:</C> Average (10 to 12 years).
<b>Talents:</> hunting, tracking, retrieving, watchdog, guarding, agility, and competitive obedience.
<b>For More Information:</>
Call the AKC Breeder Referral Hotline: 1-900-407-PUPS for the name of a breeder referral representative in your area. Cost is 99 cents per minute.
<b>Photo Caption:</> CURLY-COATED RETRIEVER
Slide 1- (left) Ithaca. Owned and photographed by Doris Hodges, (right) Ch. Darelyn Yorkie. Photo courtesy: Kathryn Cowsert, Mathel Curly-Coated Retrievers; Slide 2-Ithaca in the water. Owned and photographed by Doris Hodges; Slide 3-Sophie by the pool. Photo courtesy: Kathryn Cowsert, Mathel Curly-Coated Retrievers; Slide 4-Australian Curly-Coated Retrievers, Blazeaway Kennels, Australia; Slide 5 (and small picture)-Photo copyright: Cook PhoDOGraphy 1995. All rights reserved.
