Description

The Curly-Coated Retriever is a strong smart upstanding dog, showing activity, endurance and intelligence. The body of Curly-Coated Retriever is covered with a tightly curled coat which does not need trimming. Curly-Coated Retrievers have an excellent nose and a good memory. A superb swimmer with great stamina the Curly-Coated Retriever knows how to carry dead or wounded animals gently in his mouth. He has also been known to work over difficult terrain.

Size of Male: Height: 25-27 inches Weight: 80 – 100 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 23-25 inches Weight: 65 – 85 pounds

Temperament

The Curly-Coated Retriever is easy to get along with, loyal and eager to please. Curly-Coated Retriever are proud, confident, sensitive, intelligent and trainable. Curly-Coated Retriever are not for everyone; they need early, gentle, but firm obedience training. They can do well in competitive obedience and agility but are not as predictable a performer as a Golden Retriever. They like to do things their own way. The Curly-Coated Retriever is affectionate, loving, and excellent with children; however, they may accidentally knock over a toddler. Socialize them 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. This breed loves to swim. They make good therapy dogs. Curly-Coated Retrievers make an ideal partner for an active, outdoor-oriented person who also wants a loyal family companion. This breed does not fully mature until it is about three years old.

Living Conditions

The Curly-Coated Retriever is not recommended for apartment life. Curly-Coated Retrievers do best with at least a large yard. Curly-Coated Retriever is an eager and tireless land and (especially) water retriever outdoors, but a calm companion indoors. They need to be part of the family and not left alone outside in the yard all day.

Upkeep

The Curly-Coated Retriever is an easy dog to maintain, requiring no unusual care. Curly-Coated Retriever needs daily exercise, preferably involving swimming and retrieving. Curly-Coated Retriever can live outdoors in temperate weather, but it does best as an indoor – outdoor dog. Because brushing diminishes the tight curls, it should be combed only occasionally, preferably before getting wet. Some very minimal scissoring may be desirable to tidy up scraggly hairs. It does need regular brushing during its shedding seasons.

Health

Major concerns: Hip dysplasia

Minor concerns: Eye problems

Life expectancy: 9 – 14 years