Description: Curly Coated Retriever
The Curly Coated Retriever, distinguished by its unique curly coat, is one of the oldest retriever breeds. Known for their intelligence, versatility, and enduring stamina, these dogs excel in both land and water retrieving. They possess a striking appearance with a coat that offers protection in harsh hunting conditions. This breed is not only a skilled working dog but also a loving family companion, known for its loyalty and affection towards its owners. Despite their independent nature, Curly Coated Retrievers are sensitive and respond well to positive training methods, making them suitable for various canine sports and activities.
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Properties
The Curly-Coated Retriever, known for its distinctive curly coat, is one of the oldest retriever breeds. Developed in England during the late 18th century, this breed was created to fulfill the need for a multi-purpose hunting retriever, with a particular focus on waterfowl. Over the years, Curly-Coated Retrievers have distinguished themselves not only in fields of hunting but also as companionable house pets and participants in various canine sports.
The most striking feature of the Curly-Coated Retriever is, of course, its coat. The curls are tight, crisp, and cover the body completely except for the face and front of the legs, which are smooth. This unique curly coat serves more than a decorative purpose; it provides insulation and water resistance, which were crucial characteristics for a dog bred to retrieve from cold, wet environments. The coat is generally black or liver in color, each hair being a true curl not to be confused with the waves of other retriever breeds.
In terms of temperament, the Curly-Coated Retriever is known for its enduring confidence and pride. They are intelligent, strong-willed, and independent, traits that make them excellent in the field but can pose challenges in training. Early and consistent training is crucial and, when done correctly, results in a well-mannered and responsive dog. They are known to be somewhat reserved, especially around strangers, which makes them excellent watchdogs albeit not aggressive.
Physically, Curly-Coated Retrievers are among the tallest of the retriever breeds, with males often reaching 25 to 27 inches at the shoulder and females slightly smaller. Their build is strong yet elegant, with enough endurance and strength for long days of work but also the agility needed for chasing game. This breed is well-suited to various canine sports, including agility, obedience, and most notably, field trials where their natural retrieving abilities can shine.
These dogs are family-oriented and bond closely with their owners, exhibiting loyalty and affection. However, they require plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. A home with ample space and a physically active owner is ideal. Due to their hardworking nature and endurance, they do well in rural or suburban settings where they can expend their energy. Curly-Coated Retrievers generally live about 10 to 12 years, and while they are a healthy breed, they can be prone to common conditions like hip dysplasia, bloat, and certain cancers, reflecting the importance of responsible breeding and health testing.
Appearance
The Curly-Coated Retriever, often simply called the Curly, is one of the oldest retriever breeds and is well-known for its distinctive curly coat. This breed stands out not only for its unique aesthetic but also for its capabilities as a skilled hunting dog and an affectionate companion.
Typically, males stand about 25 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder, while females are slightly smaller, usually ranging from 23 to 25 inches. Weight can vary, but generally falls between 65 to 100 pounds, depending on gender and overall health. They have a strong, athletic build, fitting for a dog bred for demanding activities like retrieving game from water.
One of the most striking features of the Curly-Coated Retriever is its coat. The curls are tight, small, and cover the entire body except for the face and the front of the legs, where the fur remains straight. This waterproof coat is not only an aesthetic trademark but also serves a practical function, providing insulation and protection in cold water, which was essential for the dog's original role in retrieving waterfowl. The fur's color can be either black or liver, with the latter being somewhat less common.
Their eyes are typically large, expressive, and dark-colored, which adds to their intelligent and alert expression. The head is long and slightly wedge-shaped, which contrasts nicely with its strong neck and robust body. This breed’s tail is straight and carried moderately level, extending the line of the back when the dog is in motion.
Given their role as active retrievers, the Curly-Coated Retriever possesses good bone structure and musculature, enabling agility and endurance. Their movement is smooth and powerful, with a good drive from the rear and unrestricted reach in the front. The combination of their physical traits makes them powerful swimmers and capable athletes on land as well.
Overall, the appearance of the Curly-Coated Retriever is that of a balanced, strong, and agile breed, capable of performing the tasks it was bred for while having the aesthetics that make it a unique and attractive companion. Their distinctive coats, strong build, and keen expressions illustrate a breed built for function just as much as form.
History
The Curly Coated Retriever, distinguished by its unique curly coat, is one of the oldest retriever breeds and has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century in England. This breed is believed to have descended from the English Water Spaniel, the retrieving setter, the Poodle, and possibly the Irish Water Spaniel and Labrador Retriever, although the exact lineage remains a topic of debate among historians.
The breed was developed primarily to retrieve ducks and other waterfowl during hunting. The tightly curled coat served as excellent protection against the cold and wet conditions typical in the marshy and riverine landscapes where these dogs were typically employed. By the mid-1800s, the Curly Coated Retriever had become popular among English gamekeepers due to its working ability and unmatched endurance in the field.
The first breed club was established in England in 1896, reflecting the breed's popularity and the need for an organized approach to its breeding. The Curly Coated Retriever was also one of the first breeds to be shown at dog shows, and it was officially recognized by the Kennel Club of England in 1860. Its show and work capabilities made it a dual-purpose dog, highly valued both in the field and in the show ring.
The breed also made its way to other countries, including Australia and New Zealand, where it was also used for hunting and became equally popular. In the United States, however, the Curly Coated Retriever has remained relatively rare compared to other retriever breeds. It was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1924, but its population levels, while stable, have been comparatively low, leading to it being considered among the more uncommon retrievers in the U.S. market.
Despite its practical origins, the Curly Coated Retriever is also known for its gentle and affectionate nature, intelligence, and loyalty making it a favorable companion outside of the hunting context as well. It has been utilized in various roles including police work and search and rescue, demonstrating the versatility and adaptability of the breed. The Curly Coated Retriever continues to be a cherished breed among its enthusiasts, prized equally for its aesthetic qualities, working capabilities, and amiable personality.