Curly-Coated Retriever Dog Breed Info

Personality

With sparkling eyes and a spirit for exploration, the fearless Curly-Coated Retriever is a perfect blend of lively and laid-back. These dogs are kind and attentive, making them simple to train, and they have cheerful dispositions. However, they may be a bit shy around new people.

History

The Curly-Coated Retriever is one of the oldest breeds of retrievers, with a history spanning several centuries. This breed likely originated from a mix of the Old English Water Dog, Irish Water Spaniel, and a smaller Newfoundland, and later included the water-retrieving Poodle in their breeding. By the mid-1800s, Curly-Coated Retrievers were among the most favored retrievers in England. They made their way to the United States in 1907.

Ideal Owner

The Curly-Coated Retriever is friendly, loving, and steady, making it a great choice for those who enjoy an active, outdoor life. You should be okay with getting dirty in the mud and rain, and ready to explore the woods in any weather. These dogs thrive in homes where families spend a lot of time together, helping them become well-behaved and happy family members.

Exercise Needs

The Curly-Coated Retriever requires plenty of active playtime, which should involve running without a leash, fetching, swimming, exploring new places, training sessions, and fun games. They enjoy picking up and carrying things, which can be managed through proper training. These dogs thrive with owners who interact with them during walks.

Space Requirements

The Curly-Coated Retriever is a big, traditional dog that loves being outdoors. They thrive in water, so having a spot for them to wash and dry is important. A spacious, fenced yard is perfect for their play and training, but they also enjoy different walking paths to keep things interesting.

Training

The Curly Coated Retriever enjoys learning, especially when training involves rewards and encouragement. They thrive on spending time with their owners and appreciate interactive activities. They also have a passion for dog sports and love participating in events like agility.

Grooming

The Curly-Coated Retriever has a dense, curly fur that sheds. To manage this, owners should groom their dogs to get rid of loose hair when it happens. It's best to avoid brushing or combing too much to prevent frizz. Instead, you can lightly dampen the coat and massage the curls to keep them looking great. Regular trimming is also a good idea.

Suitability for Family Life

The Curly-Coated Retriever is great with kids and can be a wonderful family dog, especially for families with older children. However, this breed tends to grow up slowly, so it may not be the best fit for homes with young kids or a lot of activity.