Group: Sporting

Weight: Male: 80-100, Female: 70-90 lbs

Height: Male: 25-27, Female: 23-25 inches

Overview

The Curly Coated Retriever has its origin in England and is one of the oldest dog breeds there is. English hunters favoured this breed, as they had very gentle retrieving abilities. This breed is particularly popular in Australia and in New Zealand. In the United States however they are fairly rare, and very difficult to get hold of.

Temperament

Curly-Coated Retrievers are very content and easygoing dogs. They are very bright, and always keen on pleasing their owners. This breed was formerly used as hunting and gun dogs, and this makes them very trainable. These dogs are also late to mature, and will only reach full maturity after about 3 years. This breed will make a wonderful family, and they like to be close to the family. The Curly-Coated Retriever likes to show affection, and also makes very good therapy dogs. Seeing that these dogs are so tolerant, they are the ideal dog to have around your children. The Curly-Coated Retriever will make a brilliant watchdog and will also protect the family wherever they can. It is important to socialise the Curly-Coated Retriever well when still young, as they can be fairly reserved toward strangers.

Care

The grooming requirements for the Curly-Coated Retriever is not very time consuming. It is advised that the nails of these dogs should be trimmed, but only when it is necessary. The Curly-Coated Retriever should not be bathed excessively, and two or three times during the year should do. Too much bathing will strip their coats from the natural the oils. The Curly-Coated Retriever should not be rubbed down in order to get them dry, they should rather be left to air dry. The coat of the Curly-Coated Retriever will benefit from these dogs swimming and being out in the sun a lot.

Training

It is vital for these dogs to receive proper training, as they can be very difficult puppies. The Curly-Coated Retriever should get enough physical and mental stimulation, as they tend to get bored very easily. This will in return then lead to destructive behavior. The Curly-Coated Retriever will also bark a lot when bored. These dogs should also be learned from a young age that jumping is not suitable.

Health problems

The Curly-Coated Retriever has a few health concerns potential owners should be aware of. Like many other breeds they have problems with hip dysplasia and cancer. They can also suffer from patterned baldness, bloat and cardiac problems. Epilepsy is also a concern in this breed from time to time.