HISTORY OF BREED & INFORMATION

IF YOU WANT A DOG WHO:

• Is the most unusual-looking of the six retriever breeds
• Loves the great outdoors and thrives on time spent with their owner
• Is steady and dependable
• Is more cautious with strangers than Golden or Labrador retrievers, but still polite.
• Is good with other animals

then a Curly coated Retriever may be right for you.

HISTORY:

The Curly Coated Retriever (CCR) originated in England and is one of the oldest retrieving breeds.  The exact ancestry of this breed is unknown.  However, it is believed that the St John's Newfoundland, Irish Water Spaniel, Poodle and the Old English Water Spaniel were used in the establishment of the CCR. 

Curlies were prized by English Gamekeepers & poachers for their exceptional hunting skills & intelligence.  Their pleasing dispositions also made them wonderful compainions  in the home.  For the most part, these traits remain unchanged in today's curlies.

The breed was recognised by the Kennel Club (UK) in 1854 and have been exhibited in Australia since 1879.

INFORMATION:

The Curly Coated Retriever is a strong smart upstanding dog, showing activity, endurance and intelligence.  Their coat is a mass of close tight curls from the back of the skull to the tip of the tail.  The colour is either black or liver.  The head and front legs are free from curls and covered with short smooth hair.  The eyes are either black or brown.  Curly Coated Retrivers have an excellent nose and a good memory which is often balanced with a great sense of humor.  A superb swimmer with great stamina, who will work all day over difficult terrain.

Average lifespan for a Curly is from 10 to 12 years.  Curlies have been known to live up to 14 years.  The average size and weight is:  Dogs 69 cm (27 ins), 36 Kg  and Bitches 63 cm (25 ins), 32 Kg

The Curly is a slow maturing dog and may take up to three years to reach maturity.  Their temperament is kind.  They are not apt to bark but when required to do so is an excellent protector of family and property.  Its deep bark alone is enough to stop unwanted intruders in their tracks. 

As with large breeds the curly does need regular exercise/stimulation and time spent with their owner.  This could include a 30 minute game of fetch, off lead wlak or better still a swim.  If neglected or bored the curly will try to amuse itself and can be destructive as can any breed.

Unless you are showing, curlies do not need alot of grooming.  The Curly has been described as being wash & wear.  Triming around the ears & tail maybe all that is required.

The coat should never be brushed and will benefit from a weekly wetting down or a swim in clean water.

Due to the size & intelligence of this breed, training is recommended to establish a clean chain of command.