Curly Coated Retriever: The curly head among hunting dogs
History: A look into the past
The Curly Coated Retriever is one of the oldest retriever breeds and has its roots in England in the 18th century. This breed was created by crossing Irish Water Spaniels, Poodles and various Setters and Retrievers. The Curly was originally bred as a hunting dog that excelled both on land and in the water. He was particularly popular with English aristocrats and hunters, who appreciated his stamina and willingness to work.
Who is the Curly Coated Retriever suitable for?
The Curly Coated Retriever is the ideal dog for active people and families who spend a lot of time outdoors. They are extremely energetic and need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. If you enjoy hiking, jogging or other outdoor activities, the Curly is the perfect companion. This dog is less suitable for less active people or those who live in a small city apartment.
Character: Intelligent and independent
Curly coated retrievers are known for their intelligence and independence. They are self-confident and have a strong will of their own, which sometimes makes them appear a little stubborn. At the same time, they are very loyal and affectionate towards their owners. They have a strong hunting instinct and love to play fetch. Their friendly and playful nature makes them great family dogs that get along especially well with children and other pets.
Appearance: Unique curly coat
The most striking feature of the Curly Coated Retriever is its curly coat. It is dense, water-repellent and requires less grooming than you might expect. The color of the coat is usually black or liver. The Curly has a slim, athletic build and reaches a shoulder height of 58 to 69 cm with a weight of 25 to 36 kg.
Grooming: Less effort than expected
Despite its special coat, grooming the Curly Coated Retriever is relatively uncomplicated. The coat needs to be brushed regularly to remove loose hair and prevent matting. An occasional bath is sufficient to keep the coat clean. Ears, teeth and claws should also be checked and groomed regularly.
Health: Robust, but with special needs
The Curly Coated Retriever is generally a robust and healthy breed. Nevertheless, there are some health problems that can occur more frequently in this breed, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and certain eye conditions. Regular visits to the vet and a balanced diet are important to keep your Curly healthy.
Size and weight: a strong companion
Male Curly Coated Retrievers reach a shoulder height of 64 to 69 cm and weigh between 32 and 36 kg. Females are slightly smaller, with a shoulder height of 58 to 64 cm and a weight of 25 to 32 kg. Their athletic build makes them endurance runners and swimmers.
Exercise requirements: plenty of exercise needed
The Curly Coated Retriever needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Daily long walks, games of fetch and swimming are ideal to keep this active dog happy and healthy. A house with a garden or proximity to parks and nature reserves are ideal for this breed.
Training: Consistency and patience
Curly Coated Retrievers are intelligent dogs that learn quickly, but sometimes have a mind of their own. Consistent but loving training is crucial. Early socialization and positive reinforcement are the key to a well-behaved Curly. Retrieving games and obedience training are especially fun for them.
Behavioral characteristics: Playful and child-friendly
Curly Coated Retrievers are playful and love to interact with children and other dogs. Their friendly and patient nature makes them excellent family dogs. They are alert, but not aggressive, and fit well into a harmonious family life.
Recognition by the FCI
The Curly Coated Retriever is recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and classified in Group 8 (retrieving dogs, sniffer dogs, water dogs). This recognition confirms the breed as standardized and enables participation in international shows and competitions.
