The Curly Coated Retriever
Breed Characteristics
The one genetically distinctive characteristic of this breed is its curly coat, and general opinion is that the St. John’s Newfoundland, the Irish Water Spaniel and the Old English Water Dog and Poodle all lent something to the breed’s origins. The Kennel Club in England first recognised the Curly Coated Retriever in 1854. It is believed that Curly Coated Retrievers first came to Australia with the early settlers in the 1800’s.
When considering a dog, please realise that you are taking it on for its lifetime. Curly Coated Retrievers live until 13-14 years of age.
The Curly Coated Retriever usefulness as a sporting dog comes from a combination of pace, endurance, intelligence and a good nose. With it’s size and strength they are able to retrieve almost anything. It is however, in water that they excel usually showing a strong desire to swim from an early age. They have an excellent nose, especially on runners, and they retrieve quickly to hand. One of the outstanding characteristics is the ability to mark down and memorise the fall of a bird. Different conditions provide different uses for the Curly Coated Retriever and they adapt readily to most of these.
The Curly Coated Retriever is a slow maturing dog and may take up to three years to reach maturity. Their temperament is kind and great hearted, as is usual in gundogs, and totally without malice. They bear no resentment for scoldings to which they seem to have a philosophical attitude. They like to be praised, are devoted to their owner and is a family dog to the other members of it.
The Curly Coated Retriever is 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. The Curly Coated Retriever does have a mind of its own and is capable of using it in its own way. They are obedient but tend to be so in their own time. This independence of mind is one of the traits which the Curly Coated Retriever devotees find attractive, for it makes a dog of character and Curly Coated Retrievers certainly are that! They are fun loving, gentle companions for all members of the family.
The Curly Coated Retriever seems to adapt to most other pets, and has been known to happily share its home with cats and other dogs.
As with all large dogs, the Curly Coated Retriever needs plenty of exercise to keep it in good, hard condition. Being a retriever this can be achieved with minimum effort on the owner’s part.
The Curly Coated Retriever is a “wash and wear” dog and does not need much grooming. On no account should a brush be used. A 10 minute session, using scissors and trimming any scraggly bits from the coat but mainly around the tail and ears is all that is required. The coat is hypo-allergenic, which means they are suitable for people with allergies. The coat consists of water resistant curls. The natural oils in the coat which add to the water resistant qualities can build up and so it is advisable to bath your Curly Coated Retriever regularly.
The Curly Coated Retriever is a delightful companion and true friend. They display a unique sense of humour, will be devoted to their owner and fit in well to a family environment. For more information on the breed, contact the Breed Club or your State Controlling body for purebred dogs. Please feel free to contact me if you have other questions, whether you are interested in purchasing a puppy or would just like to know more about the breed.
