Curly Coated Retriever

The Curly Coated Retriever sometimes referred to as a Curly is a member of the sporting group. It’s notable for the black or liver (dark brown) curls all over its body with the exception of its face and front legs. This intelligent dog is good with kids, but is known as one of the few retrievers that can be shy around unfamiliar people.

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This breed came about in 19th century England. It’s thought to be a mix between the English Water Spaniel and the Retrieving Setter. Both of those breeds are extinct now. Curly Coated Retrievers are also related to poodles. Aside from the curly fur, these dogs are elegant and smart like poodles. This dog was popular with hunters in Britain who wanted a dog to retrieve ducks and other dead animals without biting into them. Curly Coated Retrievers are known to have a ‘tender’ mouth.

These affectionate dogs enjoy being indoors with their family members as much as running through a field looking for new scents.

3 Pros and Cons of Owning a Curly Coated Retriever

Evolution and Origins

It has the elegance of a poodle and its curls too, and yet a peek into the hotly disputed origins of the curly coated retriever hints at a few more forebears. Experts assert that in its veins runs the blood of the web-footed Irish water spaniel, the now-extinct English water spaniel, St. John’s dog, and the retrieving setter.

Health and Entertainment for your Curly Coated Retriever

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When did it first come on the scene? In 19th century England, where it soon become a star participant at the nation’s shows. Its popularity soon made it the hunting companion of choice in Australia and New Zealand, a position it still maintains.

However, elsewhere, it has had to share some of that shine with Labradors and Golden retrievers which have also pawed their way into the spotlight.

Size and Weight

Curly coated retrievers have short, curly hair without an undercoat. Males grow to be 27 inches tall at the shoulder while females grow to be 25 inches tall. At 7 weeks old Curly Coated Retriever puppies weigh around 7 pounds. These dogs are fully grown at around 2 years though they’ll still have puppy-like behavior until they are about 3.

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Common Health Issues

Curly Coated Retrievers are more prone to some health issues than others. One of those issues is called follicular dysplasia. Follicular dysplasia is genetic and causes bald spots in various areas of the dog’s coat. Gentle grooming, special shampoos, or medications can sometimes help with this issue.

Another common health issue is hip dysplasia. This is common in retrievers and other large dogs. Hip dysplasia is when the dog’s hip joint is out of alignment. It can cause limping and problems with range of movement. Sometimes surgery is required for this issue depending on how severe it is.

The third common health issue of Curly Coated Retrievers is cataracts. Cataracts show up as a cloudiness in the eye or eyes of this dog. This is a condition that occurs in older dogs. Maintaining a dog’s eye health with the proper diet can help to prevent this condition.

The most common health issues of this breed include:

• Follicular dysplasia
• Hip dysplasia
• Cataracts

Temperament

Intelligence is one of the most notable traits of this dog breed. This means they are quick to pick up lessons during obedience training. Like most retrievers, Curlies have a friendly temperament. However, it may take this breed a little longer to cozy up to people outside the family.

This is a high-energy dog! It loves to run, jump, and play chase. Consequently, it needs a lot of space to move around in. If this dog doesn’t receive exercise every day, it can develop destructive behavior such as chewing items in the household.

A Curly Coated Retriever is a playful, loyal addition to a household with or without children.

How to Take Care of a Curly Coated Retriever

Learning about the dietary, exercise, and healthcare needs of a pet can help an owner to provide the best possible care. Whether someone gets a Curly Coated Retriever puppy or adult dog, it’s beneficial to look at this breed’s unique needs when planning its daily care.

The Best Dog Food for Curly Coated Retrievers

Not surprisingly, Curly Coated Retriever puppies and adult dogs have different nutritional requirements. Look at some of the nutrients needed to maintain the health of this breed of dog at different ages.

Puppy food: High-quality puppy food for this breed should contain around 30 percent protein. Protein supports the growth of strong muscles and supplies energy to these active puppies. Omega 3 fatty acids support healthy coat growth. Fatty acids are especially important for this breed because they are prone to follicular dysplasia. A limited amount of fat in a puppy’s diet supplies energy without adding excess weight. Calcium contributes to strong bones and teeth while Vitamin A supports eye health. Fiber helps with proper digestion.

Adult dog food: A high-quality dog food designed for Curly Coated Retriever adult dogs can help them to avoid obesity. Unfortunately, excess weight can increase the likelihood of hip dysplasia. Protein in the form of chicken, eggs, and pork as well as spinach and other veggies contributes to keeping muscles and bones strong in an adult dog. Vitamin A supports eye health which can help to prevent cataracts. Also, Vitamin A is good for a dog’s skin. A limited amount of fat supplies energy and Vitamin E is an antioxidant.

A-Z Animals trusts that the best dog food for Curly Coated Retrievers is Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach, High Protein Dry Dog Food.

Full of salmon, the fish ingredients provide naturally occurring glucosamine for hip dysplasia prevention. A balance of calcium and phosphorus adds even more bone and joint nourishment, while vitamin A cares for the eyes. Vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids make for smooth skin and a healthy coat.

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Best for Sensitive Skin and Stomach

Purina Pro Plan Skin and Stomach High Protein Dog Food

• Salmon and rice recipe for sensitive stomachs and and skin
• Live probiotics for optimum digestive health
• Sunflower oil promotes healthy skin and coat

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Maintenance and Grooming

Some claim that dogs with curly hair, including this breed, are hypoallergenic. This isn’t the case. A hypoallergenic dog sheds very little or not at all.

How much do Curly Coated Retrievers shed? They shed a normal amount while shedding an increased amount twice per year (every 6 months). This breed doesn’t have an undercoat.

When the dog is experiencing this increased shedding, many owners use a grooming tool called an undercoat rake to loosen dead hair. Look for an undercoat rake with plastic, rounded bristles that won’t hurt the dog’s skin. Weekly grooming can be done with a simple comb. Avoid using a brush because they tend to make this dog’s curls look frizzy!

Bald spots can be a sign of a common health issue with this breed called follicular dysplasia.

This dog should only be bathed when its coat becomes dusty or begins to take on an odor.

Training

Curly Coated Retrievers are known for their intelligence. This is a trait that works in an owner’s favor during obedience training. However, they can be stubborn dogs. So, it’s effective to use treats and praise during training sessions.

Exercise

Getting 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day plays an important part in keeping this dog in good health. They are high-energy canines and like to run, jump, chase, and play fetch. They like to explore the woods, fields, and other outdoor areas.

This dog is not an ideal choice for apartment dwellers. It needs lots of space and is better suited for a family with a large yard or even one that lives on a farm.

Puppies

When raising a Curly Coated Retriever puppy, it’s important to socialize it by allowing it plenty of time around people and other pets. That way, as the dog grows, it will be more at ease in the household. Also, these high energy puppies need plenty of space to stretch their legs!

Children

Curly Coated Retrievers that are socialized from puppyhood are good with kids. When these dogs get very excited they may start running around at full speed. If so, it’s best to monitor small children so they aren’t inadvertently knocked down.

Dogs Similar to Curly Coated Retrievers

Dogs that are similar to Curly Coated Retrievers include the Labrador Retriever, poodle, and the American Water Spaniel.

• Labrador Retriever – Curly Coated Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers are similar in size (height) and weight. They are both in the sporting group, but Labradors are a little more social and friendlier than Curlies.
• Poodle – Poodles and Curly Coated Retrievers share the same type of coat. They are both very intelligent and have a loyal temperament. Poodles are smaller in size than Curly Coated Retrievers.
• American Water Spaniel – American Water Spaniels and Curly Coated Retrievers are both intelligent and alert. They both have a curliness to their coat. An American Water Spaniel has a sweet temperament whereas a Curly Coated Retriever has to have a little time to warm up to unfamiliar people.

Popular Names for Curly Coated Retrievers

Popular names for Curly Coated Retrievers include:

• Daisy
• Bella
• Ginger
• Felix
• Ben
• Beau
• Teddy
• Murphy

1. American Kennel Club, Available here: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/curly-coated-retriever/
2. United Kennel Club, Available here: https://www.ukcdogs.com/curly-coated-retriever