Curly-Coated Retriever
Oldest retriever breed with distinctive tight curls
Origins & History
The Curly-Coated Retriever is the oldest of all retriever breeds, with documented history extending back to the late 18th century in England. This distinguished breed was the first retriever to be used for serious hunting work and the first retriever shown in English dog shows, appearing at the Birmingham show in 1860.
The Original Retriever
The Curly-Coated Retriever predates both the Labrador and Golden Retriever by several decades. When other retriever breeds were still being developed, Curlies were already established as the premier retrieving dog in England, prized by both gamekeepers and market hunters for their exceptional abilities.
Breed Development
The exact origins of the Curly-Coated Retriever are debated, but the breed likely descended from the now-extinct English Water Spaniel, the St. John's Water Dog (ancestor of most retrievers), and the Irish Water Spaniel. Some historians also suggest Poodle ancestry, which may have contributed to the distinctive curly coat.
By the mid-1800s, Curly-Coated Retrievers were well established and highly regarded. They were the retriever of choice for English gamekeepers, who valued their independence, intelligence, and ability to work all day without tiring. The breed was also popular in Australia and New Zealand, where they were exported in significant numbers.
Decline and Preservation
The breed's popularity declined in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as Labrador and Flat-Coated Retrievers gained favor. Two World Wars further reduced their numbers in Britain. By the mid-20th century, the Curly-Coated Retriever was quite rare.
Dedicated breeders in Britain, Scandinavia, Australia, and North America worked to preserve the breed. Today, the Curly remains relatively rare but has devoted enthusiasts who appreciate its unique combination of elegance, athleticism, and independent character.
Physical Characteristics
Size & Structure
- Males: 25-27 inches, 80-95 lbs
- Females: 23-25 inches, 60-75 lbs
- Tallest of the retriever breeds
- Athletic, well-balanced build
- Slightly longer than tall, with elegant lines
Distinctive Features
- Head: Long, wedge-shaped with parallel planes
- Expression: Intelligent, confident, elegant
- Eyes: Large, almond-shaped, brown or amber
- Tail: Covered in curls, carried straight
The Signature Curly Coat
The Curly-Coated Retriever's coat is its most distinctive feature—a mass of small, tight, crisp curls covering the entire body from the occiput to the tip of the tail. The curls are neither woolly nor silky, but have a specific crisp texture that provides excellent weather and water protection.
The face, front of legs, and feet are covered with short, smooth hair, creating a striking contrast with the curly body coat. The curls lie close to the body and should never stand away or be open.
Solid Black
Deep, lustrous black is most common
Solid Liver
Rich chocolate brown; equally acceptable
Built for Endurance
The Curly's conformation reflects its heritage as an endurance retriever. Unlike the blockier build of Labs, Curlies have a more athletic, rangier build that allows them to work all day in challenging terrain. Their long legs give them excellent ground coverage, while their deep chest provides ample lung capacity.
Temperament & Personality
The Curly-Coated Retriever has a temperament quite different from other retriever breeds. They are more independent, dignified, and reserved than Labs or Goldens, often described as having an "aristocratic" demeanor. While affectionate with their families, they maintain a calm, self-possessed manner.
Breed Strengths
- • Loyal and devoted to family
- • Calm and dignified indoors
- • Excellent with children they know
- • Confident and self-assured
- • Less needy than other retrievers
- • Good judgment and problem-solving
Considerations
- • Reserved or aloof with strangers
- • Independent, can be stubborn
- • Slower to mature than other retrievers
- • Not as outwardly affectionate
- • Requires proper socialization
- • Not for those wanting a "velcro" dog
The Curly Personality
Curlies are often described as "the thinking person's retriever." They are intelligent and capable of independent thought, which made them excellent hunting dogs but can challenge inexperienced owners. They tend to assess situations before acting rather than blindly following commands.
With their families, Curlies are affectionate and playful, though they show their love in a more reserved manner than other retrievers. They enjoy being near their people without necessarily being on top of them. Many Curly owners appreciate this balance of devotion and independence.
Their reserved nature with strangers makes them better watchdogs than other retriever breeds. They will typically alert to visitors and take time to warm up to new people, though they should never be aggressive or fearful.
Training Approach
Training a Curly-Coated Retriever requires understanding their independent nature. Unlike Labs who live to please their handlers, Curlies want to understand why they're being asked to do something. They respond best to trainers who earn their respect through fairness and consistency.
The Thinking Dog's Approach
Curlies are sensitive dogs that remember how they are treated. Harsh or repetitive training will cause them to shut down or become resistant. They excel when training is varied, interesting, and makes sense to them. Experienced trainers often say that Curlies will give you their best effort when they respect you, not when they fear you.
Training Essentials
-
Early Socialization
Critical for their reserved nature; expose to many situations
-
Earn Respect
Be fair and consistent; they work best with handlers they respect
-
Varied Training
They bore easily; keep sessions short and interesting
Avoid These Pitfalls
-
Repetitive Drills
They find endless repetition pointless and will check out
-
Harsh Corrections
They are sensitive and will resent unfair treatment
-
Expecting Instant Compliance
They often pause to think before responding
Field Training Progression
Foundational obedience and socialization (8-16 weeks)
Bird introduction and water work (4-8 months)
Steadiness and marking (8-18 months)
Advanced handling and blind retrieves (18+ months)
Health & Wellness
The Curly-Coated Retriever is generally a healthy, robust breed with a lifespan of 10-12 years. Their relative rarity has helped preserve genetic diversity, though some health conditions do occur in the breed. Responsible breeders test for known hereditary conditions.
Hip Dysplasia
A developmental disorder of the hip joint that can lead to arthritis and lameness. While not as prevalent as in some other large breeds, screening is still recommended.
Prevention: OFA or PennHIP evaluation of breeding stock
Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC)
A genetic condition causing muscle weakness and collapse after intense exercise. DNA testing is available and recommended for all breeding stock.
Prevention: DNA test breeding stock; manage exercise for affected dogs
Glycogen Storage Disease (GSD IIIa)
A rare genetic condition affecting how the body stores and releases glucose. DNA testing is available. Affected dogs typically show signs by 2 years of age.
Prevention: DNA test breeding stock; avoid carrier-to-carrier breedings
Eye Conditions
Including Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), cataracts, and entropion/ectropion. Annual eye exams are recommended for breeding stock and throughout life.
Prevention: Annual CAER eye examinations
Recommended Health Testing
- Hip evaluation (OFA or PennHIP)
- Eye examination (CAER)
- EIC DNA test
- GSD IIIa DNA test
- Cardiac evaluation (recommended)
- Elbow evaluation (recommended)
Pattern Baldness
Some Curly-Coated Retrievers develop pattern baldness, a cosmetic condition that causes hair loss, typically on the neck, thighs, or body. It does not affect health but is considered a fault in show dogs. The condition appears to be hereditary and is more common in some lines.
Hunting Style & Abilities
The Curly-Coated Retriever was developed as an all-around gun dog, equally capable on land and water. They were the choice of market hunters and gamekeepers who needed a dog that could retrieve waterfowl from cold water and work all day on upland game. Their endurance, intelligence, and soft mouth made them exceptional hunting companions.
Versatile Hunting Abilities
Waterfowl
The Curly's tight, weather-resistant coat provides excellent protection in cold water. They are strong, confident swimmers who will work in conditions that might discourage other retrievers. Their dark color provides natural camouflage in most hunting situations.
Upland Game
Their height and endurance make Curlies excellent upland dogs. They can quarter effectively, have excellent noses, and their curly coat protects them from thorns and brush. Many Curlies will naturally point before flushing.
Hunting Strengths
- Outstanding endurance and stamina
- Exceptional soft mouth
- Excellent marking and memory
- Strong swimming ability
- Good problem-solving in the field
Ideal Hunting Situations
- Long days in varied terrain
- Combination upland/waterfowl hunts
- Duck and goose hunting
- Pheasant and upland bird hunting
A Hunter's Retriever
Experienced hunters often describe Curlies as "a retriever that thinks like a hunter." Their intelligence and independence mean they can problem-solve in the field without constant direction. They seem to understand the purpose of the hunt rather than just mechanically following commands.
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Moderate-High Energy - Requires 1-2 hours of daily exercise
- • Swimming is excellent exercise
- • Long walks, hikes, and running
- • Retrieving games satisfy instincts
- • More settled indoors than some retrievers
- • Mental stimulation through training
Coat Care
The curly coat requires different care than other retriever coats:
- • Minimal brushing (disrupts curls)
- • Comb occasionally to remove debris
- • Bathe as needed, air dry for best curls
- • Trim straggly hair from ears and feet
- • Sheds moderately, less than other retrievers
Living Requirements
Space
House with yard preferred. More settled indoors than many retrievers.
Independence
Can tolerate being alone better than other retrievers. Not clingy.
Family
Best with experienced owners who understand the breed's nature.
Coat Care Tips
Unlike other retriever coats, the Curly's coat should not be brushed frequently as this can damage and loosen the curls. After swimming or bathing, allow the coat to air dry rather than blow drying, which can make the curls frizzy. A quick spritz of water and gentle finger combing can help restore curls that have become dry or tangled.
Finding Your Curly-Coated Retriever
The Curly-Coated Retriever is one of the rarest retriever breeds, typically ranking around 160th in AKC registrations. Finding a puppy often requires significant patience and travel. The small breeding population means most reputable breeders have waiting lists of a year or more.
Is the Curly Right for You?
Consider carefully whether the Curly's independent temperament matches your expectations. They are not the "meet everyone, please everyone" dogs that Labs and Goldens are. Ideal Curly owners:
- • Appreciate an intelligent, thinking dog
- • Are comfortable with some independence
- • Will commit to proper socialization
- • Understand they're not getting a typical retriever
- • Have experience with dogs or are willing to learn
Finding a Breeder
- Start with the Curly-Coated Retriever Club of America
- Verify all health testing on OFA database
- Be prepared to travel—breeders are few
- Meet adult dogs to understand temperament
- Be patient—waiting lists are common
Questions to Ask
- What health testing do you perform?
- What are the temperaments of your dogs?
- Do you have working/hunt tested dogs?
- How do you socialize your puppies?
- Do any dogs have pattern baldness?
Rescue Organizations
Curlies rarely end up in rescue due to their rarity, but occasionally adult dogs need new homes:
- • Curly-Coated Retriever Club of America Rescue - Parent club rescue
- • Regional breed contacts - Network through the parent club
- • Breed-specific rescue groups - Check internationally (UK, Australia)
$2,000-$3,500
Typical puppy price from health-tested parents
1-2 years
Common wait time for puppies
~160th
AKC breed popularity ranking
Ready to Hunt with a Curly-Coated Retriever?
Find hunting locations and guides to experience the curly-coated retriever in action.
Browse Hunting Guides