Curly Coated Retriever

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65-85 lbs
23-25"
United Kingdom
Curly, CCR

These strong and kind dogs have very active brains and also require an active lifestyle in order to stay happy. They will do well with an owner that can take them swimming, running, or hiking and keep them occupied with any other physical activities. These dogs will require more socialization than other Retrievers, as they can be naturally distrustful of strangers. They are, however, accepting and playful with other animals. They are very smart, and will sometimes use their intelligence in mischievous ways, which is why proper obedience training is important. The Curly Coated Retriever, also known as the Curly or CCR, originated in the United Kingdom about 300 years ago.
purpose Purpose
Retrieving, Hunting
history Date of Origin
1700s
ancestry Ancestry
Spaniels, St. John’s Water Dog, Retrieving Setters, Poodles

Curly Coated Retriever Health

Sketch of Curly Coated Retriever
Average Size
Male Curly Coated Retriever size stats
Height: 25-27 inches Weight: 80-100 lbs
Female Curly Coated Retriever size stats
Height: 23-25 inches Weight: 65-85 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Glycogen Storage Disease
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
  • Bloat
  • Cancer
Minor Concerns
  • Entropion
  • Distichiasis
  • Ectropion
  • Persistent Pupillary Membrane
  • Alopecia
Occasional Tests
  • X-Rays
  • Eye Examination

Curly Coated Retriever Breed History

The history of this unique dog is a mystery, but they are assumed to have originated in the United Kingdom and be descendant of Poodles, and Retriever Setters, as well as St. John’s Water Dogs, and Irish and English Water Spaniels, which are now extinct. The Curly Coated Retriever was first shown in the year of 1860 in England. They are also thought of as the first dog breed that was used for retrieving. These dogs were also exceptional hunters, as they were courageous and would persevere through anything, which made them prized by the English gamekeepers who would train them to be hunting and retrieving dogs. However, they were used less and less for hunting when the Labrador made their appearance and became the new favorite. During the wars, this breed of dog almost became extinct. By the end of World War I, only five registered Curly Coated Retrievers remained. They began to gain their numbers, but then lost many again after World War II. These dogs made their first appearance in the United States when they were imported in the year of 1907. In 1924, the first Curly Coated Retriever became registered with the American Kennel Club. The breed began to grow even more as more dogs got imported from Australia, New Zealand and England into the United States in the 1960s. The Curly Coated Club of America was officially created in 1979. Today, the Curly Coated Retriever family is estimated to be around 5000, and under 2000 of them are located in the United States.

Curly Coated Retriever Breed Appearance

Curly Coats are known for their unique curls that can be found covering their whole body. The curls are small, dense and lie close to the skin, which serve as tough protection from any rough brush as well as resists weather and water. They can be looser around the ears, and occasionally these dogs can have longer fringes of hair around the belly, ears, thighs, and back of forelegs but they are often trimmed. The coat on the face and forehead, front of forelegs and feet will be straighter. They can be either black or a deep red/brown color, occasionally with a few white hairs but never in patches. These canines are strong and robust but quick and agile, and carry themselves as confident and alert dogs. The head is wedge-shaped in both the front and the side, with large, oval-shaped eyes. The ears are small and covered in curls, lying close to the head and slightly above the eye level. They have strong jaws with a scissor bite, and strong, medium length necks that are arched slightly. The Curly Coated Retriever will possess laid back shoulders and straight forelegs that are set under the body. They have a deep chest and a slightly tucked up flank, with a fierce topline that is level with the sloping croup. The body is a bit bigger in length than it is in height. The hindquarters are muscular and the feet are rounded with webbed and arched toes. The tail will be no longer than the hock and when moving, it will be carried straight and level with the topline.
Appearance of Curly Coated Retriever
Eye Color Possibilities
hazel Curly Coated Retriever eyes
Hazel
brown Curly Coated Retriever eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Curly Coated Retriever nose
Black
brown Curly Coated Retriever nose
Brown
Coat Color Possibilities
black Curly Coated Retriever coat
Black
brown Curly Coated Retriever coat
Brown
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Curly Coated Retriever curly coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Curly Coated Retriever Breed Maintenance

Your Curly should be fed twice a day. The amount will depend on the individual and their activity level, but 3 to 4 cups of food a day will most likely be a good amount. The coat is fairly easy to take care of, and grooming should be taught as a positive experience when they are puppies. The nails should be trimmed as often as the individual dog needs it. If you can hear your pooch's nails clicking on the floor as they walk, they need to be cut. This breed of dog will only need grooming in the spring and fall when they are beginning to shed, and in fact, grooming them more often can cause their coat to become frizzy. Use a plastic or wooden open toothed comb for best results. Shedding seasons are also the best times for baths, but regular baths won’t be necessary for these dogs unless they have gotten into something and are smelly. Brush your Curly Coated Retriever's teeth at least twice a week to maintain dental health.
Brushes for Curly Coated Retriever
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Comb
Comb
Deshedder
Deshedder
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Curly Coated Retriever requires monthly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Curly Coated Retriever Temperament

These cute and kind canines are known for their alertness and determination. Curly Coated Retrievers have even tempers but can be reserved with strangers, which is why it is important to socialize them when they are young. They are sweet dogs that will still act like puppies, even as they grow into the young adult age, so be prepared for years of fun and playfulness! They can be self-confident and will need an owner that can they can look up to and keep them under control. Your Curly will react well to training, but it might take them longer than other breeds to get the hang of it. This is not because they are unintelligent, but because they are curious and can have low attention spans when they are bored. Keep the training and exercises interesting and not repetitive, as your dog might begin to ignore you if they get bored. These dogs can do well with older kids, but smaller children may be intimidated or hurt by the dog’s size and energy level. These easy-going canines get along well with other pets, but will most likely require a period of adaptation and proper socialization.

Curly Coated Retriever Activity Requirements

Curly Coated Retrievers are active dogs that need a half hour to one hour a day minimum for exercise. They enjoy having a goal and a job to do, so a good way to keep your dog active and happy is to take them swimming, on long walks, or get them to carry items for you, as long as they are not too heavy for them. They enjoy a challenge, like training for dog activities such as obedience or agility. Puzzle toys are another great way to keep your Curly occupied. As puppies, they are active and rambunctious and will require training when they’re young in order to ensure that they grow up into smart and respectful adults. These dogs also tend to chew and nip at anything that they can find, which is important to watch out for as some objects that shouldn’t be eaten can cause some damage. Crate training is recommended for this breed to keep them out of trouble and away from things that can harm them. It can also be beneficial, as it will get your puppy used to confined places, which may come in handy if they ever need to be boarded. However, do not keep your Curly locked up all day. They love their family and will want to spend time with you.
Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
14 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
90 minutes
activity minutes

Similar Maintenance Breeds to Curly Coated Retriever

Similarly Sized Breeds to Curly Coated Retriever

Curly Coated Retriever Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
3.5 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$2.75 - $3.00
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$80.00 - $90.00
food bag monthly cost

Curly Coated Retriever Height & Weight

6 Months
Sketch of Curly Coated Retriever at six months
Male Curly Coated Retriever size stats at six months
Height: 16.5 inches Weight: 45.0 lbs
Female Curly Coated Retriever size stats at six months
Height: 15.5 inches Weight: 37.0 lbs
12 Months
Sketch of Curly Coated Retriever at 12 months
Male Curly Coated Retriever size stats at 12 months
Height: 21.0 inches Weight: 70.0 lbs
Female Curly Coated Retriever size stats at 12 months
Height: 19.0 inches Weight: 57.0 lbs
18 Months
Sketch of Curly Coated Retriever at 18 months
Male Curly Coated Retriever size stats at 18 months
Height: 26.0 inches Weight: 90.0 lbs
Female Curly Coated Retriever size stats at 18 months
Height: 24.0 inches Weight: 75.0 lbs

Top Curly Coated Retriever Breeders

Check out who made our list for the most reputable Curly Coated Retriever breeders of 2023.
Top Curly Coated Retriever breeder Summerwind Retrievers
Summerwind Retrievers
Buckeye, Arizona
Top Curly Coated Retriever breeder Brio Retrievers
Brio Retrievers
Thompson, Ohio
Top Curly Coated Retriever breeder Darkside Curly Coated Retrievers
Darkside Curly Coated Retrievers
Vienna, Ohio
Top Curly Coated Retriever breeder Charwin Curly Coated Retrievers
Charwin Curly Coated Retrievers
Los Angeles, California
Top Curly Coated Retriever breeder SoftMaple Curly Coated Retriever
SoftMaple Curly Coated Retriever
Croghan, New York
Top Curly Coated Retriever breeder Windsong Retrievers
Windsong Retrievers
Memphis, Tennessee

Curly Coated Retriever Owner Experiences

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