The Curly-Coated Retriever, also known as the Curly Retriever, the Curly or the CCR, is one of the oldest of all retrieving breeds. Developed in England as a waterfowl specialist and an upland hunter, the Curly Retriever is known to be a versatile, all-purpose dog. Wickedly smart and bred for perseverance, the Curly can be trained to do almost anything. He needs a job to do to prevent boredom, which can be accompanied by destructive habits. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1924, as a member of its Sporting Group.
The mature male Curly-Coated Retriever ideally stands 25 to 27 inches at the withers, while adult females should be from 23 to 25 inches in height. They weigh on average between 65 and 80 pounds. The Curly’s coat is unique among all canine breeds, being a thick mass of tight, crisp curls that are water-resistant and of sufficient density to protect against all types of weather, water and cover. It should be groomed on a regular basis but is easy to care for. Curly’s come in liver and black.
The exact history of the Curly-Coated Retriever is not known. Popular conjecture suggests that the Curly-Coated Retriever descends from the now-extinct Old English Water Spaniel and from the Retrieving Setter. Other contributors to the breed are thought to include the small St. John’s Newfoundland, the Poodle, the Labrador Retriever, the Pointer and/or the Irish Water Spaniel. This popular gun dog was first exhibited in 1860 at Birmingham. In 1889, some Curly’s were exported to New
Curly Coated Retrievers have a distinctive appearance that sets them apart from their counterparts, but their personality is distinctly that of a retriever breed. They are affectionate, active and loyal companions, happiest when outdoors and engages in fun, interesting activities with their favorite people. Curlies are polite to strangers and are excellent with children of all ages, patient with the small ones and ready to romp with the older kids. They are by no means
Curly-Coated Retrievers, like most retrieving breeds, are large, athletic, sturdy, yet graceful. Their defining characteristic is their curly, crisp coat of hair that comes in black or liver colors. This coat protects the dog from brush and the elements when in the hunting field. The face of the Curly is smooth, as are the hocks and front of the legs. They are a bit longer than they are tall and they have strong, level backs.
The saying goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words”. Check out the many different Curly-Coated Retriever Pictures and Curly-Coated Retriever images. Get an in depth look at the Curly-Coated Retriever and see the many things that this breed has to offer.
Curlies are a single coated breed with no undercoat, and the small, tight curls of a show-standard dog are very easy to maintain. A Curly kept as a companion or as a hunter do not need to be elaborately groomed, but should be kept clean and free of mats for the health of the dog. Bathing should be as needed using a dog shampoo.Show ring exhibitors normally trim feathering from the tail, ears, belly, legs,