Curly-Coated Retriever

The Curly-Coated Retriever is the oldest and tallest of the retriever breeds, distinguished by its mass of tight, waterproof curls. Confident, proud, and wickedly smart, they are outstanding water retrievers with an independent streak.

The oldest retriever breed, dating to the late 1700s in England. They likely descend from crosses of the English Water Spaniel, Irish Water Spaniel, and Poodle. They were prized for waterfowl and upland hunting.

Tall and elegantly built with a distinctive coat of tight, crisp curls covering the body, with smooth hair on the face and front of legs. Their confident carriage and alert expression reflect their proud nature.

Confident, proud, and intelligent with an independent nature. More reserved than other retrievers, Curlies are loyal to their families but take time to warm up to strangers.

Reserved with strangers but not aggressive. Good with children they know. Generally friendly with other dogs. Their independent nature means they're not as overtly sociable as Labs or Goldens.

High exercise needs — at least 1 hour of vigorous activity daily. They excel at swimming and retrieving. Active outdoor activities keep them happy and well-balanced.

Intelligent but can be independent and easily bored with repetitive training. Keep sessions short, varied, and interesting. Positive reinforcement with mental challenges works best.

Surprisingly low-maintenance. Their tight curls rarely mat. Occasional bathing and minimal brushing — brushing can frizz the curls. Wet the coat and let it air dry for best appearance.

Generally healthy but some lines are prone to cancer. GSD is a serious hereditary condition specific to the breed. Regular screening is important.

Feed a high-quality food for large, active breeds. About 2–2.5 cups daily divided into two meals. Adjust based on activity level.

Need a house with a yard, ideally with access to water for swimming. Not suited for apartment living. They need space and outdoor activities.

Best for experienced dog owners who appreciate an independent, intelligent companion. Great for active families and hunters who want a loyal but self-assured dog.

Highly intelligent with excellent problem-solving skills. Their independence means they think for themselves, which can be both an asset in the field and a challenge in training.

Moderate barkers. They will alert to unusual activity but are not prone to excessive barking. Generally calm and quiet indoors.

Moderate shedding. Their tight curls hold loose hair, making shedding less noticeable than other retrievers. Seasonal shedding is moderate.

Very rare in rescue. Contact the Curly-Coated Retriever Club of America for breed-specific rescue. Be prepared for a dog that is more independent than typical retrievers.

Curly puppies mature slowly. Be patient with training and use positive methods. Socialize extensively. Their independent streak shows early — make training fun and varied.

Monitor for cancer, which is a concern in the breed. Maintain moderate exercise. Watch for joint issues. Regular vet checkups are important.