Breed History:

The Curly-Coated Retriever is one of the oldest retriever breeds, originating in England during the late 18th century. It was developed to retrieve game from both water and land, making it a favourite among English hunters and gamekeepers. Its ancestry likely includes the now-extinct English Water Spaniel, Poodle, and Irish Water Spaniel, all contributing to its distinctive curly coat and strong retrieving instincts.

The breed became especially popular during the Victorian era, admired for its stamina, intelligence, and versatility in the field. While less common today than other retriever breeds, the Curly-Coated Retriever is still highly regarded by enthusiasts for its unique appearance, independence, and exceptional working ability.

Today, the Curly-Coated Retriever is admired as a loyal family companion, versatile gun dog, and athletic sporting breed known for its intelligence, endurance, and distinctive curly coat.

If you want to learn about other retriever breeds, check out our page "Different Retriever Dog Breeds". 

Size – Large

Life Expectancy: 10–12 years

Breed Appearance:

The Curly Coated Retriever is a strong, elegant, and well-balanced dog with a lean, athletic build.

The breed commonly features:

• Long, wedge-shaped head
• Strong, medium-length muzzle
• Dark brown or black, almond-shaped eyes
• Small, close-fitting folded ears
• Deep, broad chest
• Strong, muscular neck
• Long, powerful limbs
• Medium-length tail carried straight

Its dense coat is covered in tight, crisp curls over most of the body, providing excellent protection from cold water and rough vegetation.

Common coat colours include:

• Black
• Liver

The tight curls are one of the breed's most distinctive characteristics.

The breed's athletic build and weather-resistant coat reflect its heritage as a hardworking English retriever.

Breed Type – Sporting Dog:

The Curly Coated Retriever is an intelligent, confident, and energetic sporting breed.

It is known for being:

• Loyal
• Intelligent
• Independent
• Courageous
• Energetic
• Affectionate

The breed forms strong bonds with its family and is generally gentle with children when properly socialised. It can be somewhat reserved with strangers compared to other retrievers.

Training:

The Curly Coated Retriever is highly intelligent but has an independent nature.

Training should focus on:

• Early socialisation
• Positive reinforcement methods
• Basic obedience training
• Advanced retrieving exercises
• Recall training
• Consistent leadership

The breed excels in:

• Field trials
• Hunt tests
• Dock diving
• Obedience
• Tracking
• Search and rescue

Structured, reward-based training helps the breed become a reliable working dog and well-mannered companion.

Health & Care:

The Curly Coated Retriever is generally healthy but may be prone to several health concerns, including:

• Hip dysplasia
• Elbow dysplasia
• Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)
• Progressive retinal atrophy
• Epilepsy
• Cancer

Routine veterinary care, responsible breeding, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight help support long-term health.

Living Conditions:

The Curly Coated Retriever thrives in homes where it has plenty of space and regular opportunities for exercise.

Ideal environments include:

• Houses with large secure yards
• Rural or suburban homes
• Active families
• Experienced dog owners
• Homes with access to open spaces and water

The breed prefers living indoors with its family but requires substantial daily exercise and mental stimulation.

Exercise:

The Curly Coated Retriever has high exercise requirements.

Recommended activities include:

• Long daily walks
• Swimming
• Retrieving games
• Hiking
• Field training
• Mental enrichment activities

Regular physical activity and mentally stimulating work are essential to maintain the breed's physical and mental well-being.

Grooming:

The curly coat requires relatively low maintenance.

• Brushing only occasionally to avoid disrupting the curls
• Occasional bathing
• Routine ear cleaning
• Nail trimming
• Regular dental care

The breed sheds lightly throughout the year, with seasonal increases.