Curly Coated Retriever
Basics
The Curly-Coated Retriever is one of the oldest retriever breeds and was developed in England as a durable, all-weather gun dog. Bred to retrieve from cold water and heavy cover, it’s known for stamina, athleticism, and a strong desire to work—especially when there’s a real job to do.
Curlies are often described as “thinking” retrievers: smart, observant, and a bit more independent than some of their retriever cousins. They tend to be devoted to their people, can be reserved with strangers, and usually do best with owners who appreciate a confident dog with opinions.
Description
The Curly-Coated Retriever is a highly energetic and intelligent breed known for its distinctive curly coat, which is both water-resistant and functional for retrieving in wet environments. Originating in England, the Curly-Coated Retriever is one of the oldest retriever breeds and was primarily bred for hunting and retrieving waterfowl.
Physically, the Curly-Coated Retriever is a medium to large-sized dog with a sleek, athletic build. Its most distinctive feature is its curly, dense coat, which provides protection against water and cold conditions. The coat is typically liver or black in color, and the breed has a long, tapering muzzle, expressive eyes, and a strong, muscular body. The Curly-Coated Retriever has a long, wagging tail that is carried with a natural curve.
Temperamentally, the Curly-Coated Retriever is known for being friendly, energetic, and highly trainable. It is an enthusiastic worker with a strong retrieving instinct, making it excellent for hunting, field trials, and other active pursuits. The breed is social, affectionate, and good-natured, typically getting along well with children, other pets, and strangers. It requires regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy, as it is an active breed that thrives on physical activity.
Training the Curly-Coated Retriever is generally easy, as it is intelligent and eager to please, though it can be independent at times. Early socialization and consistent training are important to ensure the dog becomes well-behaved and well-adjusted.
Overall, the Curly-Coated Retriever is a versatile, friendly, and hardworking breed that excels in both active environments and as a family companion. With regular exercise, proper training, and socialization, it makes an excellent pet for active households or individuals who enjoy outdoor activities like hunting, swimming, and agility sports.
History
The Curly-Coated Retriever is one of the oldest recognized retriever breeds, renowned for its distinctive curly coat and impressive versatility. The breed originated in England during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, developed as a reliable hunting companion. It is believed that the Curly-Coated Retriever's ancestry includes a mix of water dogs, such as the English Water Spaniel and the Irish Water Spaniel, along with contributions from St. John's Water Dogs, Poodles, and possibly even setters. These breeds contributed to the Curly's hallmark traits: its unique coat, strong swimming ability, and exceptional retrieving skills.
By the mid-19th century, the Curly-Coated Retriever had established itself as a favorite among gamekeepers and hunters, particularly for waterfowl hunting. The breed's tight, water-resistant curls provided excellent protection against harsh weather and icy water, while its stamina and intelligence made it an invaluable asset in the field. Curly-Coated Retrievers were not only adept at retrieving on land and water but were also known for their ability to cover long distances and handle rough terrain, making them ideal for demanding hunts.
The breed gained recognition in dog shows and was one of the first retriever breeds to be exhibited in England. It was officially recognized by The Kennel Club in 1854. However, its popularity began to wane in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as other retriever breeds, such as the Labrador and Golden Retrievers, became more widely favored. World War I and World War II further impacted the Curly-Coated Retriever population, leading to a significant decline in numbers.
Despite these challenges, dedicated breeders worked to preserve the breed's unique qualities and ensure its survival. Today, the Curly-Coated Retriever is valued not only as a hunting dog but also as a loyal family companion and participant in canine sports. While it remains relatively rare compared to other retriever breeds, the Curly continues to captivate enthusiasts with its distinctive appearance, intelligence, and history of resilience.
Traditional Curly Coated Retriever Roles
Appearance
The Curly is a distinctive, upstanding retriever with a clean, elegant outline and long legs. The head is long and wedge-shaped with a moderate stop; the ears are relatively small, set close to the head, and covered with curls.
The signature feature is the coat: a dense mass of small, crisp, tight curls over the body (and typically the ears, neck, thighs, and tail), with smooth short hair on the face and the front of the legs and feet. The breed is most commonly black or liver, and the overall impression should be agile, powerful, and built for endurance.
Colors
• Black
• Liver
• Solid Black
• Solid Liver
Health
Curly-Coated Retrievers are generally sturdy, but responsible breeding leans heavily on screening and transparent record-keeping. In the U.S., the Curly Coated Retriever Club of America (CCRCA) participates in the CHIC program (AKC/CHF and OFA) and points owners toward breed-specific recommended testing and public results when available.
The breed community has also focused attention on inherited conditions such as Glycogen Storage Disease (GSD) IIIa, for which DNA testing can identify clear, carrier, and affected dogs. CCRCA materials also reference ongoing research interest in canine epilepsy and encourage participation in studies when affected dogs and close relatives are available—another reason to seek breeders who share health documentation and discuss pedigrees honestly.
Care
A Curly’s coat is designed to protect in rough weather and wet conditions, so grooming is more about maintenance than perfection. Heavy brushing can frizz or loosen the curls; many owners use fingers or a wide-tooth comb as needed, and bathe occasionally to keep the curls clean and springy.
Daily life should include real exercise—long walks, runs, structured play, and ideally chances to swim. Like other sporting breeds, Curlies do best when their bodies and brains both get work: puzzle feeders, training drills, and retrieving sessions help prevent boredom-driven mischief.
Training
Start early with socialization and reward-based basics: attention, loose-leash walking, recall, and calm greetings. Curlies learn quickly, but they’re more likely to cooperate when training feels fair and purposeful—short, upbeat sessions beat long repetitive drilling.
Because the breed can be independent, consistency matters. Build reliability with high-value rewards, clear criteria, and plenty of success reps, then gradually add distractions. Harsh corrections tend to backfire; a confident Curly will often shut down or decide you’re not worth listening to.
Temperament
Curly-Coated Retrievers are confident, alert, and intelligent dogs that often take a moment to size up new situations. With family they’re loyal and affectionate, but they’re not usually “everybody’s best friend” on first meeting—many are politely reserved with unfamiliar people.
They’re active and responsive to training, yet they can be self-directed. That independent streak is part of the breed’s charm, but it means they thrive with patient handlers, clear rules, and meaningful outlets like retrieving games, scent work, field training, and swimming.
Lifestyle
This is not a couch-potato retriever. Curlies fit best in homes that enjoy an active routine and can provide structured outlets most days—hiking, running partners, retrieving, or dog sports. A fenced yard helps, but it doesn’t replace engagement; a bored Curly will invent its own entertainment.
They can do well in many living situations (including suburban or rural homes) as long as exercise and training are consistent. Because many are reserved and observant, they often appreciate predictable routines and calm introductions to new people, dogs, and places.
Ownership
Owning a Curly is easiest when you like a dog that’s smart, steady, and a little self-assured. Look for breeders who can explain their health-testing choices (and show results), socialize puppies thoughtfully, and match temperaments to your household and experience.
Plan for ongoing costs and time: training classes, grooming basics, quality food, and plenty of activity. If you want a retriever that’s constantly seeking attention from everyone, this may not be your best match—but if you want a capable partner with real working ability and a unique coat, the Curly can be a fantastic choice.
Interesting Facts
• One of the oldest retriever breeds; developed in England for retrieving from water and heavy cover.
• Distinctive tight, crisp curls over the body; smooth face and front of legs/feet.
• Typically black or liver in color; a large white patch is generally considered undesirable in many standards.
• Often described as a “thinking” retriever—very smart, confident, and sometimes independent.
• Breed clubs emphasize health-screening participation (e.g., CHIC/OFA) and DNA testing for GSD IIIa.
• The CCRCA supports working ability through programs like working certificates and field-focused events.
