| AKC Group: | Sporting |
| A.K.A.: | Curly |
| Functions: | Hunting Dog, Companion |
| Year of Origin: | 1700s |
| Country of Origin: | England |
| Life Span (yr): | 8 - 12 |
| Colors: | Brown, Liver |
| Height (Inch): | 23 - 27 |
| Weight (lb): | 55 - 80 |
| Size: | Large |
| Hair Length: | Short |
| Energy: |  |
| Playfulness: | |
| Ease of Training: | |
| Exercise Needed: | |
| Self Protection: |  |
| Grooming: | |
| Shedding: |  |
| Watch Dog: | |
| Living Area: | |
Appearance:
As his name implies, the Curly-Coated Retriever has a curly, thick coat that keeps him warm as he swims through icy water during the hunting season. He is a muscular dog and a natural athlete. His eyes are shaped like almonds and their color depends on the color of his coat – they can be black, brown, or even amber. The Curly-Coated Retriever has ears that are small and located just above the corner of his eye on either side of his head. His nose is either black or brown, again depending on the color of his coat and the nostrils of his nose can be characterized as large.
Temperament:
The Curly-Coated Retriever is affectionate and has a high intellect, making him increasingly appealing to families with children. He has a free spirit; yet, he wants to please his family. A shy Curly-Coated Retriever is practically unheard of. He has a strong sense of pride, as well. He is loyal, and although he is not aggressive, he will protect his family if provoked to do so. The Curly-Coated Retrieve can be calm while inside the home, but certainly knows how to release his energy when outdoors. He is friendly towards other domestic pets, especially if he is socialized as a young puppy.
Health:
The Curly-Coated Retriever is a sports dog at heart, but he may also be prone to several kinds of health conditions. One of the most common is hip dysplasia, a painful condition that can eventually leave him lame due to severe arthritis in his joints. A genetic screening can determine whether hip dysplasia is in his heredity. Since the Curly-Coated Retriever is an energetic dog, if he shows signs of lethargy, he could be diagnosed with a condition called Glycogen Storage Disease. He also can experience eye diseases such as cataracts as he ages, much like humans. Finally, he could be prone to repeated seizures or epilepsy.
Maintenance:
The Curly-Coated Retriever can be easily cared for with little effort. Unlike most breeds, where brushing is encouraged, the opposite is true with the Curly-Coated Retriever. In fact, frequent brushing will unwind his curls, giving him a haphazard appearance. Only during the time of year when he sheds the heaviest should he be brushed routinely. If he has random hairs that seem to frizz, even after they have been wet down, they can be trimmed. The Curly-Coated Retriever loves to swim and go for brisk hikes. It is best if he is taken out for a jaunt daily – doing so will prevent mishaps from occurring in the home.