Curly Coated Retriever

Curly Coated Retriever

Breed: Curly Coated Retriever
Temperament: intelligent, protective
Cost: $500-$600
Lifespan: 12-14 years
Maintenance: low
Recommended for: families

Appearance

Curly Coated Retrievers are a substantially built dog with a height of 64-69cm (25-27") and a weight of 32-36kg (70-80 lb). They have a distinctive curly coat which is single and quite oily to touch. Colours are either black or liver (chocolate). The coat begins to curl at around two weeks of age. The eyes are black or brown.

Temperament

Owners describe Curly Coated Retrievers as intelligent, aristocratic and protective (although unlikely to attack an intruder). They are tolerant of children and unworried by other pets. They are a late maturer, not fully developing until about three years of age. Like most dogs, they can be destructive if bored and neglected. According to breeders the Curly Coat is not apt to bark but when required to do so has a deep bark.

History

The Curly Coated Retriever is the oldest of the retriever breeds. The breed received recognition from the Kennel Club (UK) in 1854 and have been exhibited in Australia since 1879. Traditionally, Curly Coated Retrievers were gamekeepers dogs and the matt rather than glossy texture of their coat was considered less likely to be detected in moonlight when catching poachers.

Health & Lifespan

According to breeders, Australian Curly Coats are generally good quality. Ears need to be checked and cleaned regularly. Curly Coated Retrievers can be prone to hip dysplasia, epilepsy and eye problems. A lifespan of 12 - 14 years is reasonable.

Feeding

Curly Coated Retrievers are usually fed the equivalent of three cups of dried dog food and a dog biscuit each day, with costs running out at around $15 a week for adults.

Breeding

Litters usually consist of 6-7 puppies with few whelping problems found. Prices range from $500 (for a pet - without papers) to $600 (for a show dog - including papers).

Housepet Potential

Most would be kept outside.

Space and exercise

A suburban backyard would be the minimum space needed as Curly Coated Retrievers are sizable dogs. A 30 minute game with a tennis ball or a 2 km walk is recommended each day. They also love to play or swim in water.

Ideal Owner

Curly Coated Retrievers would suit a family with a backyard. They would not suit elderly or very busy people who could not provide enough exercise.

Grooming

Curly Coated Retrievers are low maintenance dogs. One owner describes them as "wash and wear" dogs, requiring no grooming at all. The coat can be trimmed for show purposes but most pets would be left natural, with only the fur on the ears needing trimming probably once or twice a year. Curly Coated Retrievers shed an average amount of hair.

Uses

The Curly Coated Retriever was bred to retrieve game over water and is said to be the best gundog for this purpose. While still used by some enthusiasts as an efficient gundog, most are kept as companions. They are a reliable watchdog, with few intruders willing to test the limit of their protective instincts.

Trainability

As they are a gundog, they are amenable to training.

Further Information

Curly Coated Retriever Association of Victoria (Inc)
Secretary - Mrs Jane Kibble
Phone: (03) 5358 1620 Curly Coated Retriever Association of NSW
Secretary, Carol Moeser
Phone: (02) 9639 1762

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