Victorian Canine Association

The one genetically distinctive characteristic of this breed is its curly coat, and general opinion is that the St. Johns Newfoundland, the Irish Water Spaniel and the Old English Water Dog and the Poodle all lent something to the breed’s origins. The Kennel Club in England first recognised the Curly Coated Retriever in 1854. It is believed that Curlies first came to

Australia

with the early settlers in the 1800s; however the first documented evidence of the breed here was in the early 1880s.

When considering a dog, please realise that you are taking it on for its lifetime. Curly Coated Retrievers live until 13 to 14 years of age.

The Curly’s usefulness as a sporting dog comes from a combination of pace, endurance, intelligence and a good nose. With their size and strength they are able to retrieve almost anything shot for them. It is, however, in water that they excel - usually showing a strong desire to swim from an early age. They have an excellent nose, especially on runners, and they retrieve quickly to hand. One of their outstanding characteristics is the ability to mark down and memorise the fall of the bird. Different conditions provide different uses for the Curly and they adapt readily to most of these.

The Curly Coated Retriever is a slow maturing dog and may take up to three years to reach maturity. Their temperament is kind and great hearted, as is usual in gundogs, and totally without malice. They bear no resentment for scolding to which they seem to have a philosophical attitude. They like to be praised, are devoted to their owner and are family dogs to the other members of it.

The Curly Coated Retriever is not apt to bark but when required to do so is an excellent protector of family and property. Its deep bark alone is enough to stop unwanted intruders in their tracks. The Curly does have a mind of its own and is capable of using it in its own way. They are obedient but tend to be so in their own time. This independence of mind is one of the traits which the Curly devotees find attractive, for it makes a dog of character and Curlies certainly are that. They are a fun loving, gentle companion for all members of the family.

The Curly Coated Retriever Association of Victoria says that Curlies regularly participate in conformation (dog shows), agility, obedience and retrieving.

The Curly seems to adapt to most other pets, and has been known to happily share his home with cats and other dogs.

As with all large dogs the Curly Coated Retriever needs plenty of exercise to keep it in good, hard condition. Being a keen retriever this can be achieved with minimum effort on the part of the owner.

The Curly has a unique benefit in that they do not need much grooming; they are a "wash and wear" dog. On no account should a brush or comb be used. A 10 minute session, using scissors and trimming any scraggly bits from the coat, mainly around the tail and ears is all that is required, no more than two or three times a year.

Curlies adapt well to most people, be it in the field with a shooter or at home with a family. As long as he is treated well he will be a loyal and devoted friend to his owner and family.

Curly Coated Retrievers are a delightful companion and true friend. They display a unique sense of humour, will be devoted to their owner and fit in well to a family environment.

Now you know a little about the Curly Coated Retriever and have decided this is the dog for you or you want more information, make contact with the breed club or your State controlling body for purebred dogs. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the breed and its needs.

Searching for a Curly Coated Retriever Puppy

Be sure your puppy comes with ANKC registration paper and pedigree.

Be sure the breeder offers guarantees and after sales service. Both parents should be hip scored and eye checked. Hip scores should be as close as possible or below the breed average.

Look for puppies that are clean, alert and not nervous. If possible, view both parents. This breed can have hereditary bald patterning, which appears from about 14 months of age. Check to see if either parent shows signs of permanent balding. But also be aware that mothers often drop their coat after having a litter and may look “tatty”. This is not the same as permanent, pattern balding.