Curly-Coated Retriever

The Curly-Coated Retriever is the oldest of the retrievers and the most distinctive — covered in tight crisp curls that shed water like a coat of armour.

History

It was established in England by the early nineteenth century, probably from the old English Water Spaniel crossed with retrieving stock and later Poodle, and it was a gamekeeper's dog rather than a gentleman's. It has always been rare, and unlike the Labrador it was never taken up as a household breed.

Temperament

The breed is known for being confident, independent and more reserved with strangers than any other retriever — affectionate at home, aloof outside it, and inclined to think before complying.

Care and training

It needs substantial exercise and water work. The curls should not be brushed out — they are washed and left — which makes the coat easier than it looks. Training needs variety; it bores faster than a Labrador.

Health

Known tendencies include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, bloat and exercise-induced collapse. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.