Curly Coated Retriever - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Large

Height: 63.5 - 68.5 cm (25 - 27 inches)

Weight: 32 - 36 kg (70 - 80 lb)

Life Span: 13 years

Grooming: Medium

Exercise: Demanding but simple

Feeding: Reasonable

Temperament: Confident & friendly

Country of Origin: England

AKC Group: Sporting

Temperament:

The Curly Coated Retriever is intelligent, friendly, loyal and lovable. Curly Coated Retrievers make great watchdogs and guard dogs unlike other types of retrievers. They can have a strong streak of independence and have the ability to think on their own and use their own initiative. Curly Coated Retrievers are very devoted and loyal to their family and respond well to firm training.

Grooming:

The coat is naturally oily and needs little care. Water easily shakes off the coat similar to that of a duck. Curly Coated Retrievers do not need trimming and brushing is only necessary when the coat is moulting and the dead hairs need to be brushed out.

Exercise:

Curly Coated Retrievers enjoy water and swimming which are good forms of exercise for them. They are energetic and require a substantial amount of exercise.

History:

It is believed that the Curly Coated Retrievers are one of the oldest retrieving breeds. They were originally bred for retrieving ducks from the English marshlands. It is presumed that these retrievers are the result of cross-breeding during the 16th century between an English water spaniel, the liver colored Irish Water Spaniel, a retrieving setter and the Poodle. Due to their love of water, some believe that later, the smaller St. John's Newfoundland also may have played a part in the evolvement of this breed.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Elegant, flexible, smart, active and hard-working.

Color: Black or liver. A few white hairs are permitted.

Coat: A mass of tight, crisp curls covering the body. There is smooth hair on the head, pasterns and feet.

Tail: Medium length, tapering and carried straight out.

Ears: Medium length, broad and pendant shaped.

Body: Level topline, tucked up belly, deep chest and strong, well angulated fore and hindquarters.

Additional Comments:

The Curly Coated Retriever is slow to mature and requires careful feeding and exercise during the growth period.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/curly_coated_retriever/