The Curly-Coated Retriever is the aristocrat of the retriever world. Standing taller and more elegant than his cousins the Labrador and the Golden, he commands attention with his unique coat of tight, crisp curls and his proud, upstanding carriage.

But the “Curly” is not just a pretty face. He is a tough, no-nonsense working dog who will retrieve a duck from icy water or break through the thickest brambles without hesitation. He is often called the “Thinking Man’s Retriever” because he has a mind of his own. Unlike the Labrador, who asks, “What can I do for you?”, the Curly asks, “Why should I do that, and what’s in it for me?”

For the experienced dog owner who appreciates a partner rather than a servant, the Curly-Coated Retriever is a fascinating, fiercely loyal, and often wickedly funny companion.

History and Origin: The Original Retriever

The Curly is widely considered the oldest of the retriever breeds. His history dates back to 18th-century England, long before the Golden or Labrador were established. Gamekeepers needed a dog that was a strong swimmer and could handle retrieving game (mostly waterfowl) in rough conditions.

The Genetic Cocktail

To create this masterpiece, breeders likely crossed:

• St. John’s Water Dog: For retrieving instinct and swimming ability.
• English Water Spaniel: For the curly coat (now extinct).
• Old English Water Dog: For toughness.
• Poodle: For intelligence and the tight curls.

The result was a dog that became popular in England, Australia, and New Zealand. However, as the faster-maturing and more subservient Labrador gained popularity in the 20th century, the independent Curly faded from the spotlight. Today, he remains a rare breed, cherished by a small group of devoted enthusiasts.

Physical Characteristics: Curves and Angles

The Curly is a study in contrasts: a coat of curves on a body of sharp angles. He is the tallest of the retrievers.

• Height: 23–27 inches (58-69 cm).
• Weight: 60–95 pounds (27-43 kg).

The Coat

The coat is the breed’s trademark.

• Texture: The body is covered in a mass of small, tight, crisp curls that lie close to the skin. It looks and feels like Astrakhan fur or the wool of a sheep. It is dense, oily, and waterproof.
• The Pattern: The curls cover the entire body, including the tail and legs, but stop abruptly at the brow. The face, forehead, and front of the legs are smooth. It looks like he is wearing a curly suit with a smooth mask.
• Color: Only two colors are allowed: solid Black or solid Liver.

Temperament and Personality

The Curly is not a “love everyone” dog. He is discerning.

The Aloof Guardian

While the Golden Retriever will help a burglar carry the TV out, the Curly will stand his ground and watch with suspicion. He is reserved with strangers. He takes his time to decide if someone is worth his friendship. However, with his family, he is affectionate, loyal, and gentle.

The Independent Thinker

He is incredibly smart, possibly the smartest of the retrievers (thanks to the Poodle influence). But this intelligence manifests as independence. He gets bored with repetitive drills. If you throw a ball 10 times, on the 11th time he might look at you as if to say, “You threw it; you go get it.”

The Slow Maturer

Like the Flat-Coated Retriever, the Curly takes a long time to grow up. He stays a puppy mentally for close to three years. Owners need patience and a sense of humor to deal with a 90-pound puppy who thinks he’s a lap dog.

Training and Exercise Needs

Exercise: A Workaholic

The Curly is a high-energy sporting dog.

• Daily Needs: He needs significant exercise. A walk is not enough. He needs to run, swim, or work.
• Swimming: He is an amphibian. He loves water more than anything. If there is a mud puddle, he will find it.
• Dog Sports: He excels in agility, dock diving, and obedience (if you make it fun).

Training: Negotiation Required

Training a Curly is an exercise in negotiation.

• Respect: You cannot bully a Curly into submission. He will shut down or ignore you. You must earn his respect through fair, consistent leadership.
• Variety: Change up your routine. Keep him guessing.
• Socialization: Because of his natural wariness, early and frequent socialization is critical to prevent him from becoming overly protective or fearful.

Health and Lifespan

The Curly is a generally healthy breed, living 10 to 12 years. However, like all large dogs, he has vulnerabilities.

• Cancer: Like many retrievers, hemangiosarcoma and lymphosarcoma are concerns.
• Bloat (GDV): As a deep-chested breed, he is prone to gastric torsion.
• Hip Dysplasia: A common orthopedic issue.
• Eyelid Issues: Entropion and ectropion can occur.
• Glycogen Storage Disease (GSD): A genetic metabolic disorder. Responsible breeders test for this.

Grooming and Care

This is where the Curly shines. He is the original “wash and wear” dog.

• No Brushing! This is the golden rule. You should never brush a Curly’s coat once it is dry, or you will turn him into a giant frizz-ball.
• The Routine: Wet him down and massage the coat with your fingers to tighten the curls. Let him air dry. That’s it.
• Shedding: He does shed. The curls drop out, but because they are tight, they don’t float around the house as much as a Golden’s hair.
• Trimming: Minimal scissor trimming of the tail and ears is done for the show ring, but for a pet, little is needed.

Is a Curly-Coated Retriever Right for You?

The Curly is a special dog for a special person.

Yes, if:

• You want a unique dog. You want a dog that stands out in a crowd.
• You are an experienced owner. You understand dog behavior and training.
• You are active. You want a partner for outdoor adventures.
• You want low-maintenance grooming. You hate brushing dogs.

No, if:

• You want a Golden Retriever personality. He is not that dog.
• You are a first-time owner. His intelligence can outwit you.
• You want a pristine yard. He digs and loves mud.
• You want a dog that loves everyone instantly. He has standards.

The Curly-Coated Retriever is a dog of substance, history, and character. He is not the dog for everyone, but for those who earn his loyalty, there is no better companion. He is a noble, funny, and deeply devoted friend who will walk through fire (or icy water) for you—as long as he thinks it’s a good idea.