what they are likeCurly-coated Retriever temperament
A clever, self-assured dog that is steady and dependable in the field. It is friendly and bold but can seem a little aloof with strangers, and it likes to think a problem through for itself rather than simply wait for instructions.14
how to spot oneCurly-coated Retriever coat and colours
tight curls, no undercoat
A tall, athletic retriever, a touch longer than it is tall. From the back of the skull to the tail tip the body is covered in small, crisp curls that sit close to the skin and shed water, while the face and front of the legs have smooth, short hair.12
A typical home-care rhythm for a Curly-coated Retriever. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery 2 days
Bathevery month
HaircutClip or scissor to keep curls from mattingevery 6 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
how busy a day looksCurly-coated Retriever exercise needs
High. The Royal Kennel Club suggests more than two hours of exercise a day, and the breed especially enjoys swimming and retrieving work.34
where they are happiestCurly-coated Retriever at home
Suits town or country homes with a large garden and regular access to open ground or water.3
who they like aroundCurly-coated Retriever with people and other pets
Bonds well with its family and works as a partner in the field; can take time to warm up to people it does not know.14
the hands-on bitsCurly-coated Retriever grooming and care
Grooming more than once a week is advised, and the coat does shed.3
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Curly-coated Retriever, and at what times?
Feed your Curly-coated Retriever at least two meals a day for an adult, and three to four smaller meals for a puppy. Stick to regular times each day, and always follow the food label and your vet's advice for amounts.5
What should a Curly-coated Retriever eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food suitable for their age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, so keep these away from your dog.6
How often should I bathe a Curly-coated Retriever?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 28 days, but general guidance says at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues, and always use a dog-safe shampoo.7Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Curly-coated Retriever need brushing?
The Royal Kennel Club lists grooming more than once a week, and Pet Wiki's plan suggests a quick check every two days. Brushing tends to make the tight curls frizzy, so many owners use a wide-tooth comb or just run a damp hand over the coat. If the curls frizz, wetting the coat brings them back.3Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Curly-coated Retriever's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every 28 days or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick, and ask your vet or a groomer to show you how if you are unsure.7Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a Curly-coated Retriever need?
This breed needs high activity, with more than two hours of exercise daily. They especially love swimming and retrieving, so include these activities when you can.34
How do I look after a Curly-coated Retriever's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, and check ears weekly for moisture or dirt. For floppy ears, dry them gently after swimming or baths to prevent infections.7Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Curly-coated Retriever live?
The typical lifespan is 10 to 12 years, with some living a bit longer. Regular vet check-ups and good care help them stay healthy through their senior years.32
Is a Curly-coated Retriever good with children and other pets?
Yes, they are friendly and bond well with their family, including children. They can be a little aloof with strangers but are steady and dependable, and they usually get along with other pets when raised together.14
Can a Curly-coated Retriever be left alone?
This breed bonds closely with its family and may not enjoy long periods alone. How long they can be left varies, so ask your vet or a good breeder for advice based on your dog's personality.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
what to watchCurly-coated Retriever health problems
The conditions the breed clubs and health schemes name for the Curly-coated Retriever. Most animals of the breed never get them; this is what to ask a breeder or an insurer about.
Hip dysplasia
The hip joint does not fit together well, which can lead to stiffness and arthritis later in life. UK KC: a significant concern in the breed, hip scheme is good practice; hip exam on the CCRCA CHIC list ↗
Elbow dysplasia
A growth problem in the elbow joint that causes front-leg lameness. UK KC: a significant concern in the breed, elbow scheme is good practice ↗
Exercise-induced collapse (EIC)
Affected dogs go wobbly and may collapse after 5 to 20 minutes of hard exercise, then recover; a DNA test shows clear, carrier or affected. no published rate; DNA test is UK KC best practice and on the CCRCA CHIC list ↗
Glycogen storage disease IIIa
A rare inherited problem storing sugar in the liver and muscles that causes weakness and liver trouble; a DNA test prevents it being bred. rare; DNA test on the CCRCA CHIC list ↗
Progressive retinal atrophy (crd4/cord1)
A slow loss of sight with no cure; a DNA test identifies carriers and yearly eye exams catch other eye problems. no published rate; DNA test and eye exam on the CCRCA CHIC list ↗
Heart disease
A cardiologist check before breeding looks for inherited heart defects. no published rate; cardiac exam on the CCRCA CHIC list ↗
Tests a good breeder can show you
Hip evaluation (OFA or BVA/KC) Curly-Coated Retriever Club of America (CHIC) / UK Kennel Club good practice ↗
Elbow evaluation (BVA/KC) UK Kennel Club good practice ↗
Exercise-induced collapse DNA test CCRCA (CHIC) / UK Kennel Club best practice ↗
Glycogen storage disease IIIa DNA test Curly-Coated Retriever Club of America (CHIC) ↗
PRA crd4/cord1 DNA test and eye exam Curly-Coated Retriever Club of America (CHIC) ↗
Cardiac exam Curly-Coated Retriever Club of America (CHIC) ↗
From the breed club or a health scheme. Not veterinary advice: for your own animal, ask your vet.
per year, in your countryWhat a Curly-coated Retriever costs
Running costs for a Curly-coated Retriever, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Curly-coated Retriever legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Curly-coated Retriever in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
The Royal Kennel Club calls it the oldest of the retrievers.3
3
Its coat has no undercoat at all, just a thick layer of small curls.1
4
The dense curls are said to shrug off both water and burrs.2
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The breed is named for its distinctive curly coat, which in Curly-Coated Retrievers is caused by a specific genetic variant (the C2 allele) in the KRT71 gene.8
I woke up and nudged my human's hand for a morning scratch. After breakfast, we headed to the lake, my favorite place! I dove in, the cool water washing over my tight curls. I retrieved a stick with pride, thinking through each splash. Back home, I curled up on the rug, drying off. A neighbor came by, and I gave a polite sniff before returning to my spot. In the afternoon, we played fetch in the garden, and I felt steady and happy. Now, I'm dreaming of tomorrow's swim.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
where it all beganCurly-coated Retriever history
The Curly is counted among the oldest retriever breeds and, together with the Wavy-coated (now Flat-coated) Retriever, was one of the first two retrievers recognised, around 1860. Gamekeepers used it for upland birds and waterfowl, and its curly coat is thought to come from the extinct English Water Spaniel with retriever and Poodle blood added. The first breed club was founded in 1933.32
Flat-coated Retriever
Irish Water Spaniel
Labrador Retriever