The Curly-Coated Retriever is not an apartment dog. She needs at the minimum, a properly fenced in enclosure to romp and burn off her energy. Ideally, she should have access to recreational water occasionally because she lives to swim and fetch. She is generally good with older children. She makes a good watch dog and a great family dog but she may not get along with other pets.
Approximate Adult Size
The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male Curly-Coated Retriever is 25 to 27 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder). The female ranges from 23 to 25 inches to the withers and both will range from 65 to 80 pounds.
Special Health Considerations
Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Curly-Coated Retriever is no exception. Be on the look out for canine hip dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness), cancer, skin disorders, and epilepsy. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.
She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.
Grooming
The Curly-Coated Retriever has a coat of small, tight, water proof curls situated close to the skin. She does shed and should be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, avoid mats and help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.
Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.
Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.
Life Span
The Curly-Coated Retriever can live between 8 and 10 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.
History
The Curly-Coated Retriever came from Great Britain. They are an old retriever breed prized by game keepers. They are a cross between the Poodle, Irish Water Spaniel, English Water Spaniel and the Newfoundland. They are commonly found in Australia and New Zealand. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1924.
This breed is easy to identify it through its crispy tight curls which cover its entire body. It is assumed to be a mixture of the Water Spaniel, setter bloodlines and Poodle. They have a built slightly different than the common retrievers. Even their body structure is slightly different from the rest. They have muscular bodies. Their bodies are slightly longer than their height. Their body and structure leaves a lasting impression of extreme strength and grace.
The Curly Coated Retrievers have a coat but no undercoat. Their coat color is solid liver (brown). It can also be solid black. Besides, the coat is also weather resistant, and hence remains set for hours outside. Despite the curls the coat is easy to take care of. One only needs to make the coat slightly wet and massage it using circular movements. It should not be combed or brushed. Moreover, grooming the breed, Curly is not tough or fanciful. They need to be tidy, clean and their curls free from mites. Besides that their hair shedding is like all others.
Their height varies from twenty-two inches to a maximum of twenty-five inches when measured from shoulders. Their weight can be from fifty-five pounds to a maximum of seventy-five pounds.
They are a very active, athletic, versatile, and agile breed. They also have a large amount of endurance which is uncommon and can be amazing at times. They can work or play for long hours without tiring out. They are the happiest when they get enough exercise, play, fun and mental stimulation. They simply need to be active and love energetic activities like running, jumping, romping and working along with people. They love swimming and can swim across a river or stream with ease and speed. They are not like other breeds where one has to repeat the training sessions to put across the point or lesson that is being taught. Being an intelligent and smart breed, they pick up things very fast; so can get bored easily with the same training repeated again. Hence, stimulating and exciting activities need to be included in the training sessions.
When they are outside, they are very passionate, eager and forever full of energy. However, they are the opposite, quiet, calm, and serene at home or indoors. They love to mix up with the family members and make great pets. They are very loyal, faithful, and affectionate pets. However, with strangers they tend to be unfriendly or distant.
Their diet should consist of one and half cup to a maximum of two and half cans of good quality meat. The other option is to have five cups of dog food (dry) having minerals and vitamins.
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