INTRODUCTION

Created to retrieve game on land or in the water, the Curly-Coated Retriever dog breed was very popular with English game wardens, hunters and poachers. Today they compete in dog sports such as field trials, agility, obedience, and flyball and have found use as therapy dogs, drug sniffing dogs, and search and rescue dogs.When they are not working or competing, they will love to lie down next to their favourite person and get a good back scratch.AniMall24 recommends a dog bed to give your medium-sized Curly-Coated Retriever a good night’s sleep. You should also pick up a dog toy to help burn off your pup’s high energy.

HIGHLIGHTS

The Curly-Coated Retriever has the most unusual coat of all the retriever breeds. Curly-Coated Retrievers tend to have an oily coat, which is more likely to cause reactions in people with allergies.Curly-Coated Retrievers are more reserved with strangers than other retriever breeds and need to be properly socialised to avoid any shyness.Curly-Coated Retrievers are sporting dogs and have the energy that other sporting and working dogs have. If not given adequate exercise, at least 30 to 60 minutes a day, they can become quite destructive in their boredom.Curly-Coated Retrievers tend to be mouthy and will chew on anything within reach, including toys, clothing and hands.The Curly-Coated Retriever is intelligent and enjoys working, but needs a strong, confident owner to prevent it from taking over. He also needs variety in training and activities because he tends to get bored doing the same thing over and over again.Curly-Coated Retrievers are harder to find than other breeds, but it is still important to find the best possible breeder, even if long waiting lists await. Curly-Coated Retrievers take longer to mature than other breeds, so be prepared for your dog to act like a puppy for at least three years.In general, Curly-Coated Retrievers get along well with children, but young children should never be left unsupervised with any dog, regardless of breed.Curly-Coated Retrievers are not meant for flats and do best in homes with a large yard where they can expend their energy. Although they enjoy the outdoors, Curly-Coated Retrievers are not dogs that can be caged. They enjoy being with their family and can become very destructive when left away from them.To get a healthy dog, never buy a puppy from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill or pet shop. Look for a reputable breeder who tests their breeding dogs to make sure they have no genetic diseases that can be passed on to the puppies and that they have a healthy temperament.

HISTORY

Little is known about the origin of the Curly. It is possible that it is descended from English water dogs, now extinct, and from retrieving setters, as well as from other retriever-type dogs, including poodles, which are essentially retrievers. Whatever its composition, its first appearance in the show ring was in England in 1860, and it is believed to have been the first dog used for serious retrieving. It was especially prized by game keepers, who appreciated its hunting ability, courage and perseverance. However, the Curly’s popularity waned as the Labrador became the favourite of hunters. The war years did not help. After World War I, in 1919, only five Curly-Coated Retrievers were registered. The breed began to recover, but again almost became extinct during World War II.Curly-Coated Retrievers were first imported into the United States in 1907, and the first registered with the American Kennel Club was Knysna Conjurer in 1924.The breed saw a resurgence in the United States in the late 1960s, when many Curly-Coated Retrievers were imported from England, Australia and New Zealand. The Curly-Coated Retriever Club of America was founded in 1979.