Origin

This breed was created in England and it is oldest amongst all retrievers. These dogs have a great popularity in Australia also but they are not known in USA. It is said that the Curly Coated Retriever is the mix of close curled English water dog, St John’s Newfoundland dog and the old Water Spaniel. Their origin is really confused and not know by any one. Some even say that the Labrador, Poodle and the Irish water spaniel are also the ancestors. These dogs are great hunters and swimmers.

General Description

They have a large size, an athletic body and a strange type of coat. They are very strong and the body is more long than it is high. They have straight and muscular limbs and their back portion is excessively strong. The Curly Coated Retriever has a broad chest which touches the shoulders and their head is wide and flat at the top. They have a strong muzzle with a black nose on the tip. Their teeth is enough for a scissor bite and they have black eyes. Their ears are shaped like a pendant and they hang by their head. This breed has a thick coat on their body totally covered with rough and strong surly hair. They are mainly found in black or liver colour.

Character

The Curly Coated Retriever proves to be great hunters and companions. They are very much devoted to their families and are also protective of their territory and family. They love are very brave and intelligent by nature. The Curly Coated Retriever are very athletic and have a great capability of working. They have a great determination and very rough and tough. The Curly Coated Retriever are very friendly and obedient in nature. They are really easy to train due to their intelligence. This breed is very good and gentle to children and also cool to other pets. Although this is a gentle breed but it is of independent nature. They love doing what they like so they are not at all recommended for inexperienced owners. The really require firm handling. Proper training and socialization classes are very much required otherwise things may get worse. They are not similar to other retrievers. They do not mix with strangers properly and they are very slow at learning things.

Temperament

The Curly Coated Retriever is a very strong and powerful breed. They are extremely loyal and devoted to their family. These dogs are also protective of their families and territory. Very loving breed but still they require early training and socialization classes. They are good to children and other animals also. They cannot properly mix with strangers as other retrievers. Some may be aggressive toward other animals who they do not know. They are great companions and love human interaction very much. If they are left alone for a long time then they may get frustrated and destructive. The Curly Coated Retriever is a good breed but they are not at all recommended for novice owners.

Training

This breed is a bit independent and stubborn in nature. As they are sensitive they should be treated with soft hands. Training must be done with firmness, fairness and consistency.

Health

Like many other breeds this breed is also affected by hip dysplasia, epilepsy, cataracts etc. Their average life span is 8-12 years.