Curly Coated Retriever

 

Briefly about the breed

• Active working and family dog
• Intelligent and strong willed
• Oldest retriever breed
• Needs both physical and mental training

Characteristics and mentality

The Curly Coated Retriever is the oldest retriever breed and is considered the aristocrat among them. It is intelligent, balanced and agile with both endurance and strength. Originally bred as a water fetcher, this breed is versatile and active as a working and hunting dog.It enjoys working with its owner and appreciates fair and positive management. The Curly bonds strongly with his family and often shows little interest in strangers. With its strong-willed and robust nature, it loves to work and is persistent. At the same time, it has the ability to relax well when life does not present challenges.

Areas of use and family dog

The Curly Coated Retriever is primarily a retrieving dog for bird hunting, but it is also well suited to other dog sports and as a beloved family dog. It is social and attached to its family, and thrives when given tasks and challenges. The breed is relatively rare in Norway.

Size and appearance

The Curly is a medium-sized dog with a withers height of around 67.5 cm for males and 62.5 cm for bitches. It attracts attention with its beautiful head, powerful body and characteristic curly fur.

Fur grooming

The Curly Coated Retriever has an easy-care coat that does not require brushing or combing. Some clipping may be necessary before shows or to keep the ear fur short. An occasional wagging of the tail can also be beneficial.

Health

The breed is considered healthy and fit, but some hereditary diseases occur with a low frequency. The Norwegian Retriever Club has specific requirements for breeding animals, and more information can be found on the club’s website.

History

The Curly Coated Retriever is one of the oldest retriever breeds. It is believed that both St. Johnshund and Irish Water Spaniel have had an influence on the breeding. Copper engraving from 1810-1820 shows dogs that clearly resemble today’s curly coated retriever.At the end of the 19th century, the curly experienced its golden age. It was considered the best hunting companion with beauty, speed, courage, intelligence, good nose and excellent eyesight.The breed had a unique ability to find the impact area of shot birds, and thanks to a good memory it could retrieve several birds shot in the same series. The first curlys came to Norway in 1973, and thanks to enthusiastic breeders, a strain of high international quality.

The breed club

In general, it is recommended to contact the breed club for more information about the breed.Good luck!