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Sporting breeds: Curly-Coated Retriever
Origin
The Curly-Coated Retriever is generally believed to be descended from the 16th century English Water Spaniel. He was later crossed with the Irish Water Spaniel and then the St. John's Newfoundland (a small dog, not to be confused with the Nefoundland) and the Poodle. The cross with the Poodle is what gave the breed its tight curly-coat.
The Curly was first exhibited in England in 1860 and the first breed club established there in 1896. He was exported to New Zealand in 1889 and has thrived in New Zealand and Australia. The breed was introduced to the United States in 1907 but was not registered with the AKC until 1924.
General description
Height: approximately 26 inches
Weight: approximately 75 pounds
Color: A black or liver colored dog, with only a few white hairs permitted on the chest.
Grooming requirements
A Curly-Coated Retriever needs to be brushed with a slicker brush weekly in order to cut down on shedding. He also needs to have his ears cleaned and nails trimmed.
Health considerations
The Curly-Coated Retriever is a very healthy breed. He only has a tendency toward several eye problems, including entropian or ectropian eyes. Parents should be CERF'd and free from cataracts and distichiasis (abnormally growing eyelashes).
Breed characteristics & personality
A difficult dog to find. He prefers living near water and needs space to run.
The Curly is an intelligent, active dog. He's affectionate, loyal and easy to train. Gentle with children, faithful and an excellent guard dog.
Uses
The Curly was developed to water retrieve game. He's especially fond of retrieving ducks and California quail. His thick coat allows him to work thorny bushes with impunity. He does excellent work in difficult terrain and water. He has a particularly soft mouth and is noted for not marking retrieved game.
Web links
AKC Curly-Coated Retriever page
The Curly Coated Retriever Club
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