Curly-coated retriever

The Curly-coated Retriever may be the ideal choice if you’re searching for a dog that will stand out for both its appearance and personality. These dogs, who are distinguished by their eye-catching curly coats, have a distinct charm. Their coats do more than just cover their attractive features; they keep them dry when they go on outdoor adventures and retrieve in the water.

Curly-coated Retrievers are renowned for their intelligence and adaptability and were originally bred for hunting. They are excellent as working dogs in the fields and on the water, as well as excellent family companions. They get along well with children because of their friendly and playful disposition, and their devotion to their owners is incredibly endearing.

Curly-coated Retrievers are lively dogs despite their appearance. Whether it’s a straightforward game of fetch, a swim, or a hike, they love being active and participating in family outings. They need frequent exercise to stay happy and healthy because of their high energy levels.

Because of their distinctive coat, grooming them is much easier than with other breeds. They always look their best with the occasional good brush. They are a great option for many dog lovers because of their generally good health, which means fewer trips to the vet.

The Curly-coated Retriever offers a wonderful combination of beauty, intelligence, and boundless enthusiasm, regardless of whether you are an experienced dog owner or thinking about getting your first pet. They are devoted friends who can make your life happier than just being dogs.

Characteristics of the breed

Another name for the curly-coated retriever is curlie, which is an English translation for "curly." This is a result of the dog’s peculiar fur, which is twisted into tiny, dense curls. This shields the dog’s body from chilly water and branches. This characteristic aids the retriever in finding game under any circumstances and returning it to its owner. It is not appropriate for hunting on water, even though it is a member of the water dog family. Although it takes a very long time to dry, dense fur shields the body from the cold.

For gun hunting, this breed was specifically bred. And unlike other retrievers, this one is still operational today. This dog is best suited for single-parent households; it has a single owner preference. However, they can also be employed as canine therapists, guide dogs, and in search and rescue missions. It also performs well in a variety of dog sports and obedience trials.

Pros

The gorgeous, serene, and non-aggressive Curly Coated Retriever is a canine companion. It is vivacious and will make an excellent hunting companion for an active owner. These are this dog’s advantages:

• balanced temperament;
• intelligence, curiosity;
• workability, hard work;
• development of hunting instincts;
• friendliness, lack of aggression;
• unpretentiousness, easy care;
• good health.

Cons

This breed of retrievers has retained more of its hunting abilities than other varieties. Curly cannot be a family dog and is not very suitable for apartment living. However, maintaining it has a few drawbacks:

• needs active walking;
• requires early socialization;
• becomes attached to one owner.

History of origin

Among the retrievers, these were the first to be registered with the English Kennel Club. Although very little is known about their origins, most researchers think that water spaniels and setters are their ancestors. Poodles, Labradors, and Newfoundlands were crossed with them. By closely examining the images of contemporary curly-coated retrievers, you can identify the characteristics of each of these breeds.

In 1860, these dogs made their debut at an exhibition. A breed club and a standard were established by the end of the 1800s. The world saw its spread in a matter of decades. But two world wars left a large portion of its population dead. The breed was not revived until the 1950s in the 20th century. It received official recognition from the FCI in 1954.

These dogs gained popularity not only in Great Britain but also in the USA, Australia, and several European nations. They didn’t show up in Russia until the early 21st century. These days, curly-coated retrievers are a rare breed.

Which particular facet or aspect of the Curly-coated Retriever are you keen to learn more about? Are you concentrating on their care requirements, temperament, or history, for instance?

Description of appearance

The large dog with unusually curly short hair is known as the curly-coated retriever. She has a muscular, nearly square-shaped body with an elegant, harmonious build. The male is around 40 kg in weight and can reach a height of 69 cm. While they don’t always weigh less than 30 kg, females tend to have a more elegant build.

The following characteristics of the curly-coated retriever’s appearance are specified by the standard:

• medium-sized head, almost square in shape;
• smooth stop, elongated muzzle, slightly tapering towards the nose;
• large earlobe, with wide open nostrils, can be black or brown;
• well-developed cheekbones, strong jaws, scissor bite, lips tightly fitting;
• brown eyes, slightly slanted, wide-set;
• small ears, triangular, set slightly above eye level, close to the cheeks;
• medium-length neck, gracefully arched, without dewlap;
• deep chest, moderately tucked up belly;
• muscular back, straight, short loin;
• the tail continues the top line, is of medium length, carried straight or with a slightly raised tip;
• limbs are straight, parallel, hocks are clearly defined;
• paws are round, toes are tightly gathered, with webs between them;
• coat is short, thick, shiny, without undercoat;
• hair is gathered in small tight curls that tightly cover the entire body, except for the muzzle, belly, paws and inner surface of the legs;
• color is solid, black or dark brown, with a glossy sheen.

The description of the appearance is enhanced by photos:

Character traits

The Curly-Coated Retriever is an affectionate and gentle canine. He never acts aggressively and is submissive. but selects a single owner that he will submit to. He may not always obey his family members, but he loves and protects them. He doesn’t care about kids. tries to avoid talking to them, does not put up with practical jokes, but he would never hurt a child.

Curlies love attention, are very gregarious, and become very bored when left alone. They can be invasive and attempt to get involved in all family matters. They even get along with cats and are peaceful around other pets. They will chase pigeons and chickens because they simply detest birds. With strangers, they are reticent and cautious. They can defend their owners and react kindly to hostile behavior.

This breed is intelligent and diligent in their work. They are simple to train given the correct methodology. Gaining the Curly’s confidence and authority is a must for the owner. The dog can pick up new tricks and recall commands with ease. Although it can be slow and stubborn at times, training issues are rare.

Curly-Coated Retrievers are serious canines for work. Early socialization and consistent mental activity are necessary. It is independent and free-spirited, yet has a well-rounded personality.

Curly-Coated Retrievers are resilient, energetic, and industrious. They were bred for hunting from the start, and they still possess those working traits today. Consequently, they need physical activity; lengthy walks are preferred. Such a dog should ideally be kept in a private home with a yard; keeping it in an apartment is not advised. He ought to be able to enter the house and walk around freely. Curly has potential as a guard.

This dog is easy to care for; its coat almost never sheds and lacks an undercoat. Bathing is the only activity that can cause issues because the material is water-repellent and takes a long time to dry after getting wet. If not, however, the standard protocols will need to be followed:

• comb the coat every 2-3 days with a brush made of natural bristles;
• regularly check the eyes, if discharge appears, wipe with a decoction of chamomile;
• clean the ears once a week;
• trim the claws as they grow.

Curly people have an unassuming diet as well. They can be fed high-quality food or natural products. Large breed dogs that are active should receive special treatment. In terms of natural nutrition, meat should make up 60% of the diet, followed by vegetables, fruits, cottage cheese, and kefir, 20% of the diet, and porridge. Boiled eggs, offal, seafood, vegetable oil, and greens are all acceptable.

These dogs have robust immune systems and are resilient. Their lifespan is equivalent to that of other large breeds. However, in ideal circumstances, they can live for 14–15 years. Curlies hardly ever get sick and rarely get colds. Diseases like intestinal volvulus, epilepsy, and joint dysplasia can occasionally occur.

One distinctive and adaptable breed that stands out is the curly-coated retriever. This dog is not only visually striking due to its unique curly coat, but it also has a lively and amiable disposition. They are excellent companions for both individuals and families because of their intelligence and adaptability.

These dogs are ideal for active owners because they enjoy regular exercise and mental stimulation. A swim, a long walk, or a game of fetch, the Curly-coated Retriever is always up for an exciting adventure. They form strong bonds with kids and other animals and make wonderful family pets because of their playful disposition and loyalty.

Because of their coat, grooming them may take some work, but the benefits are great. Regular maintenance helps preserve that iconic look and keeps their fur healthy. In the end, the Curly-coated Retriever may be the ideal pet for you if you’re looking for a devoted, active, and perceptive friend.

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