An Overview of the Curly Coated Retriever

The Curly Coated Retriever is a very unique and interesting breed. From it’s history to its use in today’s society here is a brief overview of the breed.

The breed dates back ( or more correctly there is mention of the breed ) to the mid 15th Century. Shakespeare even mentions two “ Water Spaniels” in his writing. It was known as a meat dog, which is a dog that could find and retrieve game that was left behind by other dogs during a hunt. The dog was often owned by gamekeepers or poachers.

The breed is very hard to track down as to when it actually became known as the modern day Curly. In the 1800’s there where many number of curly-coated breeds, such as, the Water Spaniel, Wetterhoun, and Tweed Water Spaniel, any of these could be the actual ancestors of the modern day Curly. Actually some individuals claim that the Poodle and Curly-Coated where crossed to get the best qualities from both breeds into the Curly.

In 1860 the first Curly was exhibited in London. The Kennel Club in 1864 split retrievers into two different classes. They where Retrievers-Curly Coat and Retrievers-Wavy Coated class.

The breed was significantly reduced in numbers during the World Wars. In 1919 only 5 where registered, aprrox 40 in the late 1930’s and by the end of 1943 only 13. After the World Wars the breed started making a come back with 90 registrations by the end of 1947.

The breed showed up n the United States somewhere around 1907, however the first registered Curly did not appear until 1924. Here again the World War has a impact on the Curly as registered number of Curly’s was low. Just a personal observation on this, since these where hunting dogs and many men where in the service at this time, that would seem to explain the drop in numbers as most men at the time avid hunters and they where away fighting in the War.

The breed finally established itself firmly in 1929 and the Curly Coated Retriever Club of America was formed. However the Curly is still a rare breed in the United States.

Here is some more general information on the breed:

AKC ideal height is 25 to 27 inches for male and 23 to 25 inches for female.

The coat is made up of small, tight, waterproof curls. However the face has no curls, the hair grows naturally straight.

Is an even tempered dog, that shows an intense loyalty, and will protect family. Curly’s can be hard headed.

It is important to brush and comb coat while Curly is shedding and bath at the same time. They do not require extensive grooming.

They are easily trained. However they do have a tremendous independence streak which can at times make training a little more difficult.. They do tend to mature slowly.

The Curly is a hunting dog and does require regular exercise.

Also keep in mind Curlys do shed.

Most Curlys love the water and are great natural swimmers.

All in all the Curly will be a great addition to your family.

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