How does the Curly-Coated Retriever work in the field?
The curly-coated retriever is a tall, tough water retriever. Its tight curls suit wildfowling and wet-weather picking up.
The curly-coated retriever is the tallest of the retriever breeds and one of the oldest. Its tight, waterproof curls were developed for rough water and hard weather, and it remains a natural choice for wildfowling and for picking up on wet, cold days. Curlies have good noses, soft mouths and plenty of stamina, and they will push through heavy cover without complaint. They are uncommon in the shooting field, so finding a working-bred puppy takes patience; a parent with a working test or field trial record, or one that picks up regularly, is the best evidence of working ability. Ask the breeder how both parents are used and, if possible, see them work.
What is the Curly-Coated Retriever like to live and work with?
Independent, loyal and often reserved with strangers, and slow to mature. It suits an owner who enjoys a dog with character.
Curlies are more independent and reserved than most retrievers. They are loyal and affectionate with their own people but often aloof with strangers, and they think for themselves, which can make them seem stubborn in training. They are slow to mature, physically and mentally. At home they are usually calm once they have had their exercise. They suit an owner who enjoys a dog with character and is prepared to earn its cooperation rather than expect it. Look for parents that are confident and steady with visitors, neither shy nor guarding, and keen to work for their handler.
Which health tests matter for the Curly-Coated Retriever?
Both parents should have hip and elbow scores under the BVA/KC schemes and a current eye certificate. Key DNA tests are EIC and GSD IIIa; ask about follicular dysplasia in the lines.
Ask for both parents' hip scores and elbow grades under the BVA/KC schemes, and a current eye certificate under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme. DNA tests are available for inherited conditions in the breed, including exercise-induced collapse (EIC) and glycogen storage disease type IIIa (GSD IIIa), which affects the liver and muscles. Both are inherited recessively, so a puppy is not expected to be affected by the tested variant when at least one parent has a reliable clear result. Some curlies suffer from patchy hair loss caused by follicular dysplasia, which has no DNA test, so ask whether it has appeared in the parents' lines. Results for Kennel Club registered dogs can be checked on the Kennel Club's Health Test Results Finder. Our buying checklist covers what else to check before you pay.
How much training and exercise does the Curly-Coated Retriever need?
Varied, sensible training at the curly's own pace, with plenty of water work. An adult needs at least an hour of exercise a day and very little grooming.
Training follows the retriever pattern of steadiness, marking, delivery to hand and the stop whistle, but at a curly's pace. They learn well when training is varied and makes sense to them, and they switch off with endless repetition. Many are not ready for serious work until two years old or more, and handlers who rush them usually regret it. An adult curly needs at least an hour of exercise a day and enjoys swimming. The coat needs little grooming: brushing breaks up the curls and leaves it frizzy, so most owners simply wet it down, let it dry and trim it occasionally.
How long does it take to train the Curly-Coated Retriever?
For the Curly-Coated Retriever, readiness for the intended role matters more than a birthday. Check demonstrated foundations, physical suitability and the support needed for the next stage.
During early learning, the puppy learns recall, its name and basic manners, and meets plenty of people to build its confidence with strangers. After comfortable everyday foundations, it is taught to sit, wait and retrieve to hand. With reliable foundations, add longer marks, blind retrieves and the stop whistle, and game is introduced carefully. For related options, see flat-coated retriever. Litters are few, so if you are set on one, keep an eye on the curly-coated retriever puppies for sale. Use the training progression guide to discuss readiness with a reward-based trainer. Ask your vet about physical demands, and plan game, water and gunfire introductions with competent help.