🦮 Large · United Kingdom (England)
The oldest British retriever breed, with a distinctively curly, water-resistant coat and a strong preference for demanding retrieving work on land and in deep water.
Curly Coated Retrievers are confident, intelligent and somewhat more independent than other retrievers, requiring more consistency in training. They are reserved toward strangers but affectionate within the close family circle.
The breed loves water work and retrieving and needs extensive daily exercise along with mental stimulation. Without enough activity it quickly becomes restless or destructive.
The characteristic curly coat should not be brushed but only occasionally worked through with the fingers to preserve the curls. After swimming, toweling off is usually enough without intensive coat care.
Suited to experienced owners with time for consistent training and water work; its independent streak makes it more demanding than the Labrador or Golden Retriever.
The breed is prone to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and the hereditary eye disease progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Epilepsy also occurs occasionally in the population.
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This information is for general guidance and does not replace veterinary or breeder advice. Temperament and health vary individually within every breed.
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