The Curly-Coated Retriever is a large, elegant retriever and one of the oldest retriever breeds, distinguished by its distinctive tight, water-resistant curly coat and confident, athletic temperament. It belongs to the Sporting group and originates from England. The breed is known for being confident, intelligent, independent, loyal, and energetic. Its trainability is rated moderately high, but individual dogs may vary. The curly coat requires moderate grooming, and shedding is relatively low. The breed's suitability for apartments is low, and it is generally better suited to homes with space. Compatibility with children is rated high, while compatibility with other dogs is moderate. All measurements are modelled estimates: adult males and females weigh 27–43 kg and stand 64–69 cm tall. Lifespan is estimated at 10–12 years. Recognition status varies by registry.
The Curly-Coated Retriever is one of the oldest retriever breeds, developed in England during the 18th–19th century. Its ancestry is believed to include the English Water Spaniel, St. John's Newfoundland, and Poodle, though the exact details are not fully documented. The breed was prized by gamekeepers for its versatility in waterfowl hunting. The breed's history is based on available records, but some uncertainty remains about its precise origins. Over time, the Curly-Coated Retriever became known for its distinctive curly coat and reliable retrieving abilities. Today, it remains a relatively rare breed, with recognition status varying by registry.
Coat typesCurlyCoat colorsPendingRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Confidentintelligentindependentloyalenergetic
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
Daily care profile
1–5 methodology
Exercise5/5
Higher daily exercise demand
Training4/5
Typically responsive to training
Grooming3/5
Moderate compared with other breeds
Shedding2/5
Lower shedding tendency
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Children4/5
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Other dogs3/5
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Apartment living2/5
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Hot climates2/5
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Cold climates4/5
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Humid climates3/5
Modelled tendency · low confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Health considerations
Veterinary sources required
No Curly-Coated Retriever-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
Typically responsive to consistent training.Supported by trainabilityScore: 4
Can be a strong family match when socialized and supervised.Supported by childSuitability: 4
Commonly described as loyal.Supported by temperaments.loyal: true
Potential challenges
Higher daily exercise and enrichment needs may not suit every household.Supported by energyScore: 5
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Growth chart
Curly-Coated Retriever puppy growth
Modeled estimates
From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight27–43 kilogramAdult female weight27–43 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Typical weight progression Male Female
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Age ranges are modeled estimates
Follow weight from puppyhood to adult size
Explore the interactive male and female growth curves, weight-by-age table, adult-size calculator, development stages, feeding guidance and veterinary warning signs.
What is the size and lifespan of a Curly-Coated Retriever?
Based on modelled estimates, adult Curly-Coated Retrievers weigh 27–43 kg and stand 64–69 cm tall at the shoulder. Their estimated lifespan is 10–12 years.
What is the temperament of a Curly-Coated Retriever?
The breed is described as confident, intelligent, independent, loyal, and energetic. However, individual temperaments can vary, so not every dog will display all these traits.
How much exercise does a Curly-Coated Retriever need?
The breed has a high energy level (rated 5 out of 5), so it requires substantial daily exercise. It is best suited to active owners who can provide ample physical activity.
What are the grooming requirements for a Curly-Coated Retriever?
Grooming is rated moderate (3 out of 5). The curly coat needs regular brushing to prevent matting, and shedding is relatively low (rated 2 out of 5).
Is a Curly-Coated Retriever suitable for apartment living?
Apartment suitability is rated low (2 out of 5). The breed is large and energetic, so it generally does better in homes with a yard or access to open space.
Is the Curly-Coated Retriever good with children and other dogs?
Child suitability is rated high (4 out of 5), but interactions should always be supervised. Compatibility with other dogs is moderate (3 out of 5), so early socialization is recommended.
Where does the Curly-Coated Retriever originate from?
The breed originates from England, developed during the 18th–19th century from ancestors including the English Water Spaniel, St. John's Newfoundland, and Poodle.
Data transparency
Sources and review status
✓ Published · Verified
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