Sporting breed from England
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.
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Higher daily exercise demand
Typically responsive to training
Moderate compared with other breeds
Lower shedding tendency
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
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.
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.
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
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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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
The breed originates from England, developed during the 18th–19th century from ancestors including the English Water Spaniel, St. John's Newfoundland, and Poodle.
Image source: No approved image attached. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.