Nickname        : The Gamekeeper’s Dog

Breed Origins : Great Britain (1700′S)

Breed usage     : Hunting Small Game - water retrieving

Dog Weight      : 65 - 80 Pounds

Dog Height       : 25 to 27 inches to the shoulder

History
Curly Coated Retriever comes from Great Britain and was bred originally to hunt small game - water retrieving. Curlies are one of the oldest retriever breeds and were prized by both English gamekeepers and their adversaries - the Poachers! This dog is classified as one of the Sporting Dog Group. The Curly Coated Retriever was first Registered by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1924.This breed looks similar to the Old English water dog with the Irish water spaniel but on further inspection is not identical. The curly coat retriever is based on the S. John’s Newfoundland breed with a certain amount of setter cross breeding. A definite cross was made prior to 1860 with the poodle to obtain a tighter curl to the coat, mainly for show purposes. It has remained in this form with little change since 1860.

Dogs in the Sporting group,which include the Curly Coated Retriever, can be divided into three main categories - Retrievers, Pointers and Setters. These dogs were bred primarily to work with people to hunt game birds. Some of these dogs work in water whilst other dogs are more suited to work on land and many of the dogs in the Sporting dog category are comfortable and capable of working in either land or water environments. Sporting dogs, including the Curly Coated Retriever, are particularly suited to wood and field activities. The Retriever, Pointer and Setter dogs and their main functionalities are as follows:

• The Retriever dog - Retriever dogs find and return killed game to the hunter. Some Retrievers are especially equipped, for instance with a water-repellent coat and webbed feet, for retrieving downed waterfowl.
• The Pointer dog - Pointer dogs stand in front of their quarry, with their nose and body rigidly still , thus directing (or pointing) the hunter to its location.
• The Setter dog - Setter dogs were originally trained to set, or crouch, in front of game preventing the escape of the quarry. The hunter would make the capture with a net.

All Information and Tips About This Dog :

• Coat and Colours information
  The Curly Coated Retriever’s coat is normally a shade of Black or brown. The coat normally consists of dense, small curls.

• Health information - potential problems
  Resolving dog health problems, including those of the Curly Coated Retriever, can prove to be costly and it would be wise to consider the benefits of obtaining dog health insurance. Common health problems and questions occur in relation to the Bones, Joints, Muscles, Nerves, Ears, Eyes, Teeth and the Mouth. Other, more serious, issues can relate to the Digestive System, Heart & Respiratory Systems, Immune & Blood Systems, Reproduction and Urinary Systems. Potential health problems of the Curly Coated Retriever can include:
  • Hip Dysplasia (abnormal development of hip joints)
  • Skin disorders
  • Cataracts
  • The life expectancy for this particular breed is 8 – 10 years.

• Grooming and Care
  Curly Coated Retriever requires weekly care and grooming. Grooming consists of not only brushing out the coat and bathing but also giving attention to the eyes, teeth, ears, feet and nails. A regular routine also ensures that any potential health problems are identified as quickly as possible.