Early show dog → rare companion
Old breed, rare today
Curlies were among the first retrievers shown at dog shows. Today they are uncommon and slow to mature.
Meet the parents and see how they greet strangers and handle excitement.
Curly-Coated Retriever · Sporting
Curly-Coated Retriever: temperament, training & independent water dog
The Curly-Coated Retriever is a tall, athletic English retriever covered in tight black or liver curls. Most are independent, clever and loyal. Life goes well with varied training, daily exercise and swimming, calm socialisation and patience through a long adolescence.
- Job: English retriever for land and water.
- Energy: High; daily exercise and swimming.
- Home: Best with active owners who like an independent thinker.
First, the point
A Curly is a clever, independent retriever that needs varied training, daily exercise and calm visitor routines
Public breed histories describe one of the oldest English retrievers, used on land and water.
Most Curlies are bright and loyal. Typical struggles are a long puppyhood, independence, boredom and wariness of strangers.
In the first months I teach calm meetings, a retrieve with a finish and recall on a long line.
- Height
- 23–27 in (58–69 cm)
- Weight
- 60–95 lb (27–43 kg)
- Energy
- High (work then rest)
- Coat / shed
- Tight curls — little brushing; occasional trims
- Job
- English retriever for land and water
Breed history
One of the oldest retrievers, in a coat of curls
The Curly-Coated Retriever is one of the oldest retriever breeds, developed in England for retrieving game on land and in water. The tight curls shed water and brambles, and the breed grew into an independent, clever, athletic dog.
England, 1800s → land and water retriever
A gamekeeper’s favourite
Public breed histories describe Curlies as popular with English gamekeepers and poachers in the 1800s, before Labradors and Goldens took over.
They retrieved from water and land, often working on their own initiative.
What the breed was bred for
Independent, clever and loyal
In plain trainer language: Curlies are bright, loyal and often reserved with strangers. They mature slowly.
The challenges are a long puppyhood, independence, boredom and wariness of new people. Varied training and plenty of exercise help most.
- Varied, interesting training
- Daily exercise and swimming
- Calm socialisation
- Patience through a long adolescence
Public references: FCI 110, AKC Curly-Coated Retriever, RKC.
Life together
A Curly’s day is water, woods and a good game
Curlies enjoy long walks, swims and retrieves. Repetitive drills bore them quickly.
River · leap
Born for water
Curlies love to swim. Teach a clear way in and out.
See water after exercise.
Outdoors · face
Thoughtful eyes
Curlies like to think. Short, varied sessions keep them keen.
See hand target.
Trail · stand
Quietly watchful
Many Curlies are reserved with strangers. Let them choose to approach.
See children and guests.
Care and health themes
Monthly checks: coat, ears, joints and weight
A trainer’s checklist, not veterinary advice. See a vet for hair loss, ear smell, limping or low energy. For urgent signs, see when to call the vet.
Coat
Do not brush the curls; wet them and let them dry. Trim stray hair.
Ears
Dry after swimming; check for smell.
Joints
Notice stiffness after exercise.
Weight
Keep lean; measure meals.
Health screening (not a diagnosis)
Ask the breeder which screenings the national breed club recommends, including hip and eye checks, and see results for both parents.
Toxins
I do not publish toxin amounts. Call a vet or poison-control line if the dog eats something dangerous.
Lines and types
Black or liver
Curlies come in solid black or solid liver, with the same tight curls.
Black
- Deep black curls.
- Same coat care.
- Shows dust less.
- Same needs.
The more common colour.
Liver
- Rich brown curls.
- Same coat care.
- Can fade in the sun.
- Same needs.
A warm brown look.
Socialization windows
What to introduce — and what not to overload — by age
AVSAB-aligned in spirit: short, clean exposures at a distance the puppy can still eat, with hygiene while vaccines finish. See the puppy socialization schedule.
Calm meetings
Introduce: meeting people calmly, handling, toilet routine, crate naps.
Do not overload: forcing strangers to touch.
Retrieve with a finish
Introduce: retrieve and trade, long-line recall, short absences.
Do not overload: keep-away games.
Long adolescence
Introduce: varied training, swimming, place.
Do not overload: repetitive drills.
Slow to mature
Introduce: field work, scent work, dock diving.
Do not overload: expecting adult calm too early.
Steady adult
Introduce: refreshed recall and visitor routine.
Do not overload: boredom.
Before you buy
Who a Curly-Coated Retriever usually fits
A Curly suits active, patient owners who want a clever, independent retriever and enjoy varied training.
Good match
More likely a good fit if you…
- Enjoy long walks and swims
- Like a thinking, independent dog
- Can be patient for years of adolescence
- Want a low-grooming coat
- Enjoy field or scent sports
Mismatch risk
A Curly-Coated Retriever may be a poor choice if…
- You want instant obedience
- You want a dog that loves everyone
- Daily exercise is hard
- You want a calm dog within a year
- Long hours alone are routine
If you are torn between breeds
Curly-Coated Retriever vs Flat-Coated Retriever and Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Curlies are compared with Flat-Coats and Chesapeakes.
Coat
Curly-Coated Retriever Tight curls.
Flat-Coated Retriever Flat, glossy, feathered.
With strangers
Curly-Coated Retriever Often reserved.
Flat-Coated Retriever Usually very friendly.
Build
Curly-Coated Retriever Tall, elegant.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Powerful, wavy-coated.
Temperament
Curly-Coated Retriever Independent, loyal.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Determined, protective.
Maturity
Curly-Coated Retriever Slow.
Both compares Both stay playful for years.
Ownership without surprises
What a Curly costs to keep
Prices vary by country. These are the spending themes, not figures.
Activities
Field, scent or dock clubs.
Health checks
Ask which screenings the national breed club recommends.
Training
Classes through adolescence.
Toys and chews
For a busy brain.
Food
An active, tall dog.
Insurance
Consider it early.
With a Curly, training through a long adolescence is the key cost.
Before day one at home
What to prepare for a Curly-Coated Retriever puppy
A Curly puppy is bold and clever. Calm meetings and varied games come first.
Calm people meetings
Retrieve and trade
See drop it.
Gentle mouths
See biting and nipping.
Recall games
See the name game.
Toilet routine
Follow potty training.
Enforced naps
See enforced naps.
If the dog is already yours
Training a Curly means keeping it interesting
Curlies learn fast and get bored fast. Mix it up.
My core list: recall, trades, calm visitor routines and loose-lead walking.
Field work, scent games and dock diving suit them well.
Load balance
Swim, retrieve and think
Exercise plus short, varied training suits most Curlies.
Swim Retrieve Sniff Train Rest
Swimming, retrieves, scent work and short training games suit most Curlies.
A Curly with variety is a clever, loyal partner.
Recall
How to build recall with a Curly-Coated Retriever
Make coming back the best game, and keep sessions short and varied.
- 01
Long line on
Safe freedom.
- 02
Make it a game
Run away as you call.
- 03
Reward with a retrieve
Or food.
- 04
Vary it
New places and games.
- 05
Stop early
Before boredom.
One scene close-up
Why your Curly ignores recall
Curlies were bred to work on their own initiative.
Use a long line, reward with a retrieve or food and vary the game.
Stop before the dog gets bored.
Typical household scenes
Where Curly-Coated Retriever owners most often need help
A breed page is only a starting point; the fix depends on health, environment, and the dog in front of you. Each row opens a step-by-step guide.
01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08
Wary of visitors
Aloof or worried with new people.
Independent recall
Comes back when it chooses.
Chewing
Chews when bored.
Keep-away
Will not give items back.
Jumping
Bouncy greetings as a teen.
Pulling
Pulls towards water and smells.
Teenage phase
A long, busy adolescence.
Sudden change
Hair loss, limping or low energy — vet first.
Practical view
“With a Curly, I keep training varied and short. We build recall, trades and calm visitor routines — because a clever, independent retriever gets bored fast.”
Sessions cover real scenes: wariness with visitors, independent recall, chewing, and keep-away games. I am a trainer, not a veterinarian. No invented reviews.
Andrew Darov Professional dog trainer and instructor
WhatsApp consult Talk through your Curly-Coated Retriever
Describe age, living setup, and where the dog breaks first — wariness with visitors, independent recall, chewing, or keep-away games. Opens WhatsApp to Andrew.
Short answers
FAQ
Is a Curly a good first dog?
Better with experienced, patient owners.
Are Curlies good with children?
Often good with their own family; supervise.
Do Curlies shed?
Lightly, with some seasonal shedding.
How much exercise does an adult need?
A lot: daily exercise plus swims.
Should I brush a Curly?
No; brushing frizzes the curls. Wet and let dry.
Are Curlies aloof?
Many are reserved with strangers.
Can a Curly live in a flat?
Possible with lots of exercise.
When do Curlies mature?
Slowly, often around three years.
What about health?
Ask which screenings the national breed club recommends and see the parents' results.
What is the typical lifespan of a Curly-Coated Retriever?
Public breed references often give about 10 to 12 years. Individual dogs vary.
Are Curlies rare?
Yes, they are uncommon.
If a Curly’s independence is too much
If you want a retriever that is friendlier with strangers and keener to please, consider this one.
Flat-Coated Retriever
A cheerful, glossy British retriever that stays playful for years and needs daily exercise, retrieve games and calm greeting practice.
Labrador Retriever
A friendly, food-loving retriever that needs daily exercise, training and a job for its nose and mouth.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
A tough, loyal American water retriever with an oily wavy coat that needs early socialising, clear rules and plenty of swimming.
Labrador Retriever
Friendly, food-loving retriever that needs exercise and training.
More Sporting group breeds
Other guides from the same group in the breed library. Same group does not mean same dog: read the fit and the failure modes, not only the outline.
English Cocker Spaniel
A merry, busy British spaniel that needs scent games, retrieve and trade practice, ear care and a taught settle.
English Setter
A gentle, elegant British bird dog with a speckled belton coat that needs long-line freedom, patient recall work and regular brushing.
English Springer Spaniel
A friendly, eager British flushing spaniel that needs daily exercise, scent work, long-line recall and a taught settle.
German Shorthaired Pointer
An energetic, affectionate German hunting dog that needs hard daily exercise, long-line recall and a taught settle at home.
German Wirehaired Pointer
A tough, loyal German hunting dog with a wiry coat that needs hard daily exercise, early socialising and a taught settle.
Golden Retriever
A fetching, people-facing sporting dog whose gold coat does not lower the daily mileage.
Need a read on your exact situation?
Describe your Curly-Coated Retriever’s age and the scene that repeats most: wariness with visitors, independent recall, chewing, or keep-away games. We check safety first, then pick the first skill.
Written by Andrew Darov, professional dog trainer. Not veterinary advice and not a diagnosis.
Not a kennel club. No invented reviews. No vaccine schedules or toxin doses. Photo credits in
/images/breeds/curly-coated-retriever-guide/credits.md.