How to Identify a Curly‐Coated Retriever

The Curly-Coated Retriever is one of the oldest retriever breeds and is a member of the sporting group. [1] They share some characteristics with other dog breeds but have many distinguishing ones as well. This wikiHow will help you with figuring out whether or not a dog may be a Curly-Coated Retriever.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Viewing the Body Structure

  1. Male Curly-Coated Retrievers are usually anywhere from 25–27 inches (64–69 cm) in height, while females are a little shorter, usually being anywhere from 23–25 inches (58–64 cm) in height. Both male and female Curly-Coated Retrievers typically weigh anywhere from 60–95 pounds (27–43 kg). [2]
  2. Curly-Coated Retrievers have a head that is a very wide wedge shape, different from all other retriever breeds. [3]
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  3. Curly-Coated Retrievers should have ears that lay close to the head, are relatively small in size, and are set on a line that should be a little above the eye corners. [4]
  4. Curly-Coated Retrievers should have eyes that aren't too prominent, yet relatively large. In black-colored dogs, the eyes should be either brown or black in color, while liver-colored dogs typically have amber-colored eyes. [5]
  5. Curly-Coated Retrievers usually carry their tail close to or completely straight. It is not typically docked, kinked, crooked, or curled up and over the back. The tail should be covered in curls. [6]
  6. Curly-Coated Retrievers should overall appear to have a grace and elegance that is not typical of other retriever breeds. The dog's gait should appear effortless, efficient, and balanced. [7]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Looking at the Coat

  1. Curly-Coated Retrievers will either be a black or liver color. Occasionally, you may also notice a few white hairs on the dog. [8]
  2. A distinguishing characteristic of the Curly-Coated Retriever is the thick mass of crisp, small, tight curls that are found on their body. These curls also can be found covering the entirety of the dog's tail, extending up the neck until the back of the dog's head, and down the back leg and thigh areas, up until the dog's hock. [9]
    • On the dog's feet, front of their forelegs, face, and forehead, the hair should be smooth, straight, and short. [10]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Noticing Temperament

  1. Curly-Coated Retrievers are very determined, and they will work their hardest to finish any job that they are given. [11]
  2. Curly-Coated Retrievers are known to be even-tempered, like most other retrievers. [12]
  3. Although they are in most cases friendly towards strangers in social settings, when they enter the dog's home, Curly-Coated Retrievers may be reserved around strangers. [13]
  4. Curly-Coated Retrievers are known to mature slower than some other breeds, meaning they can retain the energy level and behavior of a puppy for multiple years. [14]
  5. Curly-Coated Retrievers are typically very smart, and they know how to use these smarts to help get their way. Therefore, firm, consistent training from early on is important with this breed. [15]
  6. Like other retriever breeds, Curly-Coated Retrievers often display mouthiness, meaning they like to chew on objects that aren't toys. Therefore, it's important to provide this dog with plenty of toys that they are allowed to chew on. [16]
  7. Curly-Coated Retrievers will need daily physical exercise and mental stimulation, through things such as training, games of fetch, walks/jogs, or even swimming. [17]
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      Tips

      • You may also hear Curly-Coated Retrievers being referred to as "Curlies".
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      • If you're wondering what breed your dog is, consider dog DNA testing. This can help confirm what breed your dog is.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/curly-coated-retriever/
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/curly-coated-retriever/
      3. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/CurlyCoatedRetriever.pdf
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/CurlyCoatedRetriever.pdf
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/CurlyCoatedRetriever.pdf
      6. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/CurlyCoatedRetriever.pdf
      7. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/CurlyCoatedRetriever.pdf
      8. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/CurlyCoatedRetriever.pdf
      9. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/CurlyCoatedRetriever.pdf
      1. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/CurlyCoatedRetriever.pdf
      2. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/curly-coated-retriever-temperament/
      3. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/curly-coated-retriever-temperament/
      4. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/curly-coated-retriever-temperament/
      5. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/curly-coated-retriever-temperament/
      6. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/curly-coated-retriever-temperament/
      7. ↑ https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/curly-coated-retriever
      8. ↑ https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/curly-coated-retriever

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