The Curly Coated Retriever is a unique and fascinating breed of dog. From its rich history to its role in modern-day society, here’s an overview of this rare and loyal breed.
History of the Curly Coated Retriever
The Curly Coated Retriever has a long history that dates back to the mid-15th century. In fact, even Shakespeare mentioned “Water Spaniels” in his writings. This breed was initially known as a meat dog, meaning it was bred to find and retrieve game left behind by other dogs during a hunt. Gamekeepers and poachers were often the owners of these dogs.
It’s hard to pinpoint the exact moment when the breed became the modern-day Curly. During the 1800s, there were many curly-coated breeds like the Water Spaniel, Wetterhoun, and Tweed Water Spaniel, and any of these could be the ancestors of today’s Curly Coated Retriever. Some even believe that the Curly was crossed with the Poodle to create a breed with the best qualities of both.
The first Curly Coated Retriever was exhibited in London in 1860, and by 1864, the Kennel Club divided retrievers into two categories: Curly-Coated Retrievers and Wavy-Coated Retrievers.
The Impact of the World Wars
During both World Wars, the Curly breed nearly disappeared. In 1919, only five were registered. By the late 1930s, there were about 40, but by the end of 1943, only 13 Curly Coated Retrievers were registered. After the wars, the breed began to recover, and by 1947, 90 were registered.
In the United States, the Curly Coated Retriever first appeared around 1907, but the first registered Curly wasn’t recorded until 1924. World War II again affected the breed, as many of the men who were hunters were away serving in the military, which led to a decrease in registrations.
By 1929, the Curly Coated Retriever became more established, and the Curly Coated Retriever Club of America was formed. However, the Curly is still considered a rare breed in the United States.
General Information About the Curly Coated Retriever
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Size: The American Kennel Club (AKC) ideal height is 25–27 inches for males and 23–25 inches for females.
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Coat: The Curly’s coat consists of small, tight, waterproof curls. Interestingly, their face has straight hair, not curly.
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Temperament: This breed is generally even-tempered, very loyal, and protective of its family. However, they can be a bit hard-headed at times.
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Grooming: Although they don’t need extensive grooming, it’s important to brush and comb their coat while they are shedding and to bathe them at the same time. This helps maintain their coat and keep it healthy.
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Training: Curly Coated Retrievers are easy to train, but they do have a strong independent streak that can make training a bit more challenging. They also tend to mature slowly, so patience is key.
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Exercise: As a hunting dog, the Curly Coated Retriever needs regular exercise to stay healthy. They enjoy activities like running and swimming.
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Other Notes: Keep in mind that they do shed, and like most retrievers, most Curly Coated Retrievers love water. They are fantastic natural swimmers.
Conclusion:
In summary, the Curly Coated Retriever is a wonderful and loyal breed that can make a great addition to your family. While they require regular exercise and grooming, they are loving, protective, and excel at water activities. Despite their rarity, their unique traits and lovable nature make them a special breed for any dog lover.
