Pet Wiki

Curly-coated Retriever

Also called Curly Coated Retriever, Curly, Retriever (Curly Coated)

A clever, self-assured dog that is steady and dependable in the field.

SizeLarge
Height58 to 69 cm (23 to 27 in)males 64 to 69 cm, females 58 to 64 cm12
Lifespan10 to 12.2 years32
CoatTight curls, no undercoat
OriginEngland, United Kingdom.12
GroupRetrievers, Flushing Dogs and Water Dogs (FCI group 8)
Recognised breedShort profile
tireless swimmer and retriever
smart and independent thinker
steady, confident and friendly
14

Personality what they are like

A clever, self-assured dog that is steady and dependable in the field. It is friendly and bold but can seem a little aloof with strangers, and it likes to think a problem through for itself rather than simply wait for instructions.14

Coat and looks how to spot one

tight curls, no undercoat

A tall, athletic retriever, a touch longer than it is tall. From the back of the skull to the tail tip the body is covered in small, crisp curls that sit close to the skin and shed water, while the face and front of the legs have smooth, short hair.12

Coloursblackliver13

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Curly-coated Retriever. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery 2 days
  • Bathevery month
  • HaircutClip or scissor to keep curls from mattingevery 6 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High. The Royal Kennel Club suggests more than two hours of exercise a day, and the breed especially enjoys swimming and retrieving work.34

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Grooming more than once a week is advised, and the coat does shed.3

Home where they are happiest

Suits town or country homes with a large garden and regular access to open ground or water.3

Company who they like around

Bonds well with its family and works as a partner in the field; can take time to warm up to people it does not know.14

The story where it all began

The Curly is counted among the oldest retriever breeds and, together with the Wavy-coated (now Flat-coated) Retriever, was one of the first two retrievers recognised, around 1860. Gamekeepers used it for upland birds and waterfowl, and its curly coat is thought to come from the extinct English Water Spaniel with retriever and Poodle blood added. The first breed club was founded in 1933.32

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    It is the tallest of the retriever breeds.3

  2. 2

    The Royal Kennel Club calls it the oldest of the retrievers.3

  3. 3

    Its coat has no undercoat at all, just a thick layer of small curls.1

  4. 4

    The dense curls are said to shrug off both water and burrs.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named for its distinctive curly coat, which in Curly-Coated Retrievers is caused by a specific genetic variant (the C2 allele) in the KRT71 gene.5

Name ideas for your new friend

CurlsWinstonNellieBramblePipDoveMerryRippleCloverFinchPuddleThistle

A day in the life told by a Curly-coated Retriever

I woke up and nudged my human's hand for a morning scratch. After breakfast, we headed to the lake, my favorite place! I dove in, the cool water washing over my tight curls. I retrieved a stick with pride, thinking through each splash. Back home, I curled up on the rug, drying off. A neighbor came by, and I gave a polite sniff before returning to my spot. In the afternoon, we played fetch in the garden, and I felt steady and happy. Now, I'm dreaming of tomorrow's swim.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 110, Group 8 (Retrievers, Flushing Dogs, Water Dogs), Section 1 Retrievers; standard dated 28.07.2009, country of origin Great Britain.1
The Royal Kennel Club
Gundog group; listed as a vulnerable native breed; Breed Watch category 1.3
AKC
Recognised breed with an AKC breed page; ranked 168th of 202 breeds in 2025 registrations.6

Popularity Ranked 168th of 202 AKC-registered breeds6

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Frozen Yoghurt & Berry Kong Stuffing

A cooling, low-calorie treat that’s perfect for large dogs who love to lick and work for their food. Blueberries provide antioxidants, and plain yoghurt is gentle on the stomach.

You need

  • 120g plain Greek yoghurt (unsweetened, no additives)
  • 50g fresh or frozen blueberries (chopped if large)

How

  1. Mix the yoghurt and blueberries together in a small bowl.
  2. Spoon the mixture into a Kong or similar treat-dispensing toy.
  3. Place the stuffed Kong upright in a cup or on a tray in the freezer.
  4. Freeze for at least 3-4 hours or until solid.
  5. Give to your dog as a supervised treat.

How much: One stuffed Kong per day for a large/giant dog, reducing their dinner portion accordingly.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Curly-coated Retriever, and at what times?

Feed your Curly-coated Retriever at least two meals a day for an adult, and three to four smaller meals for a puppy. Stick to regular times each day, and always follow the food label and your vet's advice for amounts.7

What should a Curly-coated Retriever eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food suitable for their age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, so keep these away from your dog.8

How often should I bathe a Curly-coated Retriever?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 28 days, but general guidance says at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues, and always use a dog-safe shampoo.9 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Curly-coated Retriever need brushing?

Brush your Curly-coated Retriever more than once a week, and Pet Wiki's plan suggests every two days. This helps keep the tight curls free of mats and reduces shedding.3 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Curly-coated Retriever's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 28 days or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick, and ask your vet or a groomer to show you how if you are unsure.9 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Curly-coated Retriever need?

This breed needs high activity, with more than two hours of exercise daily. They especially love swimming and retrieving, so include these activities when you can.34

How do I look after a Curly-coated Retriever's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, and check ears weekly for moisture or dirt. For floppy ears, dry them gently after swimming or baths to prevent infections.9 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Curly-coated Retriever live?

The typical lifespan is 10 to 12 years, with some living a bit longer. Regular vet check-ups and good care help them stay healthy through their senior years.32

Is a Curly-coated Retriever good with children and other pets?

Yes, they are friendly and bond well with their family, including children. They can be a little aloof with strangers but are steady and dependable, and they usually get along with other pets when raised together.14

Can a Curly-coated Retriever be left alone?

This breed bonds closely with its family and may not enjoy long periods alone. How long they can be left varies, so ask your vet or a good breeder for advice based on your dog's personality.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FCI Standard N° 110, Curly Coated Retriever fci.beused for recognition, height, coat, colour, temperament
  2. Wikipedia: Curly-coated Retriever en.wikipedia.orgused for height, lifespan study, history
  3. Royal Kennel Club: Retriever (Curly Coated) royalkennelclub.comused for care, exercise, lifespan, history, facts
  4. AKC Curly-Coated Retriever breed page akc.orgused for temperament summary
  5. vgl.ucdavis.edu vgl.ucdavis.edu
  6. AKC most popular dog breeds 2025 akc.orgused for popularity
  7. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  8. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  9. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.