Curly Coated Retriever

At home and in family life, many owners describe the Curly-Coated Retriever as a surprisingly laid-back housemate that is very calm indoors, as long as it gets enough exercise outside. In clear contrast to retriever breeds like the Labrador or Golden Retriever, it is often described as aloof, neutral or even reserved with strangers. It doesn't throw itself at visitors' feet and can hardly be bribed with treats from people it doesn't know. With its own people, though, the picture changes completely: within the family it is seen as very attached, cuddly and devoted.

Several reports also highlight its alertness. Curlies reliably announce anything unusual in a deep, impressive voice but don't tend toward uncontrolled yapping. For families with children, it is usually described as patient and gentle, provided the children respect its rest times. Owners agree, however, that it is not suited to being a family dog that just runs alongside everyday life: without regular company and mental stimulation it suffers, because it really needs close contact with its people.

Sources:mit-tier.deodeandiefreude-curlycoatedretriever.deschnuffelhof.comreddit.comwildhueter-st-hubertus.de

On training, experienced owners keep pointing out the clear difference from other retrievers: the classic, unconditional "will to please" is noticeably weaker in the Curly, or at least works differently. The breed is very intelligent and quick to learn, but it regularly questions whether a command makes sense and quickly refuses or gets bored with mindless repetition. Owners therefore describe learning as more of a partnership, where you have to win the dog over with patience, creativity and humor.

Given the Curly's often sensitive nature, pressure, harshness or military-style drilling quickly lead to stubborn shutdown. Another recurring point in owner reports is slow maturity: many Curlies are known as real late bloomers that aren't fully grown, physically or mentally, until around three years of age. Adolescence therefore takes a lot of patience and loving consistency from owners. Without clear leadership, the Curly tends to take decisions into its own hands, which can become hard work outdoors given its existing prey and hunting drive.

Sources:mit-tier.deodeandiefreude-curlycoatedretriever.deschnuffelhof.comwildhueter-st-hubertus.detackenberg.de

When it comes to health and care, owners mostly paint a picture of a very hardy, weatherproof breed that has largely been spared extreme overbreeding because it never became a fashion dog. Still, breeders and owners point to the challenges of a fairly small gene pool worldwide, which makes careful breeding selection essential. The breed-typical health risks that come up again and again include, as is common in large working dogs, hip and elbow dysplasia (HD/ED) and inherited eye diseases (such as PRA). In some bloodlines, a tendency toward coat or skin problems such as bald patches (alopecia) is also discussed.

When it comes to grooming, many owners clear up common misconceptions. Contrary to the assumption that the dense, tight curls take a huge amount of work, owners describe the coat as surprisingly low-maintenance and dirt-repellent day to day, as long as you don't brush it out constantly, which would destroy the characteristic curl structure. As for weather, some owners also report that the Curly's dense, insulating coat lets it shrug off cold water and winter weather easily, but in the height of summer it tires noticeably faster in the heat and goes looking for water to cool off in.

Sources:schnuffelhof.comtackenberg.dehorse-gate-forum.comdogforum.de