Confident, Proud, Wickedly Smart
The Curly-Coated Retriever’s tight, crisp curls of either black or liver serve as waterproof and thorn-resistant all-weather gear for work in thick bramble and icy lakes. The Curly is a big, durable gun dog, but more elegant and graceful than other retrievers. Another trait that …
Energy
80%
Shedding
40%
Trainability
40%
Grooming
20%
Friendliness
40%
Coat Type
Curly coat
Occasional Bath/Brush
dog food
Best overall large breed food — consistent quality at a fair price…
toys
The #1 chew toy for heavy chewers — nothing else comes close…
beds
Best cooling bed — essential for flat-faced breeds and dogs in warm cl…
health
Best DNA test overall — unmatched health screening depth…
training
Best GPS collar for active owners — 3-month battery is class-leading…
grooming
The gold standard for double-coated breeds — nothing removes undercoat…
Needs 60-90 minutes active exercise daily; thrives with a job or sport.
Recommended for experienced owners — high owner difficulty rating of 9/10.
Better suited to homes with outdoor space — this large breed needs room to move.
A intelligent temperament makes it a reliable companion for the right household.
Working heritage means it needs a job or structured activity — under-stimulation leads to problem behaviours.
Curly-Coated Retriever Cost Calculator
Puppy price, annual costs & lifetime estimate →
FCI Group
Group 8 — Retrievers, Flushing Dogs and Water Dogs
Section
Retrievers
Status
recognized
