Along with the Flat-Coated Retriever, the Curly-Coated Retriever is one of the first two retriever breeds to be recognized and established in the dog world. Hailing from England as a descendant of the English Water Spaniel, Poodle, Labrador and St, John’s Newfoundland, the Curly-Coated Retriever is a great bird hunting dog. He may be used as a waterfowl retriever bringing home ducks or an upland game hunter with quail.

While this dog is popular in Australia and New Zealand, he is a rare find in the United States. Despite his leggy appearance, the Curly-Coated Retriever is a long bodied dog with a tightly curled black or liver colored coat. An energetic and loyal family dog, he is protective of his own and sometimes tepid with strangers.

The Curly-Coated Retriever is between 25 and 27 inches in height and weighs between 65 and 80 pounds.

Photo Courtesy of SoftMaple Curly Coated Retrievers.