| Alternative Name Curly CCR (The
Gamekeeper's Dog)
Basic Info
The Curly Coated Retriever (often referred to as a
Curly) is an intelligent, friendly breed of dog
originally bred for upland bird and waterfowl hunting.
He is the tallest of the retrievers and is easily
distinguishable by the mass of tight curls covering his
body. They were developed as upland game hunters and
waterfowl retrievers in England and were recognized as a
breed as early as 1860. Curly Coated and Wavy Coated
(now known as the Flat-Coated Retriever) were the first
two recognized retriever breeds. The curly is an active,
upstanding, well-muscled breed bred for upland bird and
waterfowl hunting. The Curly is quite different in type
and structure and somewhat different in temperament than
the more common retrievers. A correct Curly will appear
slightly leggy but is actually slightly longer than
tall. The breed sports a coat of tight, crisp curls. He
is balanced and agile with a significant air of
endurance, strength, and grace. Coat The coat of the
Curly is a hallmark of the breed. A correct coat is a
thick mass of small curls that lie close to the skin.
Breeders aim for tight, crisp, individually pronounced
curls rather than loose, open curls. The coat is
sufficiently dense to provide protection in ill weather
and icy water, and against brambles and briars. The only
places on a Curly's body that are not covered in tight
curls are the forehead, face, front of forelegs, and
feet, where the hair should be short, smooth, and
straight. A looser curl is acceptable on the ears. The
breed should have no undercoat. Patches of uncurled hair
behind the withers or bald patches of skin are
undesirable. The coat should not be sparse, silky,
fuzzy, very harsh, dry, or brittle. Bald patches which
may temporarily occur in growing puppies who are
changing to adult coat and in bitches who have recently
whelped are not necessarily indicative of a permanent
problem. Colour The only acceptable colours for the
Curly Coated Retriever are solid black and solid liver
(brown). Occasional white hairs are permissable, but
white patches are a serious fault. Eyes should be either
black or brown in black dogs, and brown or amber in
liver dogs. Yellow eyes are undesirable. The nose should
be fully pigmented, black in black dogs and liver in
liver dogs. Height and weight Dogs: 25-27 in at the
withers Bitches: 23-25 in Weight should be in correct
proportion to the size of the dog. Dogs: 80-100 lb
Bitches: 60-80 lb
Health
Life expectancy Average life expectancy is 9-12
years, although there are instances of Curlies living to
15 to 17 years of age. Known medical issues -Hip
dysplasia -Eye problems such as cataracts, corneal
dystrophy, distichiasis, entropion, ectropion, or
retinal dysplasia -Cardiac problems -Seizuring
(Epilepsy) -Bloat
Behavior
The Curly Coated Retriever is a lively, fun-loving
breed. They are slow to mature, which makes them a great
addition to any active family. As long as the CCR has
enough exercise, he can be calm and laid back in the
home environment, which makes them both a great activity
dog as well as a placid member of the family. CCRs are
great dogs for active sports such as hunt tests, flyball
and dog agility trails as they love the outdoors,
working with people, and activities of any kind. Curly
Coated Retrievers were bred to work more independently
than other retrievers. This has given them a reputation
for being reserved with strangers and they are often
accused of being aloof because of it. However, CCRs are
loyal to those they know and are fond of children. CCRs
are extremely intelligent, learn quickly, and love to
please their owners; even so, training one can sometimes
be difficult as they can easily get bored with
repetitive training. Short, fun sessions are the best
way to a CCR's mind. The breed is quick to figure things
out, and once it has learned how to do something (such
as open a gate or door), he will use his new skill any
time he sees fit. This breed can sometimes be stubborn
and self-willed. These individuals need careful
motivational training, as preventing bad behavior is
much easier than reversing it.
Origin
United Kingdom - England
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