Curly-coated Retriever
Confident, energetic, and always ready for adventure, this breed stands out with its tight, water-resistant curls. Loyal and affectionate, it thrives as both a working partner and family friend.
Breed Characteristics
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
64–69 cm (male)
58–64 cm (female)
WEIGHT
32–41 kg (male)
23–32 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
9–14 years
Curly-coated Retriever: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance
Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Curly-coated Retriever isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Curly-coated Retriever's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
The Curly-coated Retriever is typically confident, independent, and friendly, showing a good-natured yet sometimes reserved demeanor with strangers and a loyal, affectionate bond with family.
Key Personality Traits
Generally sociable with people and other dogs
Learns quickly and understands new tasks well
High stamina and thrives on regular activity
Enjoys interactive games and mental stimulation
Adjusts well to different environments and routines
Strengths
- Excellent swimmer with water-repellent coat
- Highly intelligent and quick to learn
- Loyal and affectionate with family members
- Strong stamina for active outdoor activities
- Low grooming needs due to tight curls
Challenges
- Can be reserved with strangers
- Prone to separation anxiety if left alone
- Needs consistent mental and physical stimulation
- May be stubborn during training sessions
- Can be mouthy or chew excessively
Protect your Curly-coated Retriever
Curly-coated Retriever are active and energetic, but they can develop hip dysplasia and eye conditions. Get peace of mind with PetSecur's comprehensive coverage.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Curly-coated Retrievers are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Learns with consistency
Overall rating
This breed is intelligent and learns quickly, but may display a stubborn streak, so consistent, positive training methods and early socialization are recommended for the best results.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
60–90 minutes daily
recommended per day
The Curly-coated Retriever has high energy and requires ample daily exercise, including vigorous physical activity and mental stimulation, to keep both body and mind healthy and prevent boredom-related behaviors.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Curly-coated Retrievers are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Curly-coated Retriever would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Needs consistent training and leadership to thrive
Apartment Living
Needs space and regular exercise, may become restless in small apartments
Active Lifestyle
Thrives with active owners and enjoys outdoor activities and exercise
Kids
Gentle and tolerant, generally good with respectful children
Multiple Pets
Gets along well with other pets if socialized early
Being Left Alone
Dislikes being left alone and can develop separation issues
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Curly-coated Retrievers compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Curly-coated Retriever
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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