At a glance the quick version
Coat and looks how to spot one
tight curls, no undercoat
A tall, athletic retriever, a touch longer than it is tall. From the back of the skull to the tail tip the body is covered in small, crisp curls that sit close to the skin and shed water, while the face and front of the legs have smooth, short hair.12
Personality what they are like
A clever, self-assured dog that is steady and dependable in the field. It is friendly and bold but can seem a little aloof with strangers, and it likes to think a problem through for itself rather than simply wait for instructions.14
Daily activity how busy a day looks
High. The Royal Kennel Club suggests more than two hours of exercise a day, and the breed especially enjoys swimming and retrieving work.34
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Grooming more than once a week is advised, and the coat does shed.3
Home where they are happiest
Suits town or country homes with a large garden and regular access to open ground or water.3
Company who they like around
Bonds well with its family and works as a partner in the field; can take time to warm up to people it does not know.14
The story where it all began
The Curly is counted among the oldest retriever breeds and, together with the Wavy-coated (now Flat-coated) Retriever, was one of the first two retrievers recognised, around 1860. Gamekeepers used it for upland birds and waterfowl, and its curly coat is thought to come from the extinct English Water Spaniel with retriever and Poodle blood added. The first breed club was founded in 1933.32
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 110, Group 8 (Retrievers, Flushing Dogs, Water Dogs), Section 1 Retrievers; standard dated 28.07.2009, country of origin Great Britain.1
- The Royal Kennel Club
- Gundog group; listed as a vulnerable native breed; Breed Watch category 1.3
- AKC
- Recognised breed with an AKC breed page; ranked 168th of 202 breeds in 2025 registrations.5
Popularity Ranked 168th of 202 AKC-registered breeds5
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Curly-coated Retriever. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery 2 days
- Bathevery month
- HaircutClip or scissor to keep curls from mattingevery 6 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Curly-coated Retriever, and at what times?
Feed your Curly-coated Retriever at least two meals a day for an adult, and three to four smaller meals for a puppy. Stick to regular times each day, and always follow the food label and your vet's advice for amounts.6
What should a Curly-coated Retriever eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food suitable for their age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, so keep these away from your dog.7
How often should I bathe a Curly-coated Retriever?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 28 days, but general guidance says at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues, and always use a dog-safe shampoo.8 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Curly-coated Retriever need brushing?
Brush your Curly-coated Retriever more than once a week, and Furry Diary's plan suggests every two days. This helps keep the tight curls free of mats and reduces shedding.3 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Curly-coated Retriever's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every 28 days or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick, and ask your vet or a groomer to show you how if you are unsure.8 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Curly-coated Retriever need?
This breed needs high activity, with more than two hours of exercise daily. They especially love swimming and retrieving, so include these activities when you can.34
How do I look after a Curly-coated Retriever's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, and check ears weekly for moisture or dirt. For floppy ears, dry them gently after swimming or baths to prevent infections.8 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Curly-coated Retriever live?
The typical lifespan is 10 to 12 years, with some living a bit longer. Regular vet check-ups and good care help them stay healthy through their senior years.32
Is a Curly-coated Retriever good with children and other pets?
Yes, they are friendly and bond well with their family, including children. They can be a little aloof with strangers but are steady and dependable, and they usually get along with other pets when raised together.14
Can a Curly-coated Retriever be left alone?
This breed bonds closely with its family and may not enjoy long periods alone. How long they can be left varies, so ask your vet or a good breeder for advice based on your dog's personality.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard N° 110, Curly Coated Retriever fci.beused for recognition, height, coat, colour, temperament
- Wikipedia: Curly-coated Retriever en.wikipedia.orgused for height, lifespan study, history
- Royal Kennel Club: Retriever (Curly Coated) royalkennelclub.comused for care, exercise, lifespan, history, facts
- AKC Curly-Coated Retriever breed page akc.orgused for temperament summary
- AKC most popular dog breeds 2025 akc.orgused for popularity
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.