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More About the Breed
History
There is not much on record about the curly's heritage. Most reports claim that its lineage came from the now-extinct English water spaniels and poodles. Whatever its ancestry is, it is obviously bred to retrieve games and is the first known breed used for serious retrieving in England during the 1860s.
The Curly-coated Retriever was a popular dog for hunters, poachers, and English estate gamekeepers until the Labrador came into the picture. World War II in 1919 did not help with keeping the breed's existence. In fact, after the war, there were only five curlies registered in existence. Some Curly-coated Retrievers were brought into the United States in 1907, but the breed was only recognised and registered in 1924. Importing the breed helped in keeping its line alive. The breed is also recognised by the Kennel Club in the UK.
Appearance
Like all retrieving breeds, the Curly-coated Retriever is large and sturdy with athletic build. Despite its large size weighing 65–100 pounds, this retriever dog is graceful. Characteristic appearance of a curly is its coat of tight, crisp curls, hence the name. The curled coat repels water and protects it from rough brush. It also wears smooth hairs on the face, hocks, and legs. The curly is longer than it is tall, standing at 58–69 centimetres at the withers. Its head is wedge-shaped and slightly longer. The curly has a wide muzzle that is tapered. Its coat comes in either black or liver, which is the same colour as the nose. The breed has pendant ears and is soft-mouthed.
Grooming
A curly's coat sheds throughout the year, albeit minimally. However, the breed sheds more and quite heavily during spring and autumn. With this in mind, the curly needs to be brushed weekly to remove loose hairs, which may become a mess around the house. The dog should only be bathed as needed, as frequent bathing may alter its water-resistant characteristic. Don't forget to check its ears for signs of infections, which is common for pendant ears. Clean the ears by using a veterinarian-approved solution and soft cotton balls. Brush its teeth at least once per week to minimise bad breath and keep dental diseases at bay.
Temperament
When it comes to temperament, the curly is an easy-going and affectionate dog that is all too eager to please its owner. Its desire to please makes training easy to do, and its intelligence helps with this as well. The Curly-coated Retriever operates in packs, as with all gun dogs, so it will need someone who knows how to train it and will serve as the leader of the pack. When an owner establishes his/her authority as the leader, the curly looks up to him/her for guidance and direction. Suffice to say, it is not the best dog breed of choice for first-time dog owners.
Intelligence
The curly is aloof around strangers, but loving and loyal to its family. Anywhere it goes, the curly exhibits alertness and self-confidence. Since it is also intelligent, it has a mind of its own. With that said, socialisation and training are crucial and must be started at a young age. It is an active breed, which means it gets bored easily if not given enough physical and mental stimulation.
With regard to its interaction with children and other pets, the curly is even-tempered and gets along fine with children of all ages. However, it will be ill-advised to leave any dog with a child unsupervised. Other pets such as other dogs and cats that were raised alongside it are fine. Exemptions are neighbours’ pets which a curly may perceive as fair game.
Nutrition
Typical calorie needs of an adult Curly-coated Retriever per day:
- Senior and less active: up to 1,660 calories daily
- Typical adults: up to 1,870 calories daily
- Physically active/working dogs: up to 2,070 calories daily
It is important that you not only know how much to feed your curly but also what to feed it. It does not matter what brand of dog food you buy as long as you are sure that it is high-quality and provides the dog with enough protein for muscle and bone growth. Most importantly, feeding a curly or any other dog with one large meal must be avoided. Most dog breeds will develop bloat or gastric torsion and are also prone to become overweight, which will put pressure on its joints. As much as possible, stick to a two-to-three-meals-a-day schedule and measure its food based on its calorie requirement.
Feeding
A typical serving of an adult Curly-coated Retriever is three to four cups of the best-quality dog food per day. As a dog owner, knowing the basic nutritional needs of your curly is important. Considering each breed's characteristics (age, size, level of activity, and metabolism), its diet must be tailored to its needs. When doubtful, make sure to consult with a veterinarian.
Health
With an average life expectancy of nine to twelve years, a Curly-coated Retriever must be generally healthy. However, this is not to say that this dog breed is not prone to health issues. Common health disorders experienced by this breed are as follows: Hip Dysplasia, Epilepsy, Bloat or Gastric torsion, and some eye disorders. To make sure that your curly is not experiencing any of these health disorders, check with the veterinarian to know about signs, symptoms, and preventive measures.
Exercise
The curly is ideal for people who live an active lifestyle doing outdoor activities. This dog breed will need at least two hours of daily exercise that must include mentally stimulating activities. A Curly-coated Retriever excels in many canine sports, including obedience and agility. When taking your curly outside, make sure it's on a lead, or if playtime is done in the backyard and off-lead, the fence must be secured to prevent it from escaping.
Cost of Ownership
Owning a dog may be expensive, especially for people who did not think ahead. However, including a dog in your financial or budget plan will save you from being short on funds and the likelihood of putting up your curly for adoption. Here are a few things you should factor in when it comes to buying a Curly-coated Retriever:
- Puppy price – £600 to £800 (one-time)
- Pet insurance – £22 to £48 a month
- Food Costs – £50 to £60 a month
- Veterinary expenses – £1,000 a year
- Dog supplies – £200 (initial)
In a rough estimation, you will be budgeting around £80 to £100 a month for recurring expenses, depending on the level of insurance cover you choose for your dog.
Is a Curly Coated Retriever Right for You?
- The curly has a soft mouth, ideal for retrieving live game.
- It is a sporting dog or gun dog, which means it needs to be adequately exercised for at least two hours.
- It has a unique curly coat that is crisp and hangs tight on its body.
- It is aloof to strangers, but affectionate to its family.
- Its eager-to-please attitude and intelligence make it easy to train.
- Its coat sheds all throughout the year and heavily twice a year.
Considering getting a Curly Coated Retriever?
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