Curly-Coated Retriever
Male: 32-41 kg, Female: 27-36 kg
Male: 67-69 cm, Female: 62-64 cm at the shoulder.
10-14 years
England
About the Curly-Coated Retriever
The Curly-Coated Retriever is the tallest and most distinctive member of the retriever family, easily identified by its unique, water-repellent coat of tight curls. Developed in England as a rugged multi-purpose gundog, it combines the stamina of a working dog with the intelligence and independence of a thinking companion. Unlike other retrievers that may be overly exuberant with everyone, the Curly is often more discerning and composed, possessing a 'wicking' coat that allows it to work in the harshest aquatic environments without becoming waterlogged. In a home environment, they are famously 'steady' dogs that are calm indoors once their significant exercise requirements are met. They are known for their 'soft mouth' when retrieving and their immense durability in the field. As a slow-maturing breed, they often retain a puppy-like playfulness for several years, requiring consistent, positive reinforcement training to channel their intelligence and prevent boredom-induced mischief.
Breed Standard
Key characteristics from the breed standard
In the show ring, the Curly-Coated Retriever presents a powerful, upstanding, and elegant silhouette with a distinctive wedge-shaped head. The hallmark of the breed is the coat—a dense, crisp mass of curls that must be free of bald patches and exhibit a tactile, resilient texture. Their movement is effortless and ground-covering, showing great drive and reach.
In Australia
The Curly-Coated Retriever was introduced to Australia in the late 19th century, according to the Curly Coated Retriever Club of Victoria, where they were highly valued as robust working gundogs for duck hunting in the Murray River regions, as noted by the Curly Coated Retriever Club of Victoria and Dogs West (Dogs WA).
Bred For
Multi-purpose hunting, retrieving waterfowl from icy waters, and upland game hunting through thick cover.
Temperament
Intelligent, independent, level-headed, and occasionally aloof with strangers, but deeply loyal and affectionate with their family.
Health Conditions Reported in the Breed
, , (), , , (), Follicular Dysplasia (pattern baldness), and Glycogen Storage Disease Type IIIa (GSD IIIa).
Grooming Needs
Low to moderate; the coat should not be brushed as it fizzes. Instead, it requires regular bathing and occasional 'tipping' or finger-grooming to maintain the curls.
Living Suitability
Best suited to homes with a large, secure yard or acreage.
Good with Kids
Excellent with children, often showing a protective and patient nature, though their size and energy may be overwhelming for toddlers.
Good with Other Pets
Generally good with other dogs; can live harmoniously with other pets if socialized early, though they may display a high prey drive toward birds.
Trainability
Highly intelligent but independent; they can become bored with repetitive tasks, so training sessions should be varied and engaging.
Coat & Colours
A thick mass of small, tight, crisp curls lying close to the skin, covering the body from the occiput to the tip of the tail.. Solid black or solid liver.
Exercise needs vary by age, fitness, health, weather and individual temperament. Consult your veterinarian for an exercise plan appropriate for your dog.
Things to Consider
Every breed has its quirks — here's what to know
Prospective owners should be aware that Curly-Coated Retrievers are prone to Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat) due to their deep chests; feeding smaller, fresh meals and avoiding exercise immediately after eating is a recommended precaution. They are also more likely to experience Follicular Dysplasia (pattern baldness), which can cause thinning of the coat, though this is primarily a cosmetic issue. Many Curlys have sensitive digestive systems and may develop gas or loose stools on high-carb commercial kibbles—they often thrive far better on a fresh, species-appropriate raw diet. While they are retrievers, they possess a streak of independence that can be mistaken for stubbornness; they require a partner in training rather than a master. Additionally, their floppy ears are predisposed to trapping moisture, necessitating regular checks to prevent yeast infections after swimming. These quirks are simply part of their unique charm, and for the active family, their devotion and versatility make them a rewarding companion.
Feeding Guide for Your Curly-Coated Retriever
Healthy Weight
27-41 kg
Daily Feeding Amount (general starting estimate)
700-1050 grams
Some owners use smaller divided meals and avoid strenuous activity immediately around feeding. These steps cannot guarantee prevention of gastric dilatation-volvulus. Seek urgent veterinary care if bloat is suspected.
Feeding quantities are general starting estimates only. Individual needs vary with body condition, weight trends, age, health and activity. Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition — consult a veterinarian for individualised dietary guidance.
Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition. Seek veterinary or qualified canine nutrition guidance for individualised dietary advice. Raw feeding, specific proteins or fresh foods should not be presented as preventing, treating or managing breed health conditions without veterinary diagnosis and supervision.
Majestik's Recommended Feeding Approach
Breed Diet Notes
Some owners use smaller divided meals and avoid strenuous activity immediately around feeding. These steps cannot guarantee prevention of gastric dilatation-volvulus. Seek urgent veterinary care if bloat is suspected.
A balanced raw diet for a Curly should focus on varied proteins like Majestik Beef and Lamb for muscle maintenance, and Kangaroo for lean energy and skin health. Include 10% raw meaty bones (such as lamb ribs or kangaroo tails) for dental health and 10% organ meat (liver and kidney) for essential vitamins. Given their susceptibility to Follicular Dysplasia, adding omega-3 fatty acids from fish or hemp oil is highly recommended to support their unique curly coat.
These are general breed-level notes only. The appropriate food and serving amount depend on the individual dog's age, health, body condition, activity and tolerance.
Majestik Recommendation
Majestik BARF meals follow our practical 70/10/10/10 approach: approximately 70% quality meat and protein ingredients, 10% edible bone, 10% vegetables and 10% offal. This gives customers a convenient fresh-food option without needing to source and portion every ingredient themselves.
Our Beef, Lamb and Roo BARF meals provide convenient fresh-food options, with suitable proteins chosen or rotated according to the individual dog.
Suitable for different needs
- Healthy adult: Majestik adult Beef, Lamb or Roo BARF meal.
- Puppy: Majestik Premium Puppy.
- Senior: Majestik Senior Blend.
- Working or highly active dog: Suitable Majestik adult meal with quantity adjusted to workload and body condition.
- Protein trial: One Majestik protein at a time.
This is a practical starting recommendation for healthy dogs. Individual needs vary with age, health, body condition and activity.
Curly-Coated Retriever Feeding Calculator
Personalised raw and cooked feeding recommendations based on your dog's profile
Ideal — Ribs palpable without excess fat. Visible waist. Abdominal tuck present.
Have a question about your Curly-Coated Retriever? Dog Health AI
Why Majestik?
Fresh, raw pet food made with integrity in South Australia
Australian Made
Made in Two Wells, South Australia
Freshly Prepared
Real meat, organs, bone & wholefood ingredients
No Fillers
No cheap fillers or artificial preservatives
Family Owned
Locally owned and operated
Local Delivery
Delivery across Adelaide & selected areas
Secure Checkout
Secure payment via Shopify checkout
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Breed Records & Facts
Average Litter Size
6-8 puppies
Curly-Coated Retriever Owner Feedback
Real experiences and tips from Curly-Coated Retriever owners
Other Large Breeds
References & Sources
Breed information verified against recognised breed authorities and veterinary evidence.