The
Curly-Coated Retriever (not always hyphenated, and often called the Curly for
short) is a breed of dog originally bred in England for upland bird and
waterfowl hunting. It is the tallest of the retrievers and is easily
distinguishable by the mass of tight curls covering its body. Curly Coated and
Wavy Coated (now known as the Flat-Coated Retriever) were the first two
recognised retriever breeds, established as early as 1860.
Description
Appearance
The
Curly is an active, well-muscled dog bred for upland bird and waterfowl
hunting. The Curly is somewhat different in structure than the more common
retrievers. A well-bred Curly will appear slightly leggy but is actually
slightly longer than tall. It is balanced and agile with a significant air of
endurance, strength, and grace. Curlies are soft-mouthed and regularly handle
game with care. Show standards call for dogs to be between 25 and 27 inches (64
and 69 cm) at the withers, and for females to be between 23 and 25 inches (58
and 64 cm), however a wide range of sizes occurs, particularly in those dogs
bred for the field, which generally run smaller. The country of origin calls
for a taller dog and bitch, with only 27 inches (69 cm) for males and 25 inches
(64 cm) for females listed. Taller is preferable to shorter. Weight should be
in proportion to the height of the dog.
The
breed sports a coat of tight, crisp curls. The tight curled coat of the Curly
repels water, burrs, and prevents damage that other sporting dogs with softer,
thinner coats cannot escape. The only acceptable colours for the Curly Coated
Retriever are solid black and solid liver. Occasional white hairs are
permissible, 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
unusual. The nose should be fully pigmented, and the same colour as the coat as
the dog.
Temperament
The
Curly Coated Retriever was originally developed as a gun dog and their
temperament and conformation reflect this purpose. Curlies are still used in
many countries as bird hunting companions, including in both upland and
waterfowl hunting. Like most retrievers, they are valued as pets and are a
lively and fun-loving breed. As long as the Curly has enough exercise, it 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.
The
Curly can be sometimes aloof with strangers but are usually very loyal and
affectionate with their owners and family. Curlies are extremely intelligent in
general, but training can sometimes be difficult as they can easily get bored
with repetitive training. They rank 41st in Stanley Coren's The Intelligence of
Dogs, being of average working/obedience intelligence.[citation needed]
Care and maintenance
Coat
Curlies
are a single coated breed with no undercoat, and the small tight curls of a
show-standard dog are very easy to maintain. A Curly kept as a companion and/or
hunting animal need not be elaborately groomed but needs to be kept clean and
free of mats for the health of the dog. All Curlies shed though not to the
degree that dogs with undercoats do. Bitches usually shed more heavily during
their heat cycles (usually twice a year). Dogs and bitches may also shed more
in the spring, especially those living in areas with extreme seasonal
temperature changes. Bathing should be as needed using a dog shampoo.
Show
ring exhibitors normally trim feathering from the tail, ears, belly, legs, and
feet. Trimming is not required when exhibiting a Curly at a conformation dog
show, but most judges may discount the dog if it is not trimmed. Shaving of the
body coat is undesirable.Colors only come in solid liver & black.
Exercise
The
Curly-Coated Retriever likes exercise; it was bred for athleticism and
endurance in the field. A Curly is an intelligent dog and is happiest when it
has adequate exercise, mental stimulation and play. Curlies are great dogs for
active sports such as hunt tests, flyball and dog agility trials as they love
the outdoors, working with people, and activities of any kind. While active and
exuberant outside, at play, or in the field, the adult Curly is generally a
calm house dog. According to the International Encyclopedia of Dogs (1984),
"this dog's delight is swimming", which has made it a valuable
retriever especially where streams and rivers have to be crossed.
Health
Life expectancy
Average
life expectancy is 9–14 years, although there are instances of Curlies living
to 15 to 17 years of age.
Known medical issues
·
Cancer
·
Cardiac problems
·
Epilepsy
·
Exercise-induced collapse (EIC)
·
Eye problems such as cataracts, corneal
dystrophy, distichiasis, entropion, ectropion, or retinal dysplasia
·
Gastric dilatation volvulus (bloat)
·
Glycogen storage disease (GSD)
·
Hip dysplasia
No comments:
Post a Comment