Retriever (Curly Coated)
Group: Gundog
Size: Large
Coat length: Medium
Grooming required: More than once a week
Coat sheds: No
Home size: Large House
Garden size: Large
Lifespan: Over 10 Years
Exercise: More than an hour per day
The coat on this large, hardy dog comes in liver or black. It is water-resistant and helps to protect against brambles. Black coated dogs have black or brown eyes but the liver coated can have amber eyes.
They originate from eighteenth century England where they were bred for hunting, particularly for hunting duck and quail. They have great stamina and excellent scenting skills. They are trainable loyal and eager to please but can be a little wilful and do not fully mature until they are about three years old so are not a dog for everyone. They are generally good natured with children and animals and will be fine with strangers too if socialised from an early age. They are friendly but a natural guard dog too. They are a high energy very intelligent dog that needs plenty of opportunity to exercise their body and brain. They love swimming and can be good at agility and obedience.
The coat should not be brushed except for when it is shedding although it may need occasional clipping. They are prone to eye problems, epilepsy and hip dysplasia.