Curly Coated Retriever
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For more information about the Curly Coated Retriever Click hereThe Curly Coated Retriever is one of the oldest and well-known retrievers in the entire world. It has also built itself a name as one of the best bird dogs, gundogs and swimmers. Such are the elements that make it one of the most versatile dog breeds that you can own as a pet lover. Not forgetting that the Curly-Coated Retriever is a very poised, proud, but very smart and dedicated dog. These are just some of the characteristics that you will pick from laying your eyes on this dog. Read on to get more details about this dog breed.
The History of Curly Coated Retrievers
Not much is known about the origin of this dog breed. Most people, however, suspect that he is a descendant of the English Water Spaniels, which are already extinct, and retrieving and retriever-type dogs such as Poodles. The first appearance of a Curly Coated Retriever in a show ring happened in England, back in 1860. It is believed that this dog was the first one that was used for very serious retrieving.
This dog breed therefore became a prized possession amongst gamekeepers, who were particularly interested in its unique capabilities and skills, including:
- Its hunting ability
- Courage
- Perseverance.
The popularity of this dog as a favorite amongst gamekeepers however waned as the Labrador rose to fame. In fact, there were only five registered Curly-Coated after World War I. It attempted to become popular after this 1919 war, but these attempts were thwarted with the occurrence of World War II.
The first Curly Coated Retrievers made it to the USA in 1907. The American Kennel Club registered the first Curly, known as Knysna Conjurer, in 1924. There was a resurgence of this breed in the USA in the late 1960s. During this time, a large number of Curly Coated Retrievers made their way from New Zealand, Australia as well as England. It was not until 1979, when the Curly Coated Retriever was formed.
The Appearance of Curly Coated Retrievers
The Curly Coated Retriever is also popularly known as the Curly or CCR. The nickname "Curly" is sufficient to indicate what you should expect from this dog breed. The Curly is quite active and has some impressive muscles, which is something that makes it suitable for waterfowl as well as upland bird hunting. Its body structure is somewhat different from the common retrievers. The Curly is for instance slightly longer than it is tall, in comparison to most retrievers. The CCR is well balanced and agile. You will also distinguish it from most dog breeds due to its strength, endurance and grace. It is also soft-mouthed, and will handle tend to handle its catch very gently and with a lot of care.
The average height of an adult CCR is 1 Foot, 11 inches to about 2 feet and 3 inches tall ( the height at the shoulders). Show rings have a preference for taller to shorter Curly Coated Retrievers. Most CCRs weigh 65 to 100 pounds, and their weight is expected to be proportional to their height.
The Coat appearance of a Curly Coated Retriever
The Curly has a coat of tight ad crisp curls. This tight curled coat is suitable for water repulsion, burrs, and it helps with the prevention of damage that most sporting dogs that have a softer and thinner coat cannot escape. A Curly's coat is only expected to be either solid black or solid liver. You may run into a CCR that has some white hairs. Large white patches on the coat of a Curly are however considered to be a serious fault.
The eyes of most Curly Coated Retrievers are black or brown (for the black CCRs), or brown or amber (for the liver CCRs). Yellow eyes are considered an anomaly. The nose is usually fully pigmented, and it takes the colour of the Curly's coat.
Temperament
Curlies bear a unique retriever drive and are full of determination. They will work until the task is complete. Whether in the field or simply at home, they are always alert and self-confident. They are also even-tempered, but are more reserved when interacting with strangers than most retriever breeds. Early Socialization is considered a suitable approach to the prevention of timidity.
Curly Coated Retrievers are also independent and poised. This should, however, not be confused with shyness. Curlies actually tend to think on their own, and will require that you be very confident to run the show. On the overall though, they will respond fairly well to training, but you should keep the sessions interesting by switching up the exercises. If an exercise becomes too repetitive, Curly Coated Retrievers are likely to ignore their trainer.
Interaction with Children and Other Pets
Curlies are a very good companion for older children, more so those who can stand up to their height as well as energy levels. They may come off as overwhelming to younger children since they can easily knock them down when playing. It is therefore crucial to have someone supervise the child-pet playtime at all times.
Curly Coated Retrievers generally interact well with other dog breeds and pets but will require sufficient training prior to the interaction, to make their coexistence even better.
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