Breed History / Description
It has been claimed that the Curly Coated Retriever is the oldest of the Retriever breeds. He is also the tallest. The hallmark of the breed, a coat of small tight curls, nods acknowledgement to his ancestor, the English Water Spaniel, now extinct, which was added to a base of Retriever blood probably the Labrador. Poodle blood was also added to the mix to give the tightness of curl. The coat gives the dog a waterproof quality when retrieving ducks from water, the function for which he was originally bred. The first breed club was established in 1933.
Characteristics
Intelligent, steady, reliable.
Temperament
Bold, friendly self confident and independent. May seem aloof.
Club, K., 2018. The Kennel Club's Breed Standards. 5th ed. London SW1V 2SA: Ebury Press.