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AKC: Curly-Coated Retriever Breed Standard
General Appearance
This smartly upstanding, multi-purpose hunting retriever is recognized by most
canine historians as one of the oldest of the retrieving breeds. Developed in
England, the Curly was long a favorite of English gamekeepers. Prized for
innate field ability, courage and indomitable perseverance, a correctly built and
tempered Curly will work as long as there is work to be done, retrieving both
fur and feather in the heaviest of cover and the iciest of waters. To work all day
a Curly must be balanced and sound, strong and robust, and quick and agile.
Outline, carriage and attitude all combine for a grace and elegance somewhat
uncommon among the other retriever breeds, providing the unique,
upstanding quality desired in the breed. In outline, the Curly is moderately
angulated front and rear and, when comparing height to length, gives the
impression of being higher on leg than the other retriever breeds. In carriage,
the Curly is an erect, alert, self-confident dog. In motion, all parts blend into a
smooth, powerful, harmonious symmetry. The coat, a hallmark of the breed, is of
great importance for all curlies, whether companion, hunting or show dogs. The
perfect coat is a dense mass of small, tight, distinct, crisp curls. The Curly is
wickedly smart and highly trainable and, as such, is cherished as much for his
role as loyal companion at home as he is in the field.
Size, Proportion, Substance
Ideal height at withers: dogs, 25 to 27 inches; bitches, 23 to 25 inches. A clearly
superior Curly falling outside of this range should not be penalized because of
size. The body proportions are slightly off square, meaning that the dog is
slightly longer from prosternum to buttocks as he is from withers to ground.
The Curly is both sturdy and elegant. The degree of substance is sufficient to
ensure strength and endurance without sacrificing grace. Bone and substance
are neither spindly nor massive and should be in proportion with weight and
height and balanced throughout.
Head
The head is a longer-than-wide wedge, readily distinguishable from that of all
other retriever breeds, and of a size in balance with the body. Length of
foreface is equal, or nearly equal, to length of backskull and, when viewed in
profile, the planes are parallel. The stop is shallow and sloping. At the point of
joining, the width of foreface may be slightly less than the width of the
backskull but blending of the two should be smooth. The head has a nearly
straight, continuous taper to the nose and is clean cut, not coarse, blocky or
cheeky. Expression--Intelligent and alert. Eyes--Almond-shaped, rather large
but not too prominent. Black or brown in black dogs and brown or amber in
liver dogs. Harsh yellow eyes and loose haws are undesirable. Ears-- Rather
small, set on a line slightly above the corner of the eye, and lying close to the
head. Backskull--Flat or nearly flat. Foreface--Muzzle is wedge-shaped with no
hint of snipiness. The taper ends mildly, neither acutely pointed nor bluntly
squared-off but rather slightly rounding at the bottom. Mouth is level and never
wry. Jaws are long and strong. A scissors bite is preferred. Teeth set straight
and even. The lips are tight and clean, not pendulous. The nose is fully
pigmented; black on black dogs, brown on liver dogs. Nostrils are large.
Neck, Topline, Body
Neck--Strong and slightly arched, of medium length, free from throatiness and
flowing freely into moderately laid-back shoulders. Backline--The back, that
portion of the body from the rear point of the withers to the beginning of the
loin, is strong and level. The loin, that part of the body extending from the end
of the rib cage to the start of the pelvis, is short and muscular. The croup, that
portion of the body from the start of the pelvis to the tail set-on, is only slightly
sloping. Body-- Chest is decidedly deep and not too wide, oval in cross-section,
with brisket reaching elbow. While the impression of the chest should be of
depth not width, the chest is not pinched or narrow. The ribs are well-sprung,
neither barrel-shaped nor slab-sided, and extend well back into a deep,
powerful loin with a moderate tuck-up of flank. Tail--Carried straight or fairly
straight, never docked, and reaching approximately to the hock. Never curled
over the back and should not be kinked or crooked. Covered with curls and, if
trimmed, tapering toward the point.
Forequarters
Shoulder blades are very long, well covered with muscle, and are moderately
laid back at about a 55 degree angle. The width between shoulder blades is
adequate to allow enough flexibility to easily retrieve game. Upper arm bones
are about equal in length with shoulder blades and laid back at approximately
the same angle as the blades, meaning the forelegs are set under the withers.
The equal length of shoulder blade and upper arm bone and the balanced
angulation between the two allows for good extension of the front legs. The
forelegs are straight with strong, true pasterns. Feet are round and compact,
with well-arched toes and thick pads. Front dewclaws are generally removed.
Hindquarters
Strong and in balance with front angulation. Thighs are powerful with muscling
carrying well down into the second thigh. Stifle is of moderate bend. The hocks
are strong and true, turning neither in nor out, with hock joint well let down.
Rear dewclaws are generally removed.
Coat
The coat is a distinguishing characteristic and quite different from that of any
other breed. The body coat is a thick mass of small, tight, crisp curls, lying close
to the skin, resilient, water resistant, and of sufficient density to provide
protection against weather, water and punishing cover. Curls also extend up
the entire neck to the occiput, down the thigh and back leg to at least the hock,
and over the entire tail. Elsewhere, the coat is short, smooth and straight,
including on the forehead, face, front of forelegs, and feet. A patch of uncurled
hair behind the withers or bald patches anywhere on the body, including bald
strips down the back of the legs or a triangular bald patch on the throat, should
be severely penalized. A looser, more open curl is acceptable on the ears.
Sparse, silky, fuzzy or very harsh, dry or brittle hair is a fault.
Trimming--Feathering may be trimmed from the ears, belly, backs of forelegs,
thighs, pasterns, hocks, and feet. On the tail, feathering should be removed.
Short trimming of the coat on the ear is permitted but shearing of the body coat
is undesirable.
Color
Black or liver. Either color is correct. A prominent white patch is undesirable
but a few white hairs are allowable in an otherwise good dog.
Gait
The dual function of the Curly as both waterfowl retriever and upland game
hunter demands a dog who moves with strength and power yet is quick and
agile. The ground-covering stride is a well-coordinated melding of grace and
power, neither mincing nor lumbering. The seemingly effortless trot is efficient
and balanced front to rear. When viewed from the side, the reach in front and
rear is free-flowing, not stilted or hackneyed. When viewed from the front or
rear, movement is true: the front legs turn neither in nor out and the rear legs
do not cross. Well-developed, muscular thighs and strong hocks do their full
share of work, contributing to rear thrust and drive. The extension in front is
strong and smooth and in balance with rear action. Balance in structure
translates to balance in movement and is of great importance to ensure
soundness and endurance; extremes of angulation and gait are not desirable.
Temperament
Self-confident, steadfast and proud, this active, intelligent dog is a charming
and gentle family companion and a determined, durable hunter. The Curly is
alert, biddable and responsive to family and friends, whether at home or in the
field. Of independent nature and discerning intelligence, a Curly sometimes
appears aloof or self-willed, and, as such, is often less demonstrative,
particularly toward strangers, than the other retriever breeds. The Curly's
independence and poise should not be confused with shyness or a lack of
willingness to please. In the show ring, a correctly-tempered Curly will steadily
stand his ground, submit easily to examination, and might or might not wag his
tail when doing so. In the field, the Curly is eager, persistent and inherently
courageous. At home, he is calm and affectionate. Shyness is a fault and any
dog who shies away from show ring examination should be penalized. Minor
allowances can be made for puppies who misbehave in the show ring due to
overexuberance or lack of training or experience.
Approved October 12, 1993
Effective November 30, 1993L
General Appearance
This smartly upstanding, multi-purpose hunting retriever is recognized by most
canine historians as one of the oldest of the retrieving breeds. Developed in
England, the Curly was long a favorite of English gamekeepers. Prized for
innate field ability, courage and indomitable perseverance, a correctly built and
tempered Curly will work as long as there is work to be done, retrieving both
fur and feather in the heaviest of cover and the iciest of waters. To work all day
a Curly must be balanced and sound, strong and robust, and quick and agile.
Outline, carriage and attitude all combine for a grace and elegance somewhat
uncommon among the other retriever breeds, providing the unique,
upstanding quality desired in the breed. In outline, the Curly is moderately
angulated front and rear and, when comparing height to length, gives the
impression of being higher on leg than the other retriever breeds. In carriage,
the Curly is an erect, alert, self-confident dog. In motion, all parts blend into a
smooth, powerful, harmonious symmetry. The coat, a hallmark of the breed, is of
great importance for all curlies, whether companion, hunting or show dogs. The
perfect coat is a dense mass of small, tight, distinct, crisp curls. The Curly is
wickedly smart and highly trainable and, as such, is cherished as much for his
role as loyal companion at home as he is in the field.
Size, Proportion, Substance
Ideal height at withers: dogs, 25 to 27 inches; bitches, 23 to 25 inches. A clearly
superior Curly falling outside of this range should not be penalized because of
size. The body proportions are slightly off square, meaning that the dog is
slightly longer from prosternum to buttocks as he is from withers to ground.
The Curly is both sturdy and elegant. The degree of substance is sufficient to
ensure strength and endurance without sacrificing grace. Bone and substance
are neither spindly nor massive and should be in proportion with weight and
height and balanced throughout.
Head
The head is a longer-than-wide wedge, readily distinguishable from that of all
other retriever breeds, and of a size in balance with the body. Length of
foreface is equal, or nearly equal, to length of backskull and, when viewed in
profile, the planes are parallel. The stop is shallow and sloping. At the point of
joining, the width of foreface may be slightly less than the width of the
backskull but blending of the two should be smooth. The head has a nearly
straight, continuous taper to the nose and is clean cut, not coarse, blocky or
cheeky. Expression--Intelligent and alert. Eyes--Almond-shaped, rather large
but not too prominent. Black or brown in black dogs and brown or amber in
liver dogs. Harsh yellow eyes and loose haws are undesirable. Ears-- Rather
small, set on a line slightly above the corner of the eye, and lying close to the
head. Backskull--Flat or nearly flat. Foreface--Muzzle is wedge-shaped with no
hint of snipiness. The taper ends mildly, neither acutely pointed nor bluntly
squared-off but rather slightly rounding at the bottom. Mouth is level and never
wry. Jaws are long and strong. A scissors bite is preferred. Teeth set straight
and even. The lips are tight and clean, not pendulous. The nose is fully
pigmented; black on black dogs, brown on liver dogs. Nostrils are large.
Neck, Topline, Body
Neck--Strong and slightly arched, of medium length, free from throatiness and
flowing freely into moderately laid-back shoulders. Backline--The back, that
portion of the body from the rear point of the withers to the beginning of the
loin, is strong and level. The loin, that part of the body extending from the end
of the rib cage to the start of the pelvis, is short and muscular. The croup, that
portion of the body from the start of the pelvis to the tail set-on, is only slightly
sloping. Body-- Chest is decidedly deep and not too wide, oval in cross-section,
with brisket reaching elbow. While the impression of the chest should be of
depth not width, the chest is not pinched or narrow. The ribs are well-sprung,
neither barrel-shaped nor slab-sided, and extend well back into a deep,
powerful loin with a moderate tuck-up of flank. Tail--Carried straight or fairly
straight, never docked, and reaching approximately to the hock. Never curled
over the back and should not be kinked or crooked. Covered with curls and, if
trimmed, tapering toward the point.
Forequarters
Shoulder blades are very long, well covered with muscle, and are moderately
laid back at about a 55 degree angle. The width between shoulder blades is
adequate to allow enough flexibility to easily retrieve game. Upper arm bones
are about equal in length with shoulder blades and laid back at approximately
the same angle as the blades, meaning the forelegs are set under the withers.
The equal length of shoulder blade and upper arm bone and the balanced
angulation between the two allows for good extension of the front legs. The
forelegs are straight with strong, true pasterns. Feet are round and compact,
with well-arched toes and thick pads. Front dewclaws are generally removed.
Hindquarters
Strong and in balance with front angulation. Thighs are powerful with muscling
carrying well down into the second thigh. Stifle is of moderate bend. The hocks
are strong and true, turning neither in nor out, with hock joint well let down.
Rear dewclaws are generally removed.
Coat
The coat is a distinguishing characteristic and quite different from that of any
other breed. The body coat is a thick mass of small, tight, crisp curls, lying close
to the skin, resilient, water resistant, and of sufficient density to provide
protection against weather, water and punishing cover. Curls also extend up
the entire neck to the occiput, down the thigh and back leg to at least the hock,
and over the entire tail. Elsewhere, the coat is short, smooth and straight,
including on the forehead, face, front of forelegs, and feet. A patch of uncurled
hair behind the withers or bald patches anywhere on the body, including bald
strips down the back of the legs or a triangular bald patch on the throat, should
be severely penalized. A looser, more open curl is acceptable on the ears.
Sparse, silky, fuzzy or very harsh, dry or brittle hair is a fault.
Trimming--Feathering may be trimmed from the ears, belly, backs of forelegs,
thighs, pasterns, hocks, and feet. On the tail, feathering should be removed.
Short trimming of the coat on the ear is permitted but shearing of the body coat
is undesirable.
Color
Black or liver. Either color is correct. A prominent white patch is undesirable
but a few white hairs are allowable in an otherwise good dog.
Gait
The dual function of the Curly as both waterfowl retriever and upland game
hunter demands a dog who moves with strength and power yet is quick and
agile. The ground-covering stride is a well-coordinated melding of grace and
power, neither mincing nor lumbering. The seemingly effortless trot is efficient
and balanced front to rear. When viewed from the side, the reach in front and
rear is free-flowing, not stilted or hackneyed. When viewed from the front or
rear, movement is true: the front legs turn neither in nor out and the rear legs
do not cross. Well-developed, muscular thighs and strong hocks do their full
share of work, contributing to rear thrust and drive. The extension in front is
strong and smooth and in balance with rear action. Balance in structure
translates to balance in movement and is of great importance to ensure
soundness and endurance; extremes of angulation and gait are not desirable.
Temperament
Self-confident, steadfast and proud, this active, intelligent dog is a charming
and gentle family companion and a determined, durable hunter. The Curly is
alert, biddable and responsive to family and friends, whether at home or in the
field. Of independent nature and discerning intelligence, a Curly sometimes
appears aloof or self-willed, and, as such, is often less demonstrative,
particularly toward strangers, than the other retriever breeds. The Curly's
independence and poise should not be confused with shyness or a lack of
willingness to please. In the show ring, a correctly-tempered Curly will steadily
stand his ground, submit easily to examination, and might or might not wag his
tail when doing so. In the field, the Curly is eager, persistent and inherently
courageous. At home, he is calm and affectionate. Shyness is a fault and any
dog who shies away from show ring examination should be penalized. Minor
allowances can be made for puppies who misbehave in the show ring due to
overexuberance or lack of training or experience.
Approved October 12, 1993
Effective November 30, 1993L
DID YOU KNOW?
The Curly Coated Retriever is considered to be the oldest of all of the retriever
breeds.
Highly intelligent and very independent, the Curly Coated Retriever is an active
and inquisitive dog that demands much of the owner and trainer.
Curlies are considered a slow-maturing breed. They are puppy-like until at least
two years old, reaching physical and emotional maturity at about three and a half
years of age.
Master of Escape
Curlies are known to be masterful escape artists and, if left unsupervised, will
work out how to escape from most fenced enclosures.
The Curly Coated Retriever is considered to be the oldest of all of the retriever
breeds.
Highly intelligent and very independent, the Curly Coated Retriever is an active
and inquisitive dog that demands much of the owner and trainer.
Curlies are considered a slow-maturing breed. They are puppy-like until at least
two years old, reaching physical and emotional maturity at about three and a half
years of age.
Master of Escape
Curlies are known to be masterful escape artists and, if left unsupervised, will
work out how to escape from most fenced enclosures.
We hope you enjoy the following canine links:
BMD Health Info
Europa Genetic Reading
Eliminating Genetic Disease
Genetics and Breeding
Preserving Quality and Genetic Diversity in a Breed
The Genetic Gamble
BMD Health Info
Europa Genetic Reading
Eliminating Genetic Disease
Genetics and Breeding
Preserving Quality and Genetic Diversity in a Breed
The Genetic Gamble