DESE's Curly Coated Retrievers &
Miniature Longhaired Dachshunds

We became actively involved in Curly Coated Retrievers and active members in good standing with the National Curly-Coated Retriever Club of America (CCRCA) in 1993 soon after meeting a Curly at a basic dog obedience class and falling instantly in love with the breed. After inquiring, we became the proud owners of a 3 1/2 year old male slightly used Curly in need of re-homing due to a family lifestyle change and the fun began! We were introduced to the Dog Show World and were bitten by the dog show bug. It did not take long for us to realize that one Curly was simply not enough for both of us and we then secured our first Curly puppy. As years have passed we have broadened our involvement with Curlies to also include the sport of field training, obedience competition and occasionally breeding.

Curlies are fairly high-energy dogs. You will often hear that they have long puppy periods, up to 3 years. Even after age 3, they still require plenty of room to run, daily exercise such as playing ball or catching a Frisbee. Our dogs love to go to the beach. We are fortunate enough to have several small uninhibited beach areas where we can take them and do water retrieves or simply romp and run along the shore line.

The Curly was developed in England and is believed to be the oldest of the retrieving breeds. A sound and well-balanced Curly can work long in the field retrieving both feather and fur. The Curly should be swift and agile, alert and self-confident, as well as elegant and graceful. Dense crisp curls offer protection from weather, water and brush. Coat care is very easy as compared to many other breeds with minor trimming of feathering from the tail and ears and then perhaps some light trimming for neatness on the underbelly and back of the legs.

The Curly offers versatility in many ways including being a wonderful family companion with good temperament. The AKC breed standard states the Curly to be wickedly smart which can often lead to mischievousness when left unattended and ignore for extensive periods of time. They are eager to please for the reward of even the smallest amount of praise.

Size of the Curly ranges between 25-27 inches at the shoulder for males and 23-25 inches for females with weight varying between 70-90 pounds for the male and 50-70 pounds for the female. They are slightly off-square appearing slightly longer than tall. Bone and substance is moderate and in proportion to weight and height offering good balance.

Liver and black are the two recognized colors of the Curly with a few white hairs acceptable. Again, the coat has dense, tight, small crisp curls lying close and covering the entire body sparing the face, forehead, front of forelegs and feet with minimal trimming required other that to neaten appearance and avoid dreadlocks.

If you are interested in a Curly the best things you can possibly do is RESEARCH. Research the breed, talking with many other Curlies owners to see if the Curly is the right breed for you. Talk with as many breeders as possible and ask questions. You also may want to consider a rescue or an adult Curly. The internet offers a vast amount of information on the Curly. Doing your homework now could save you a lot of misery later.