Curly-Coated Retriever: The Energetic and Loyal Companion

The Curly-Coated Retriever is a large and athletic sporting breed known for its distinctive tight curls, intelligence, and strong retrieving instincts. Originally developed in England as a versatile hunting dog, the Curly-Coated Retriever was bred to retrieve game from both land and water while handling difficult terrain and harsh weather conditions with endurance and confidence. These energetic and highly capable dogs thrive with active owners who can provide regular exercise, mental stimulation, and structured training, as they are intelligent thinkers that enjoy having a purpose and close involvement with their family. While affectionate and loyal with their people, Curly-Coated Retrievers are often more independent and reserved with strangers than some other retriever breeds, making early socialization especially beneficial. With their athletic build, water-resistant curly coat, and hardworking temperament, the Curly-Coated Retriever is best suited for active households seeking a versatile and devoted sporting companion.

⭐ 3 Things You May Not Know About the Curly-Coated Retriever

The Curly-Coated Retriever is one of the oldest retriever breeds in the world.
The breed’s tight curly coat was developed to protect it from cold water, rough brush, and harsh weather while retrieving game.
Curly-Coated Retrievers are known for being more independent and reserved than many other retriever breeds.

Overview

Height: 22-27 inches (male), 20-25 inches (female)
Weight: 60-80 pounds
Coat: Curly, water-resistant
Colors: Black, liver (brown)
Lifespan: 12-14 years
Temperament: Friendly, energetic, intelligent, loyal
Exercise: High energy, requiring regular exercise
Group: Sporting Group

🐾 Quick Facts About the Curly-Coated Retriever

Energy Level: Very High — Curly-Coated Retrievers are athletic sporting dogs that need extensive exercise and mental stimulation.
Grooming Needs: Low to Moderate — Their curly coat requires minimal brushing but occasional maintenance to keep curls healthy.
Good With Kids: Yes — Curly-Coated Retrievers are generally affectionate, loyal, and playful with families and children.
Trainability: High — Intelligent and eager to work, they excel in retrieving, obedience, and sporting activities.
Barking Level: Low to Moderate — Curly-Coated Retrievers are generally quiet but may alert their family when necessary.

History & Origin

The Curly-Coated Retriever is one of the oldest retriever breeds in the world and originated in England during the 18th and 19th centuries as a versatile sporting dog used for retrieving game on both land and water. English hunters needed a strong, intelligent, and weather-resistant retriever capable of handling rough terrain, cold water, and demanding hunting conditions. Through selective breeding, they developed a powerful retriever with endurance, athleticism, and exceptional retrieving ability.

The breed is believed to descend from several early hunting dogs, including the now-extinct English Water Spaniel, retrieving setters, and possibly the St. John’s water dog from Newfoundland. Later crosses with Poodles may also have contributed to the breed’s distinctive tightly curled coat and intelligence. The Curly-Coated Retriever’s dense curls provided excellent protection against icy water, wet brush, and harsh weather while working outdoors for extended periods.

Unlike some retriever breeds developed primarily for close companionship and field trial work, the Curly-Coated Retriever retained a somewhat more independent and self-reliant nature. Hunters appreciated the breed’s problem-solving ability, stamina, and versatility while retrieving waterfowl and upland game in challenging conditions. Its strong swimming ability and resilience made it especially valuable during long hunting expeditions.

The breed eventually gained popularity beyond England and was used extensively in hunting throughout Europe, Australia, and North America. Although less common today than some other retriever breeds, the Curly-Coated Retriever remains admired for its intelligence, athletic ability, and distinctive appearance.

Modern Curly-Coated Retrievers still retain many characteristics shaped by centuries of sporting work. Their endurance, confidence, retrieving instincts, and independent thinking reflect generations of selective breeding for versatility and resilience in difficult hunting environments. Beneath the breed’s elegant appearance and unique curly coat remains a hardworking and highly capable sporting dog deeply connected to the early history of retriever development.

Breed Traits & Personality

The Curly-Coated Retriever is a strong, athletic sporting breed recognized for its distinctive tight curls, elegant structure, and powerful working ability. As one of the oldest retriever breeds, the Curly-Coated Retriever was developed for retrieving game from both land and water, combining endurance, intelligence, and versatility with a confident and independent nature.

The breed possesses a balanced, muscular frame with deep chest, strong shoulders, well-developed hindquarters, and athletic movement designed for stamina and efficiency. The body is slightly longer than tall, allowing the breed to move smoothly across rough terrain and through water with ease.

One of the breed’s most defining features is its dense coat of tight crisp curls that cover most of the body. These curls provide important protection against cold water, harsh weather, thorny vegetation, and rugged hunting environments. The face, lower legs, and parts of the head are typically covered in shorter smooth hair that contrasts with the tightly curled body coat.

The Curly-Coated Retriever’s head is long and refined with a moderately tapered muzzle and intelligent expression. Almond-shaped eyes are usually dark brown or black and convey alertness, confidence, and keen awareness.

The ears are relatively small, set close to the head, and covered with tight curls that blend naturally into the coat. The breed’s tail is moderately long, strong, and carried straight or slightly elevated when moving.

Coat coloration is most commonly solid black or liver. The tightly curled coat not only contributes to the breed’s unique appearance but also reflects its historical purpose as a hardworking water retriever.

Movement should appear smooth, powerful, and efficient, reflecting both athleticism and endurance. The Curly-Coated Retriever was developed to work long hours in difficult hunting conditions and should always appear physically capable and functional.

Although elegant and somewhat refined in outline, the breed remains a powerful sporting dog with substantial stamina and physical resilience.

Overall, the Curly-Coated Retriever projects athleticism, intelligence, confidence, and rugged sporting-dog capability through its distinctive curly coat and balanced working structure.

For a broader comparison of how this breed’s size compares to others, see our Dog Size & Weight Guide.

Temperament & Personality

The Curly-Coated Retriever is known for being intelligent, confident, loyal, and somewhat more independent than many other retriever breeds. While affectionate with family, the breed often displays a calmer and more reserved personality around strangers.

With trusted family members, Curly-Coated Retrievers are typically loyal, playful, and emotionally connected. Many individuals form strong bonds with their owners and enjoy participating closely in household activities and outdoor adventures.

Unlike some retriever breeds that are highly outgoing with everyone they meet, the Curly-Coated Retriever is often naturally discerning and somewhat reserved around unfamiliar people. Early socialization is important to encourage confidence and stable social behavior.

The breed is intelligent and highly observant, often displaying strong problem-solving ability and environmental awareness. Their independent thinking can sometimes make them appear more self-directed than highly obedience-focused retrievers.

Because of their working heritage, Curly-Coated Retrievers generally possess strong retrieving instincts, enthusiasm for activity, and considerable mental drive. Without enough exercise and engagement, some individuals may become bored or restless.

The breed is usually good with children and often coexists well with other dogs when properly socialized. Their playful and athletic nature makes them enjoyable companions for active households.

Curly-Coated Retrievers are emotionally sensitive enough to respond poorly to harsh correction or repetitive forceful training. Calm leadership, positive interaction, and consistency generally produce the best behavioral balance.

Many individuals retain playful puppy-like behavior and enthusiasm well into adulthood, especially when regularly engaged in physical activity and training.

The breed often excels in environments where it receives both companionship and purposeful activity. Long periods of isolation without stimulation may contribute to frustration or unwanted behaviors.

In the right home, the Curly-Coated Retriever becomes a loyal, intelligent, athletic companion with a confident personality and strong working-dog instincts.

For a broader overview of personality differences between breed groups, visit our Dog Breed Temperament Guide.

Exercise & Training Needs

The Curly-Coated Retriever is an active and energetic sporting breed that requires substantial exercise and mental stimulation to remain healthy and behaviorally balanced. Developed for long hours of retrieving in difficult terrain and water conditions, the breed possesses impressive stamina and endurance.

Daily walks alone are generally not enough for this breed. Curly-Coated Retrievers thrive with activities such as swimming, retrieving games, hiking, jogging, scent work, field training, and advanced obedience exercises.

Because of their intelligence and strong working instincts, mental stimulation is especially important. Puzzle toys, structured training sessions, retrieving drills, and varied routines help maintain emotional fulfillment and prevent boredom.

Training is usually rewarding because the breed is highly capable and intelligent, although its independent personality may occasionally create training challenges. Positive reinforcement methods using praise, rewards, and calm consistency typically produce the best long-term results.

Harsh correction or repetitive drilling may reduce motivation or create resistance. Curly-Coated Retrievers generally respond best to patient leadership and engaging training sessions that maintain their interest.

Early socialization is important to encourage confidence and adaptability around unfamiliar people, animals, and environments. Positive exposure during puppyhood helps develop stable adult temperament and social behavior.

Because the breed matures somewhat slowly both mentally and physically, consistent structure and ongoing training are important during adolescence and young adulthood.

The Curly-Coated Retriever often excels in canine sports and working activities including dock diving, field trials, agility, obedience, tracking, and hunting work.

Although active outdoors, many individuals settle calmly inside the home once exercise and mental stimulation needs have been properly met.

For owners seeking an intelligent, athletic, trainable sporting breed with strong endurance and retrieving instincts, the Curly-Coated Retriever can become an exceptionally rewarding companion.

Learn more on our Dog Training Page.

Grooming Requirements

The Curly-Coated Retriever has relatively moderate grooming requirements compared to many long-coated sporting breeds, although the unique curly coat still requires regular maintenance to remain healthy and functional.

The dense tight curls should be brushed minimally compared to other coat types because excessive brushing may disrupt the natural curl pattern and create unwanted frizz. Instead, many owners use occasional combing or gentle hand maintenance to remove loose hair and debris.

The breed sheds moderately throughout the year, with somewhat heavier seasonal shedding periods during coat transitions.

Bathing is generally needed only occasionally because the coat naturally repels dirt and water to some extent. Overbathing may strip beneficial oils and negatively affect coat texture and curl quality.

After swimming or outdoor activity, the coat should be rinsed and inspected for debris, burrs, or trapped moisture. Proper drying helps prevent skin irritation beneath the dense curls.

Routine grooming should also include nail trimming, dental care, ear cleaning, and inspection of the skin for irritation or hot spots.

Because the breed enjoys water activity, ear care is especially important to help prevent moisture buildup and ear infections.

The short smooth facial coat and relatively practical body coat make the Curly-Coated Retriever somewhat easier to maintain than heavily feathered retriever breeds.

Owners should avoid shaving the coat unless medically necessary, since the curly coat helps protect the skin from environmental conditions and temperature extremes.

With proper grooming, regular exercise, and preventive care, the Curly-Coated Retriever maintains its healthy coat, athletic appearance, and rugged sporting-dog vitality throughout its life.

Learn more on our Dog Grooming Page.

Health Overview & Testing

The Curly-Coated Retriever is an intelligent, athletic, and highly versatile sporting breed known for its distinctive tight curls, endurance, and strong retrieving instincts. Originally developed in England as one of the oldest retriever breeds for upland game and waterfowl work, the Curly-Coated Retriever is generally considered a hardy and capable working dog, but like many large sporting breeds, it can still be prone to several inherited and structural health concerns. Understanding common Curly-Coated Retriever health problems and recommended breeder health testing can help puppy buyers make more informed decisions when selecting a healthy puppy. Because this breed combines athletic movement, endurance, deep-chested structure, and a powerful working build, maintaining healthy joints, cardiovascular fitness, mobility, eye condition, and overall body condition is especially important throughout the dog’s life.

Health issues sometimes seen in Curly-Coated Retrievers may include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), epilepsy, gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat), exercise-related injuries, and age-related arthritis. Some individuals may also develop cancer, skin sensitivity, ear infections, or cruciate ligament injuries later in life due to years of athletic activity and outdoor work. Because the Curly-Coated Retriever is a deep-chested sporting breed, it may also be vulnerable to gastric torsion, a potentially life-threatening emergency requiring immediate veterinary treatment. While not every Curly-Coated Retriever will develop these conditions, understanding the breed’s health tendencies allows owners to make better long-term decisions regarding breeding, exercise, nutrition, conditioning, and preventive veterinary care.

Health Testing & Responsible Breeding

Responsible Curly-Coated Retriever breeders should perform appropriate health screenings before breeding in order to reduce the likelihood of inherited conditions being passed to future generations. Many puppy buyers are encouraged to ask about health testing, but they are often unsure which evaluations are most important for this breed. In the Curly-Coated Retriever, careful attention to orthopedic, eye, neurological, and overall structural health is especially valuable.

Buyers should ask whether the sire and dam have completed OFA or PennHIP hip evaluations, elbow evaluations, and ophthalmologist-performed eye examinations. Responsible breeders may also discuss epilepsy history, cancer longevity, orthopedic soundness, working ability, temperament stability, and overall lifespan within their bloodlines. Some breeders may additionally utilize genetic testing for inherited eye disorders or other hereditary concerns when appropriate depending on pedigree history.

At this time, Curly-Coated Retriever breeder health testing relies primarily on veterinary evaluations, orthopedic screening, eye certification, and long-term pedigree knowledge rather than a large number of breed-specific DNA panels. However, responsible breeders should still be willing to openly discuss inherited health concerns within their breeding program and explain the purpose of any testing they perform. Ethical breeders understand that preserving the Curly-Coated Retriever involves much more than maintaining appearance or retrieving instinct — it also includes protecting healthy movement, stable temperament, endurance, and long-term wellness.

Before Curly-Coated Retriever puppies are placed into new homes, they should receive a complete veterinary wellness examination that evaluates the heart, eyes, joints, bite alignment, parasite status, overall structure, and general physical development. Because large athletic breeds place substantial stress on developing bones and joints during growth, proper nutrition and carefully managed exercise during puppyhood are especially important. Puppies should also leave with age-appropriate vaccinations, deworming records, feeding guidance, and recommendations for safe socialization, training, swimming exposure, and physical conditioning during development.

A responsible Curly-Coated Retriever breeder should willingly provide documentation of completed health clearances and openly discuss inherited health concerns affecting the breed. Puppy buyers should be cautious of breeders who avoid health discussions, refuse to provide testing information, or claim their dogs are completely free of health problems. Ethical breeding focuses on reducing inherited risk through careful selection, health screening, pedigree knowledge, and lifelong breeder support rather than making unrealistic promises.

Preventive Care & Long-Term Wellness

Maintaining healthy body condition and regular exercise is especially important for the Curly-Coated Retriever because this breed is naturally energetic, athletic, and built for endurance work. Without sufficient physical activity and mental stimulation, some individuals may become restless, destructive, anxious, or prone to weight gain. Regular exercise helps support cardiovascular fitness, muscle tone, coordination, joint stability, and emotional well-being throughout life.

The Curly-Coated Retriever is also a highly intelligent working breed that benefits from regular mental stimulation and purposeful activity. Retrieving games, obedience work, scent training, swimming, hiking, field work, and interactive exercises all contribute to emotional balance and long-term wellness.

The breed’s dense curly coat generally requires less grooming than some retrievers, but routine coat maintenance and skin monitoring are still important. Grooming sessions provide an excellent opportunity to monitor for skin irritation, parasites, lumps, ear problems, coat-quality changes, or developing health concerns.

Because Curly-Coated Retrievers often spend time swimming or outdoors, regular ear care is especially important to help reduce the risk of chronic ear infections caused by trapped moisture or debris.

Because the Curly-Coated Retriever is a deep-chested breed, owners should also learn the warning signs of bloat and gastric torsion, including abdominal swelling, pacing, drooling, unsuccessful vomiting attempts, and sudden distress. Immediate emergency veterinary treatment is critical if these symptoms occur. Some owners discuss preventive gastropexy surgery with their veterinarian, particularly if another abdominal procedure is already planned.

Routine veterinary examinations throughout adulthood and senior years remain important for monitoring mobility, orthopedic health, neurological wellness, eye condition, hearing, and overall quality of life. Early detection of developing health concerns often allows for more successful long-term management and improved outcomes.

Lifespan & Senior Curly-Coated Retriever Care

The Curly-Coated Retriever often lives approximately 10 to 13 years when responsibly bred and properly cared for. Senior Curly-Coated Retrievers may gradually develop arthritis, reduced stamina, hearing decline, vision changes, muscle loss, or decreased mobility as they age. Some older dogs may also become more prone to stiffness after activity or require adjustments in exercise intensity due to orthopedic wear accumulated over years of athletic work.

As Curly-Coated Retrievers enter their senior years, many owners focus on maintaining moderate low-impact exercise, healthy weight management, supportive bedding, joint support, continued mental stimulation, and routine wellness monitoring. Because the breed often remains emotionally connected and eager to participate throughout life, continued companionship and purposeful interaction remain especially important even during old age.

With attentive care, preventive veterinary support, responsible breeding, and a healthy lifestyle, many Curly-Coated Retrievers continue to thrive as intelligent, athletic, and highly devoted companions throughout their lives.

Is This Breed Right for You?

The Curly-Coated Retriever is an intelligent, athletic, and highly capable sporting breed known for its endurance, retrieving ability, and loyal personality. Originally developed for demanding retrieving work on land and in water, the Curly-Coated Retriever thrives when given exercise, companionship, and opportunities to stay mentally and physically engaged.

While affectionate and highly trainable, the Curly-Coated Retriever is not the ideal fit for every household. Here’s a quick overview to help you decide:

✔ Ideal for:

Active owners who enjoy hiking, swimming, or outdoor adventures
People able to provide regular exercise and mental stimulation
Families seeking an intelligent and loyal sporting companion
Owners interested in retrieving games, dog sports, or field activities
Homes willing to provide structure, training, and interaction

❌ Not Ideal for:

People unable to provide regular exercise and engagement
Homes where the dog will frequently be left alone for long periods
Owners seeking a low-energy or sedentary companion dog
People unprepared for athletic energy and working instincts
Homes unable to provide structure and ongoing activity

Finding a Responsible Breeder or Rescue

If you’re interested in bringing a dog of this breed into your home, consider adopting from a rescue organization or finding a reputable breeder.

Find a Reliable Rescue:

Read our page about how to adopt from a reliable dog rescue.

Find reliable rescues through our Dog Rescue Directory.

Find a Responsible Breeder:

Read our information page about buying a healthy puppy from a responsible breeder.

Find responsible breeders through our Dog Breeders Directory.

Puppy Considerations

Curly-Coated Retriever puppies are intelligent, energetic, and highly observant from an early age. Early socialization and positive reinforcement training are extremely important to help puppies develop confidence, emotional stability, and appropriate behavior.

Because these puppies mature into active and physically capable sporting dogs, early structure and healthy outlets for their energy are especially important. Their retrieving instincts and curiosity often become obvious very early in development.

Puppies benefit from:

Early socialization with people, dogs, sounds, and environments
Positive reinforcement training and consistent routines
Daily exercise and mentally stimulating activities
Safe exposure to water, retrieving games, and outdoor exploration
Controlled exercise appropriate for large sporting-breed development

Because Curly-Coated Retriever puppies grow steadily and remain physically active throughout development, owners should work closely with their veterinarian regarding nutrition, growth management, and safe exercise levels.

Living With a Curly-Coated Retriever

Living with a Curly-Coated Retriever is often rewarding for owners who appreciate intelligent, athletic, and highly interactive sporting dogs. These dogs generally form strong bonds with their families and often enjoy participating in outdoor adventures and active daily routines.

The Curly-Coated Retriever requires regular physical exercise and mental stimulation to remain healthy and emotionally balanced. Many enjoy swimming, hiking, obedience work, scent games, retrieving exercises, and interactive training sessions with their families.

This breed generally does best in homes where it receives companionship, structure, training, and opportunities to stay mentally occupied. Without enough engagement or exercise, boredom may lead to anxiety, destructive behavior, excessive vocalization, or emotional frustration.

Although affectionate and loyal with family members, Curly-Coated Retrievers may naturally be somewhat more independent or reserved than some other retriever breeds. Early socialization and responsible ownership are important for helping the breed develop into a confident and stable adult.

Feeding a balanced, high-quality diet and maintaining a healthy weight are important for supporting joint health, endurance, mobility, muscle condition, and overall wellness. Routine veterinary care, exercise, training, grooming, and companionship all contribute to helping the breed thrive.

Final Thoughts…

The Curly-Coated Retriever is an intelligent, athletic, and deeply loyal sporting breed that thrives with owners who appreciate active companionship and strong working instincts. Their endurance, versatility, and devotion make them remarkable companions in the right homes.

With proper exercise, preventive care, socialization, training, and companionship, the Curly-Coated Retriever can become a deeply rewarding and highly devoted lifelong companion.

Are you considering adding a Curly-Coated Retriever to your family?

🐶 Curly-Coated Retriever FAQs

How long do Curly-Coated Retrievers live?

Curly-Coated Retrievers typically have a lifespan of about 10 to 12 years. With proper nutrition, regular veterinary care, and appropriate exercise, many remain active well into their senior years.

This breed may be prone to certain health concerns, including hip dysplasia and some eye conditions. Responsible breeding and routine health screenings help support long-term health and longevity.

What is the Curly-Coated Retriever temperament like?

Curly-Coated Retrievers are known for being confident, intelligent, and independent. They are often more reserved than other retriever breeds but form strong bonds with their families.

They tend to be thoughtful and self-assured dogs that enjoy having a job to do. While affectionate, they are not typically overly demanding of attention.

Are Curly-Coated Retrievers good family dogs?

Curly-Coated Retrievers can be good family dogs in households that understand their independent nature. They are generally loyal and protective of their families.

They do best with older children who respect boundaries. Early socialization and consistent routines help them integrate well into family life.

Do Curly-Coated Retrievers shed a lot?

Curly-Coated Retrievers are moderate shedders. Their tight, water-resistant curls shed lightly year-round, with some increased shedding during seasonal changes.

Regular grooming helps keep shedding manageable. Unlike many breeds, their coat does not require frequent brushing, but occasional maintenance is important for coat health.

Are Curly-Coated Retrievers easy to train?

Curly-Coated Retrievers are intelligent but can be somewhat independent when it comes to training. They may not respond well to repetitive or harsh methods.

Positive reinforcement, patience, and consistency are key. Early training and mental stimulation help bring out their best performance and reliability.

Similar Breeds You Might Like

If you’re interested in the Curly-Coated Retriever, you may also enjoy learning about these similar retriever and sporting breeds:

Labrador Retriever – A highly popular retriever known for friendliness, versatility, and strong family bonds.
Golden Retriever – A gentle, intelligent sporting breed valued for trainability and affectionate temperament.
Standard Poodle – An intelligent, athletic sporting breed known for a curly coat, strong work ethic, and versatility.

🐾 Lisa’s Picks for Curly-Coated Retrievers

As someone who has worked with dogs for over 50 years—including more than 20 years helping with housebreaking and everyday care—I’m often asked for product recommendations. I’ve found that a few simple items can make a big difference in a dog’s comfort and daily routine.

If you have a Curly-Coated Retriever or are planning to bring one into your home, these products and tips can help support your journey together.

🛏️ 1. Dog Beds

👉 My Tip: Waterproof Bed Protection (My Personal Favorite Trick)

One thing I personally do is use twin-size waterproof mattress covers over larger dog beds. They’re easy to wash, protect the bed beneath, and save money long-term—especially helpful for puppies, seniors, or heavy shedders. You can find different colors and patterns that fit your decor.

For tiny dog beds, you can use waterproof pillow covers that fit over the beds to protect them and save money long-term.

I use the same idea around the house, too. Washable, waterproof couch covers are a simple way to protect furniture from dirt, shedding, and accidents—especially helpful with puppies, seniors, or dogs that love the couch.

* Orthopedic Foam Dog Beds:
A high-quality orthopedic bed is one of the best investments you can make for your dog. I recommend these for every breed, once they are out of the chewing stage, especially as they age. They provide joint support, improve comfort, and help dogs truly rest.

* Tough Dog Beds for Dogs That Chew:
If your dog tends to chew or destroy their bedding, a standard plush bed may not last long. In these cases, I recommend tough, chew-resistant dog beds made with reinforced materials.
These are designed to hold up better against digging, scratching, and chewing, and can save you from constantly replacing beds. While no bed is completely indestructible, choosing a more durable option can make a big difference.

* Puppies need Simple Washable Bedding:
For young puppies that are still learning house training, I often suggest starting with simple, washable blankets instead of an expensive dog bed.
Thick towels, fleece throws, or washable pads work very well during this stage. They’re easy to clean, quick to replace, and help protect your main dog beds until your puppy is more reliable. Once house training is more consistent, you can transition to a more permanent, supportive bed.

✂️ 2. Proper Grooming Tools for the Curly-Coated Retriever Coat

Curly-Coated Retrievers have a distinctive coat made up of tight, crisp curls that help protect them from harsh weather and water, so using the right grooming tools makes a big difference.

A metal comb works well for gently working through the coat and removing loose hair, while occasional use of a gentle slicker brush can help in areas where tangles may develop. Their coat should not be over-brushed, as excessive brushing can disrupt the natural curl pattern.

Curly-Coated Retrievers are moderate shedders, and regular but minimal grooming helps keep the coat healthy, clean, and true to its natural texture.

Regular grooming:

Helps remove loose hair
Maintains natural curl texture
Keeps the coat healthy

🦴 3. Treats (Great for All Dogs)

Jerky Treats for Dogs: Almost all dogs love soft, easy-to-break NATURAL jerky treats. They’re perfect for rewarding good behavior without overfeeding. Soft jerky treats provide protein and are easy to chew.
Tiny Treats for Small Dogs
For small dogs, I recommend using very tiny, NATURAL training treats that are soft and easy to chew. This lets you reward often without overfeeding.

Stronger Chew Treats for Larger Dogs
Dogs that enjoy a more robust chewing experience will benefit from stronger chew treats. Some larger dogs may still go through them quickly, while others will take more time—so it often depends on the individual dog.

👉 My Tip: Check Ingredient Labels

I always recommend checking the ingredient label when choosing treats at the store. Dogs don’t need added sugar or artificial ingredients, and some treats can upset their stomach or cause diarrhea. Look for all-natural ingredient labels, and single ingredient or few ingredient labels are preferred.

It’s important to note that even among the same breed, some dogs enjoy chewing more than others, and many have preferences for certain types of chews. If you notice bleeding gums during chewing, it’s a good idea to have your dog examined by a veterinarian to rule out any dental issues.

🧠 4. Enrichment Toys for Mental Stimulation

Curly-Coated Retrievers are active, so giving them something to do is important.

An enrichment toy can help:

Prevent boredom
Reduce unwanted behaviors
Keep their mind engaged

When choosing an enrichment toy, think about your dog’s personality and needs. Some dogs love puzzle toys and mental challenges, while others are happier with something they can chew or carry around.

🐕 5. Safe, Comfortable Harness, Collar & Leash

From my experience, choosing the right walking gear can make a big difference in both safety and control. Some harnesses and collars are designed to help prevent dogs from slipping out, which is especially important for strong or easily startled dogs, and those are the types I personally recommend for safety.

Harness: A quality, comfortable properly fitted harness can make walks more comfortable and easier to manage—especially for dogs that tend to pull or get excited outdoors. If you have a dog that tries to wiggle out of their harness, search for an “escape proof” harness that has an extra strap towards the back.

Collar: I use and prefer safety martingale collars, as they can help prevent dogs from backing out of their collar while still being more gentle than traditional collars when used correctly.

Leash: Choose a lightweight leash for small dogs and a sturdier, heavier leash for larger dogs to ensure good control. Nylon leashes are strong and long-lasting. Some leashes also include a comfortable padded handle.

👉 My Tip: Avoid Retractable Leashes

I don’t recommend retractable leashes, as they can break and tangle easily and create safety issues and tripping hazards.

💡 Lisa’s Tip:

You don’t need a lot of products to care for a dog well… just the right ones. Focus on comfort, consistency, and routine, and you’ll make life easier for both you and your dog.

🔎 Affiliate Note

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Learn more about responsible dog ownership, dog health and daily care:

Written by Lisa Puskas — Author and founder of Dog-Breeds.net with 50+ years of hands-on experience raising, showing, and training dogs. She is dedicated to preserving dog breeds, educating responsible ownership, and supporting rescue organizations by helping improve long-term adoption success.

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