large breed Sporting From England

Curly-Coated Retriever: Personality, Size, Traits and Care Guide

The Curly-Coated Retriever is a large sporting breed from England that has earned a steady following among dog enthusiasts. Common temperament keywords include smart, confident, and reserved, and most well-socialised dogs of this breed live up to that reputation. Historically associated with the role of a multi-purpose hunting retriever and swimmer, the breed still carries traits shaped by that work. Below you will find a practical breakdown of the breed's needs, suitability for different households, and frequently asked questions.

Quick facts

Group: Sporting
Origin: England
Size: Large
Life expectancy: 10–12 years
Male height: 25–27 in
Female height: 23–25 in
Male weight: 70–90 lb
Female weight: 60–70 lb
Coat type: dense mass of small tight crisp curls with short smooth hair on face, forelegs, and feet
Colours: black, liver

Trait ratings

Energy 5/5

Exercise needs 4/5

Trainability 4/5

Grooming 3/5

Shedding 3/5

Good with kids 4/5

Apartment-friendly 2/5

Barking 3/5

Ratings are 0–5 general guidance from the breed dataset. Individual dogs always vary.

Personality and temperament

Temperament keywords commonly attached to the Curly-Coated Retriever include smart, confident, reserved, and hardworking. Energy levels are usually high, which directly affects how much daily stimulation the dog will look for. Most are notably playful and enjoy interactive games well into adulthood. They will bark when something genuinely catches their attention, but are not usually constant barkers.

Size and appearance

Visually, the Curly-Coated Retriever is a large breed whose proportions reflect its working background. Adult males typically stand around 25–27 inches at the shoulder, with females usually a little smaller at 23–25 inches. Weight ranges sit broadly at 70–90 lb for males and 60–70 lb for females, with variation by line and conditioning. Their coat is generally described as dense mass of small tight crisp curls with short smooth hair on face, forelegs, and feet. Common coat colours include black, liver.

Coat and grooming

Grooming needs are generally moderate. Regular brushing — usually a few times per week — plus occasional baths and trims is a reasonable baseline. Shedding is moderate — manageable with consistent brushing, but visible on furniture and clothing.

Exercise needs

Daily exercise needs are generally substantial. Plan for at least an hour or more of structured activity each day — long walks, secure off-lead time where appropriate, and varied mental enrichment. Mental stimulation matters as much as physical — scent games, food puzzles, and reward-based training all help channel that energy.

Training

Trainability is generally very responsive. Many take well to reward-based training, pick up cues quickly, and respond enthusiastically to clear, consistent direction. They are more often recommended to households with prior dog experience or access to a good trainer.

Family suitability

This breed is often considered child-friendly when raised in family environments, though all interactions between dogs and young children should be supervised. They tend to get along with other dogs given proper introductions. Most are sociable with new people and warm up quickly to visitors.

Living environment

They typically do better in homes with garden access and space to move around. Climate-wise, the breed manages warm weather with sensible precautions and tolerates cold conditions comfortably.

Pros and cons

Often loved for

✓Often considered good with children when properly socialised
✓Generally responsive to reward-based training
✓Playful and engaging companion
✓Tends to be sociable with new people

Worth considering

!Needs substantial daily exercise
!Higher prey drive — care needed around small animals
!Often does better with garden access

Who this breed is best for

The Curly-Coated Retriever is generally a good fit for households that can match its needs: significant daily exercise, and ongoing time, training and care across what is typically a 10–15 year commitment. As always, individual dogs vary — meeting specific dogs and speaking to experienced owners is the best way to confirm fit.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Curly-Coated Retriever a good family dog?

Many Curly-Coated Retrievers are considered family-friendly, particularly when raised around respectful children. That said, individual temperaments vary and supervision around young children is always recommended.

How much exercise does a Curly-Coated Retriever need?

The Curly-Coated Retriever typically needs an hour or more of daily activity, ideally combining walks, play, and mental stimulation. Without enough outlet, restlessness and unwanted behaviour can develop.

Does a Curly-Coated Retriever shed a lot?

Shedding is moderate. Weekly to twice-weekly brushing usually keeps loose hair manageable.

Is a Curly-Coated Retriever easy to train?

Most Curly-Coated Retrievers are responsive to reward-based training and can pick up cues quickly with consistent guidance.

Can a Curly-Coated Retriever live in an apartment?

Curly-Coated Retrievers typically prefer homes with more space and ideally a garden, though motivated owners can make apartment living work with effort.

How long do Curly-Coated Retrievers live?

Average life expectancy for the Curly-Coated Retriever is typically around 10–12 years. Individual lifespan depends on genetics, diet, exercise, veterinary care, and chance.

A note on this information. Breed descriptions on this site are general guidance based on publicly available data and editorial review. Every dog is an individual — temperament, health and behaviour vary within any breed. Information here is not veterinary, medical or professional training advice. For health concerns, behaviour problems, or major decisions, please speak with a qualified veterinarian or certified trainer.

Reference source: AKC · Reviewed 2026-04-13