Temperament:
The Curly-Coated Retriever is easy to get along with, loyal and eager to please. Proud and confident. Very intelligent and trainable. Clever and mischievous, but sensitive. This breed is not for everyone; they need early, gentle, but firm obedience training. They can do well in competitive obedience and agility but are not as predictable a performer as a Golden Retriever. They like to do things their own way. The Curly-Coated Retriever is affectionate, loving, and excellent with children; however, they may accidentally knock over a toddler. Socialize them well with people and other pets at an early age, as this breed tends to be reserved and even timid with strangers if not properly socialized. A good watchdog who will also protect the family if danger threatens. This breed loves to swim. They make good therapy dogs. Curly-Coated Retrievers make an ideal partner for an active, outdoor-oriented person who also wants a loyal family companion. This breed does not fully mature until it is about three years old.

Grooming:
The curly coat of the Curly-Coated Retriever is easy to care for. It should be washed, but brushing and combing will make the coat frizzy. Wet the coat after grooming to resume the curls. Some minimal scissoring may be desirable to tidy up scraggly hairs. It does need regular brushing during its shedding seasons. This breed is an average shedder.

Exercise:
The Curly-Coated Retriever is a high-energy dog that needs a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to be truly happy. Preferably involving swimming and retrieving. They need to be taken on a daily long brisk walk, or jog.

Living Condition:
The Curly-Coated Retriever is not recommended for apartment life. They do best with at least a large yard. An eager and tireless land and (especially) water retriever outdoors, but a calm companion indoors. Curlies need to be part of the family and not left alone outside in the yard all day.

Origin:
The Curly-Coated Retriever is considered to be one of the oldest retriever breeds. It has been used for retrieving as long ago as the late eighteenth century in England, where it was developed. The breed probably resulted from crosses with the Close-Curled English Water Dog, the Old Water Spaniel and the St. John's Newfoundland dog. Some sources suggest the Irish Water Spaniel, the Labrador, and the Poodle. In any case, the Curly is a fine water retriever with a gentle mouth, particularly ideal for duck and quail. He is an excellent hunting companion and gun dog, and his gentle temperament also makes him an outstanding family companion. The Curly-Coated Retriever is quite popular in Australia and New Zealand, but is not well-known in the United States, though the breed was recognized by the AKC in 1924. The first exports to America were in 1907. Even popularity of the Curly in England waned during the 1900's. One theory about its fall in popularity is that several atypical Curlies gave the breed an undeserved reputation as a hard-mouthed retriever, causing newer hunters to choose other retrievers. Those bred are actually quite soft-mouthed. This breed may take some effort to find. Some of the Curly's talents are hunting, tracking, retrieving, watchdogging, guarding, agility, and competitive obedience.