Retriever Large size 29-41 kg

Curly Coated Retriever

An independent, athletic retriever with a distinctive curly coat - loyal and versatile for active owners who enjoy training.

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Find out how this breed matches your household

Quick overview

Large
Size
29-41 kg, 58-69 cm
High
Activity
High energy, loves swimming
Moderate
Alone-time tolerance
Handles work days if exercised
Easy
Trainability
Smart but more independent than a Lab
Low
Coat care
Tight curls, low but specific grooming
Good
Fit with kids
Good with children it is raised with
Good
Other pets
Generally sociable
Moderate
Health burden
Hip dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia

The Curly Coated Retriever typically weighs 29-41 kg, stands 58-69 cm, and lives 10-12 years.

Consider this breed if…

you want a retriever with more independence and less neediness,
an unusual, low-shedding-style curly coat appeals to you,
you can offer daily swimming, running, or retrieving work,
you're patient with a slow-maturing, sometimes aloof dog.

Do not consider this breed if…

you want instant Lab-style eagerness to please,
waiting months or years for a breeder of this rare breed isn't acceptable,
your activity level is a short daily walk,
you want a dog that warms to every stranger immediately.

A typical day with a Curly Coated Retriever

  1. 7:00 · Morning
    45-60 min run or swim with retrieving
  2. 9:30 · Midmorning
    Rest; matures into a calm housemate
  3. 13:00 · Noon
    Short walk or yard play
  4. 16:30 · Afternoon
    Training, 15 minutes, varied - repetition bores it
  5. 18:30 · Evening
    Longer outing; water work whenever possible
  6. 21:30 · Night
    Settles quietly near the family

Temperament and training

Independence High
Water and retrieve drive Very high
Reserve with strangers Moderate
Trainability High
Playfulness High
Guarding tendency Low
Common owner mistakes
Drilling repetitive obedience until the dog checks out · Brushing the curly coat dry and frizzing it instead of misting and scrunching · Expecting Labrador sociability from a naturally reserved breed

Family and environment

Kids Good
Steady with its own kids; big and boisterous when young.
Dogs Good
Generally sociable with other dogs.
Cats Conditional
Usually fine when raised together.
Apartment Conditional
Large and active; only with a serious exercise routine.
House with a yard Suitable
Best baseline; add real daily activity.
City Manages
Adaptable when exercised and socialized.
Countryside Ideal
Water access makes it the perfect home.
Health data provided by RealVetCost
Overall health burden Moderate

Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.

View the full health profile
Top health concerns
Hip dysplasia Common in retrievers
Elbow dysplasia Screen breeding stock
Progressive retinal atrophy Genetic eye disease
Allergies and skin issues Occasional flares

Similar breeds - by reason

Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.

Rare retriever, sunnier temperament
Flat Coated Retriever
A joyful, forever-puppy retriever that is superb with family, but a high cancer risk and short lifespan are real drawbacks.
View profile →
Similar independence and water drive
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
A tough, water-loving retriever with more independence and edge than a Lab - great for active outdoor owners who train consistently.
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Easier, more biddable alternative
Labrador Retriever
A friendly, forgiving all-rounder that tolerates family chaos - if you keep its weight and exercise honest.
View profile →

Frequently asked questions

How is a Curly Coated Retriever different from a Lab or Golden?
It is taller, more independent, and more reserved with strangers. Curlies think for themselves - an asset in the field, a test of patience in obedience class - and they mature slowly, staying puppyish for two to three years. The tight curly coat is also completely different to care for than a Lab's.
Is the curly coat hard to maintain?
Low effort, but specific. You mostly leave the curls alone: occasional bathing, misting and scrunching the coat back into curl, and trimming stray tufts. Regular brushing actually ruins it by frizzing the curls. Shedding is moderate and seasonal; it is not a hypoallergenic coat despite the poodle-like look.
How much does a Curly Coated Retriever cost in the US?
This is one of the rarest retrievers: expect $1,500-$2,500 for a puppy and often a year-plus waitlist with the handful of health-testing breeders. Annual food and routine care for a 30-40 kg dog runs roughly $1,800-$2,800. Over a 10-12 year life that is $20,000 or more before emergencies; joint surgery or cancer treatment can add thousands.
Are Curlies good for first-time owners?
Sometimes, but they are a harder first retriever than a Lab or Golden. The independence reads as stubbornness to inexperienced handlers, and the breed's rarity means less local knowledge and support. An active first-timer committed to positive, varied training can succeed; someone wanting an easy default family dog should look elsewhere.