The Curly-Coat is a retriever of great ability in the water and on land. He is descended from a cross between the St. John's Newfoundland (presently known as the Labrador Retriever) , the English Water Dog and the Poodle. He became extremely popular among the English land-owners of the nineteenth century and was prized as a multi-purpose hunting retriever with great perseverance on land as well as strength in the water. With the arrival of the twentieth century, the popularity of the Curly-Coat gave way to other retrieving breeds. Today it still remains popular in Australia and New Zealand. This is a dog with great power in the water when it comes to retrieving. I have personally seen a Curly -Coat that has brought in without hesitation a wounded Canada Goose, no small feat. He is a natural swimmer if introduced to the water at an early age to water play. There is not always an inherent desire to swim, at least without an introduction, because the Curly Coat has also been used for years as a hunting dog on land.
The Curly-Coat is Black or Liver in color. The tight curls are an essential requirement, they must be a dense mass of small tight curls. This type of coat is extremely weather proof and water resistant and also is a protection against brambles and thickets. Every part of the dog is covered with these dense curls except the muzzle and the toes.
The Sporting dogs, especially the retrieving breeds, are usually thought of in terms of active personalities and very outgoing, to the extent that they are not often good watch dogs. The Curly-Coat however is not only a quiet and placid home companion but is also a good watch dog, giving voice when strangers approach. It is a persistent hunter, does not give up and is eager and alert in the field. At home it is somewhat aloof but is calm and dignified. Of course a puppy, as with any youngster, will be exuberant and will get into things, but as a general rule the Curly-Coat has a certain common sense and placid nature that makes it quite content to lie about the house and sleep. It does not demand the attention that some of the other retrievers do.
This is a dog that is quite healthy in most respects. However there are some particular bloodlines that appear to have predisposition to Cancer and there is also a skin condition associated with pattern baldness. This is an outdoor type of dog and he does need plenty of exercise. If he is to be used for hunting it is essential that he be adjusted to the physical demands and in good condition. If allowed to lie around he will take the opportunity. If he is to be a house dog, he still needs to get out and go for good long walks. This is a breed that has the stamina to be a "jogger's dog" and he delights in participating in this activity with his owner.
Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Animals.
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