Curly-Coated Retriever

This is one of the oldest retriever breeds, thought to be a result of crossing working English and Irish Water Spaniels with Poodles and early types of Newfoundlands and St.John's Water Dogs in the late 1700's. The Curly-Coated Retriever is the rarest of retrieving breeds today, but during the 19th century it was one of the most popular gundogs in Britain, valued for its unsurpassed swimming abilities, trainability and companionship qualities.

Devoted to its owner, loving of children and even-tempered, the Curly-Coated Retriever makes a good family pet, but requires a fair amount of exercise and training.

The curly coat is dense and waterproof, coming in solid black and brown colorings. Average height is around 26 inches.