Curly-Coated Retriever Grooming Profile
COAT TYPE
Curly/Wavy
SHEDDING
Moderate
GROOMING SKILL
Easy
TRAINING FAQ
Are Curly-Coated Retrievers hypoallergenic?
Fair
Curly-Coated Retrievers are not a truly hypoallergenic breed, but their tight, curly coat traps loose hair rather than scattering it, making them somewhat more tolerable for allergy sufferers than the average shedding retriever.
Do Curly-Coated Retrievers shed a lot?
Moderate
Curly-Coated Retrievers shed moderately year-round, with a heavier blowout during seasonal coat changes. Their tight curls tend to hold loose hair rather than dropping it everywhere, so regular vacuuming still helps, even though you won't find hair on every surface the way you would with a straight-coated retriever.
How often should you groom your Curly-Coated Retriever?
Easy
To maintain a healthy Curly-Coated Retriever, you should expect easy grooming needs. They rarely need bathing or professional clipping, and brushing is discouraged to avoid frizz.
Are Curly-Coated Retrievers low maintenance dogs?
Hard
Curly-Coated Retrievers are not a low-maintenance breed overall. Coat care is minimal, but their extreme exercise and mental-stimulation needs mean they demand real daily time and commitment from their owners.
How big do Curly-Coated Retrievers get?
Large
"Curly-Coated Retrievers are a large breed, standing 23 to 27 inches tall and weighing 60 to 95 pounds when fully grown."
When do Curly-Coated Retrievers usually stop growing?
12-18 months
Curly-Coated Retrievers typically reach full height by 12 to 18 months, though they continue filling out with muscle and reach full physical maturity around age two to three.
How much should a Curly-Coated Retriever eat?
2-3 cups
Adult Curly-Coated Retrievers generally require 2-3 cups of high-quality food per day to maintain a healthy weight.
How often should a Curly-Coated Retriever eat?
3-4 meals/day
Curly-Coated Retriever puppies require frequent, nutrient-dense meals to support their active growth and development. It is generally recommended to feed them three to four times daily until they reach six months of age. Spaced mealtimes help maintain steady energy levels and support a healthy metabolism for this athletic breed.
VET INSIGHTS
Curly-Coated Retrievers are large, athletic dogs that reach full height by 12 to 18 months but keep filling out with muscle until about age two to three. Their unique, low-maintenance water-resistant coat needs minimal grooming and sheds moderately, though the breed's high energy means significant daily exercise is non-negotiable. Adults typically eat 2 to 3 cups of food a day, while puppies need more frequent meals to fuel their rapid growth.
