Curly-Coated Retriever Grooming Profile
Breed Group
Sporting Dogs
Country of Origin
United Kingdom
Breed Size
Large
AKC Recognition
Yes, recognized in 1924
FCI Recognition
Yes
Allergy-friendly
Fair5 / 10
Shedding
Moderate5 / 10
Grooming need
5 mins/week8 / 10
Low-maintenance
Hard8 / 10
Size
Large7 / 10
Growth timeline
12-18 months6 / 10
Grooming FAQ
Are Curly-Coated Retriever hypoallergenic or allergy-friendly?
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.
Allergy-friendly: 5 / 10
Do Curly-Coated Retriever shed?
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.
Shedding: 5 / 10
How often should you groom a Curly-Coated Retriever?
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.
Grooming need: 8 / 10
Are Curly-Coated Retriever low-maintenance dogs?
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.
Low-maintenance: 8 / 10
How big do Curly-Coated Retriever get?
"Curly-Coated Retrievers are a large breed, standing 23 to 27 inches tall and weighing 60 to 95 pounds when fully grown."
Size: 7 / 10
When do Curly-Coated Retriever stop growing?
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.
Growth timeline: 6 / 10
How much should a Curly-Coated Retriever eat?
Adult Curly-Coated Retrievers generally require 2-3 cups of high-quality food per day to maintain a healthy weight.
Feeding amount: 4 / 10
How often should a Curly-Coated Retriever puppy eat?
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.
Puppy feeding frequency: 3 / 10
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 age two to three. Their unique, low-maintenance coat needs minimal grooming and sheds moderately, though their high energy demands significant daily exercise. Adults typically eat 2 to 3 cups of food daily.
