Curly-Coated Retriever

　　This intelligent, strong, and versatile hunting dog is considered by most canine experts as one of the oldest retriever breeds. Developed in the UK, it has long been favored by British gamekeepers. Its innate outdoor ability, courageous and persistent spirit, solid body, and strong temperament grant it the endurance to work continuously, able to hunt game and bird prey hidden deep in cold water. To adapt to all-day hunting work, a Curly-Coated Retriever must be even-tempered, healthy, robust, and agile. Its appearance, body structure, and posture collectively form an elegant shape distinct from other hunting breeds, while also providing the unique working ability sought by humans. In appearance, the Curly-Coated Retriever forms proper angles between the front and rear. Compared to other breeds, it appears taller and longer-legged. Structurally, it is a sturdy, alert, and confident dog. In movement, all body parts combine smoothly, powerfully, coordinatedly, and proportionally. The coat, as the breed’s distinctive feature, is especially important for all Curly-Coated Retrievers, whether companion dogs, hunting dogs, or show dogs. The perfect coat is dense, fine, firm, clear, and clean curly hair.
　　Morphological Characteristics
　　The Curly-Coated Retriever is an intelligent, lively, and highly trainable breed. For this reason, it is widely loved both as a loyal companion at home and as a hunting dog outdoors.
　　Proportions
　　Height — measured at the withers; ideal height: males 63.5–68.6 cm; females 58.4–63.5 cm. Heights outside this range are considered faults. The body tends to be square, meaning its length (from chest to rump) is slightly longer than its height (from withers to ground). The Curly-Coated Retriever is strong and elegant. It is important not to compromise the standard in order to overstrengthen power and stamina. Bone — neither fine nor coarse, well-proportioned in weight, height, and balance.
　　Head
　　Head — wedge-shaped longer than wide, easily distinguishable from other retrievers. Its size is harmonious with the overall body, with the length of the front face approximately equal or close to the length of the occiput. Viewed from the side, the facial plane is parallel. The forehead is shallow and sloped; the width of the front eyelid is slightly narrower than the occipital width, but their junction is smooth, with a nearly flat head tapering sharply to the nose tip — contours clear and not coarse. Expression — clever and alert. Eyes — almond-shaped, relatively large but not protruding. Black dogs have black or brown eyes; liver-colored dogs have brown or pale yellow eyes. Rough yellow eyes or loose, sleepy-looking eyes are faults. Ears — relatively small, set slightly above the eye corner, close to the head and extending backward. Occiput — flat or almost flat. Muzzle — wedge-shaped with smooth lines tapering gradually, neither sharp nor blunt, ends slightly rounded. Muzzle level, no deviation. Jaw — long and strong, teeth vertical and even with proper scissor bite. Lips tight and balanced, not drooping. Nose — pigmented; black dogs have black noses, liver dogs have brown noses, with large nostrils.
　　Trunk
　　Neck — strong, slightly arched, moderate length, freely movable front neck, gradually transitioning to moderately sloped shoulders. Backline — the back, from the rear point of the scapula to the start of the loin, is strong and level. Loin — from the end of the ribs to the pelvic origin, short and muscular. Croup — from the pelvis start to the root of the tail, slightly sloped. Body — deep chest, but not too broad, oval in cross-section to the elbows. The chest for this breed standard is deep but not wide or narrow. Ribs are elastic, neither barrel-shaped nor slab-like thick, moderately extending back with depth. Loins are wide and strong; ribs and abdomen are appropriately tucked. Tail — extends backward straight or almost straight, never docked, hanging close to the hock when lowered. Never curled over the back, twisted, or bent; covered with curly hair. If trimmed, the tail tapers gradually backward.
　　【Forequarters】Scapula long with suitable muscle attachments, forming approximately a 55° angle backward. The width between the scapulae is sufficient, flexible and curved for capturing prey. The humerus length is roughly equal to the scapula length, forming an angle about equal to the scapula angle backward. This means the foreleg is positioned under the scapula. The balanced lengths and angles of scapula and humerus allow full extension of the forelimbs. Forelegs are straight with solid pasterns. Feet are oval, compact, with suitably arched toes and thick pads. Forelimb dewclaws are usually removed.
　　Hindquarters
　　Strong, forming a certain angle for smooth forward movement. Thighs powerful; lower leg muscles full. Stifles suitably bent, hocks strong and suitable, neither turned inward nor outward; hocks vertical. Hindlimb dewclaws removed.
　　Coat
　　The Curly-Coated Retriever’s coat is its distinctive feature, unlike any other breed. The body coat is thick and dense; the tight, springy curls cover the skin, water-resistant. The coat’s high density provides protection against harsh climates, water, and other damaging elements. Curls extend forward across the neck and even to the occiput; extend downward on the forelimbs and hind limbs to the hocks and cover the entire tail. Other areas have short, smooth, straight hair, mainly on the front head, face, underside of forelimbs, and feet. The presence of a small curl or bald patch behind the scapula, or a downward bare stripe on the rear limbs, or a triangular bare patch at the front neck is a disadvantage in shows. Loose, incompletely curled hair on the ears is allowed. Sparse, soft, very coarse, dry, or fragile hair is a fault. Trimming — the hair on the ears, belly, back of forelimbs, thighs, flank, hocks, and feet may be trimmed. Tail coat should be removed. Short, neat ear coat is allowed. Trimming the body coat is not allowed.
　　Color
　　Black or liver is standard. A significant white patch is a fault, but a small amount of white hair with otherwise excellent qualities is acceptable.
　　Gait
　　The Curly-Coated Retriever fulfills the dual role of waterfowl hunter and land prey hunter. Besides strength and stamina, quickness and alertness are essential. A long-reaching stride covering large distances is an organic combination of structure and power; what appears effortless is actually highly efficient and coordinated from start to finish. Viewed from the side, the dog moves freely, naturally, and swiftly. Viewed from front or rear, forelimb movement is neither turned inward nor outward; hind limbs do not cross. Well-developed and muscular thighs and strong hocks work in complete coordination to drive the rear forward. Strong and smooth motion of forequarters and hindquarters is very important to avoid injury. Overly large angles and strides are faults.