Curly-Coated Retriever
The Curly-Coated Retriever is described by the AKC as confident, proud, wickedly smart, a member of the Sporting Group, originally from England.
Last updated: October 2026 · 5 sources · see sources
| Height | 25-27 inches (male), 23-25 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 60-95 pounds [1] |
| Life expectancy | 10–12+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Confident / Proud / Wickedly Smart [1] |
| AKC group | Sporting Group [1] |
| Origin | England [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 168 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
Curlies do need a fair amount of exercise but are also wonderful about settling down and relaxing at home. Their home does not need to be a large one as long as they are with their owner and have adequate exercise. The breed is very easy to live with as long as they have been shown their "good manners" with basic training. [1]
Grooming
Curlies do not have an undercoat, and the females will usually shed a fair amount of coat approximately every six months. Females may look relatively bare when not in coat. During shedding season a rake-type grooming tool with metal prongs is good at removing the dead hair, then the coat can be scissored down. [1]
Health issues to budget for
The majority of Curlies are a healthy breed. Breeders have been very diligent about screening hips, eyes, and the heart. There are some cancer concerns. The breed is also susceptible to gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV), a life-threatening stomach condition also known as bloat. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Cardiac Exam, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Cone-Rod Dystrophy 4 (crd4/cord1) (PRA-crd4/cord1) - DNA Test, Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC) - DNA Test, Glycogen Storage Disease IIIa (GSDIIIa) - DNA Test. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a large dog (median $640) | $308 – $1,224 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, large dog | $698 – $1,580 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, large dog | $541 – $3,903 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Curly-Coated Retriever in 1924. [1]
- It ranked No. 168 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 151 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Curly.” [1]
- The AKC lists England as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 6 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Hip Evaluation, Cardiac Exam. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Families with young children (AKC good-with-kids rating 5/5)
- ✅ Active owners who can give daily exercise (AKC energy 4/5)
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 4/5)
- ✅ People who want less dog hair at home (AKC shedding 2/5)
Common questions
How long do Curly-Coated Retrievers live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 10-12 years.
How big does a Curly-Coated Retriever get?
AKC breed information lists height 25-27 inches (male), 23-25 inches (female) and weight 60-95 pounds.
How much are vet bills for a Curly-Coated Retriever?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For large dogs like the Curly-Coated Retriever, a typical vet bill runs $308 – $1,224 (median $640). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.