Curly-coated Retriever is one of the oldest retriever dog breeds. Unlike other retrievers like Labrador and Golden Retriever, Curlies are different in some way.
Curly Coated Retrievers are friendly toward their families and loved ones, but they are quite reserved in front of strangers.
Another major difference is coat type. You might be aware that other retrievers, including Labradors, have double coats. Talking about Curly Coated Retrievers, they are single-coated pups with no undercoat.
Due to a single coat, people often consider it a retriever breed that doesn’t shed. Is that really true? Are Curly-Coated retrievers hypoallergenic?
The answer is NO. Curly Coated Retrievers are not hypoallergenic. They do shed less as compared to other dogs, but that does not make them hypoallergenic.
The reality is that no dog breed is pure hypoallergenic. All dog shed. It’s about the shedding level. Some shed more than others. Low shedders make it a bit easier for people with allergies.
Curly Coated Retrievers Coat & Shedding
Curly-Coated Retrievers are single-coated dogs. Unlike other retriever pups, Curlies don’t have a thick undercoat.
They have short, tight, waterproof curls. You will find Curlies in black or liver coat color.
Does a Curly Coated Retriever shed? If yes, how much?
Yes. Curly Coated Retrievers shed minimally throughout the year and a bit more in shedding seasons, i.e., spring and fall.
Because it is a single-coated dog doesn’t mean it won’t shed at all. The truth is all dog breeds shed. It’s just that some shed less than others.
The shedding rate may vary from one dog to another, depending on the lifestyle, nutrition, and health of the dog.
Curly Coated Retriever Grooming Needs
To keep a dog healthy and in a good shape, regular grooming is a must. Regular grooming not just controls the shedding rate, but also prevents many health conditions.
In terms of coat type and grooming needs, Curly Coated Retriever is quite different from other retrievers.
While other retrievers (such as Golden Retriever and Labrador) are high shedders and need attention to frequent brushing & other grooming requirements, that’s not the case with Curlies.
Curlies have limited grooming needs and are easy to groom. They don’t really need professional grooming.
- Curlies need occasional baths; when they shed excessively.
- Brushing should be avoided unless it’s a shedding season i.e., spring or fall.
- When a Curly sheds heavily in a shedding season, brush him with a metal comb or a slicker brush and then bathe him.
- Their nails grow faster, so trim nails regularly.
- Pay attention to ear cleaning to avoid wax buildup and ear infection.
- Pay attention to regular teeth cleaning.
Besides affectionate and playful temperaments, another thing I like about Curly Coated Retrievers is their minimal grooming needs.
Related Questions
Can you make a Curly Coated hypoallergenic?
No, you cannot make a Curly Coated Retriever hypoallergenic. And, it’s not just about Curly Coated Retrievers. You cannot make any dog hypoallergenic, because there’s nothing called 100% hypoallergenic dog. However, if your dog sheds a lot, there are some ways you can minimize shedding.
Can you get a Curly Coated Retriever if you have allergies?
Curlies shed lightly all year round and a bit more in spring and fall. Therefore, a Curly Coated Retriever may not be the best choice for people with allergies.
Are there any hypoallergenic retrievers?
No, retrievers are not hypoallergenic. Not just retrievers, all dogs shed to some extent (some less, while some more). If you are concerned about shedding, there are certain ways you can minimize it, but there’s no way to completely stop it.
Are Curly Coated Retrievers good for first-time owners?
Curlies are independent thinkers, which makes them a bit difficult to train. Therefore, they aren’t the best choice for first-time dog owners.
Final Thoughts
Curly Coated Retrievers are friendly and easy to get along with, which makes them amazing family companions. They can be aloof toward strangers but get along nicely with people of “their pack”.
Though Curlies are not hypoallergenic, they shed less as compared to other dogs.
They are single-coated. Their curly coats shed minimally on normal days and quite more on shedding seasons.
With minimal coat care and grooming requirements, this pup will save you a lot of time.
Also Read: Flat Coated Retriever Vs Golden Retriever
TRAIN YOUR CANINE! ⬇️
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