Summerwind Retrievers

The Curly-Coated Retriever is one of the oldest retrieving breeds, probably the oldest, and was the first breed of dog used to any extent known as a "Retriever" in England which is his country of origin.

This fascinating and old-fashioned retriever has a unique blend of intelligence, temperament and rugged physique which make him an ideal all-purpose dog equally at home in the water, in the field or by the hearthside.

The Curly-Coated Retriever is an exceptionally hardy and devoted hunting companion and gun dog.  Renowned for his ability to mark (note where a bird has fallen) and for his ability to dive in order to follow and retrieve game, the Curly is an intelligent and steady worker.  His short thick, tightly-curled coat, determination, and perseverance enable him to work undeterred by the most punishing hunting conditions:  icy cold water or thick, dense cover.

Though by no means seen as frequently in North America as the more popular Retriever breeds (the Labrador, the Golden or the Chesapeake), the Curly Coated Retriever is much respected and admired in England, Australia, and New Zealand for being a very steady tendermouthed dog with tremendous swimming ability.

Considered by many to be an ideal retriever for both duck and quail, the Curly is often preferred by hunting enthusiasts, not only because he is so temperamentally easy to train, but because he's such a faithful and enduring companion.

The mentality of a Curly-Coated Retriever develops and improves with learning, making him an infinitely interesting dog. Although his gentle, even disposition makes him exceptionally easy to train, care should be taken never to underestimate his intelligent, active mind.

Despite the fact that the Curly is a slow-maturing breed, with a long puppyish period, it should be pointed out that these are physical limitations only.  Indeed, this quick-thinking breed can easily grasp all the basics of obedience training by four months of age, responding happily and eagerly to whatever tasks he is expected to perform.

Because he is highly intelligent and thrives on affection, the Curly rarely needs punishment.  Only in extreme cases is anything but a good scolding or finger shaking necessary.  However, the Curly-Coated Retriever untrained can become easily bored, resorting to minor crime (such as paper tearing or car chasing), if his active mind is without stimulation for long periods of' time.

Although the Curly can be happy living outdoors in a kennel, he prefers human companionship and will work all the more enthusiastically because of it.

The Curly-Coated Retriever is an extremely active, well-made and balanced dog.  No other breed possesses the fascinating classical appearance, aquatic ability, unique coat or strength and dignity that the Curly exhibits.  This rare, beautiful breed is either solid black or solid liver in color and is distinguised from all other breeds by his absolutely intriguing coat.  This unusual cost is a mass of very small, tight, waterproof curls (whose texture from the back of the head right down to his elbows and his hocks, and all over his body including his straight, sabre-shaped tail).  The crisply curled coat forms a striking contrast to the Curly Coated Retriever's face, which is totally free of curls, the short hair growing naturally smooth and straight. The hair on the lower part of his legs is also smooth and straight, although you will occasionally find a few curls on his front legs down to his feet.

By any standard, this breed is relatively "maintenance free".   It requires no fusing, no twisting or permanent solutions to curl the thick coat, which literally seems to thrive on outdoor weather and water.  The Curly is bathed but is one of a few dogs that is RARELY brushed or combed, for if this is done those prized tight curls will frizz and look like a Poodle's.

The general appearance of the Curly Coated Retriever should be that of a very active, sound, balanced and intelligent dog.  He should be a well put together animal, decidedly deep in the chest, and strong and muscular in the quarters, with round compact feet, overall, a smart, attractive upstanding dog.

The family pet often becomes an important and necessary part of our lives.   For a dog to become that ideal family pet, he should be adaptable, eager to learn and eager to please - gentle, yet courageous and dependable.  A Curly has all these qualities plus the intelligence which enables him to learn easily.  He is of even temperament and charmingly affectionate - rather than nervous and jittery, and is at his happiest when he is included in family activities.

Even though his is a quiet, imperturbable temperament, the Curly's loyalty and affection for his family make him an ideal natural guard: generally his bark alone will be sufficient to ward off unwanted  intruders, but in a dangerous situation he can be trusted to protect his family.

Intelligent, quick-witted, affectionate, utterly charming and totally devoted, the Curly-Coated Retriever is an exceptional animal, an individual in his own right.

Pet, companion, or working dog . . . no matter what your needs . . . the Curly meets all the requirements.