The Curly-Coated Retriever is considered to be one of the oldest retriever breeds. Developed in England, the breed probably resulted from crosses with the close-curled English Water dog, the old Water Spaniel and the St. John's Newfoundland dog. The Curly is a fine water retriever with a gentle mouth, particularly ideal for duck and quail. He is an excellent hunting companion and gun dog, and his gentle temperament also makes him an outstanding family companion. The Curly-Coated Retriever is quite popular in Australia and New Zealand. The first breed club for the Curly-Coated Retriever was formed in England in 1896. The breed was recognized by the AKC in 1924. The first exports to America were thought to be in 1907.
The curly is an active dog, with a great sense of fun. They are well balanced and slightly longer than tall. They are also distinguished from all the other retrievers both in temperament, being slightly more aloof with strangers, although a protective and loyal family dog, to their distinctive tightly curled, dull coat, which is impenetrable to water. The face and front of legs remains straight haired.They are the tallest of the retrievers ideally being 27� for a male and 25� for a female. They are slow to mature and this needs to be taken into account when any training is given. They are highly intelligent dogs and their brains need to be used to the full. Although their coat is so distinctive it is virtually trouble free, no daily/ weekly brushing or combing is required (although this can be helpful when they do moult) Damp the coat down once a week, massaging it with the fingers and patting flat is all that is required. Grooming the Curly Coated Retriever
Temperament:
Self-confident, steadfast and proud, this active, intelligent dog is a charming and gentle family companion and a determined, durable hunter. The Curly is alert, biddable and responsive to family and friends, whether at home or in the field. Of independent nature and discerning intelligence, a Curly sometimes appears aloof or self-willed, and, as such, is often less demonstrative, particularly toward strangers, than the other retriever breeds. The Curly's independence and poise should not be confused with shyness or a lack of willingness to please. In the show ring, a correctly-tempered Curly will steadily stand his ground, submit easily to examination, and might or might not wag his tail when doing so. In the field, the Curly is eager, persistent and inherently courageous. At home, he is calm and affectionate. Shyness is a fault and any dog who shies away from show ring examination should be penalized. Minor allowances can be made for puppies who misbehave in the show ring due to overexuberance or lack of training or experience.
General Appearance:
This smartly upstanding, multi-purpose hunting retriever is recognized by most canine historians as one of the oldest of the retrieving breeds. Developed in England, the Curly was long a favorite of English gamekeepers. Prized for innate field ability, courage and indomitable perseverance, a correctly built and tempered Curly will work as long as there is work to be done, retrieving both fur and feather in the heaviest of cover and the iciest of waters. To work all day a Curly must be balanced and sound, strong and robust, and quick and agile. Outline, carriage and attitude all combine for a grace and elegance somewhat uncommon among the other retriever breeds, providing the unique, upstanding quality desired in the breed. In outline, the Curly is moderately angulated front and rear and, when comparing height to length, gives the impression of being higher on leg than the other retriever breeds. In carriage, the Curly is an erect, alert, self-confident dog. In motion, all parts blend into a smooth, powerful, harmonious symmetry. The coat, a hallmark of the breed, is of great importance for all curlies, whether companion, hunting or show dogs. The perfect coat is a dense mass of small, tight, distinct, crisp curls. The Curly is wickedly smart and highly trainable and, as such, is cherished as much for his role as loyal companion at home as he is in the field.
Harrisburg K.C. at the Curly Coated Retriever Club of America's supported entery, Moxie took Best of Breed and a Sporting Group Second
Many SoftMaple dogs go to personal hunting homes, and never receive any hunting titles. Titles do not put the heart and love of the hunt into the dog. Unfortunately for the sake of history, years down the road, many people will only look to titles to judge a lines field ability.
Many of the tales of a good hunting dog that are spun around the fireplace after the hunt will be lost. Those dogs put the meat on the table, not the ribbons on the wall.
Cheers to all our good hunting buddies of the present, past and future!
May 15th and 16th, Moxie (CH SoftMaple's Pheasant Dreams CGC WC CR-722G34F, CR-El134F34, CR-CA178/41F/P-NOPI, CERF 2005 CR-814N) earns a Group 1st and Group 3rd at the Alexander NY Shows!
Moxie has been bred! Puppies expected May 9th 2005 
Grace Farms Retriever Training
