Buying or Adopting a Curly-Coated Retriever
By Michele Welton, Dog Trainer, Behavioral Consultant, Author of 15 Dog Books
Don't set your sights on the Curly-Coated Retriever until you read my advice in these posts.
Should You Even Get a Dog? Are You Sure?
Important – I've been helping people choose and find dogs for nearly 40 years, and honestly, some people who decide to get a dog are making a big mistake... [read more]
The Truth About Purebred Dogs
Pros and cons... (most people don't know about the cons)
The Truth About Crossbred Dogs
Pros and cons... (don't get taken by breeder hype)
The Truth About Mixed Breed Dogs
Pros and cons... (are mixes inferior to purebreds and crosses?)
Is a Curly-Coated Retriever the right breed for you?
Curly-Coated Retriever Review
I'll tell you what's good about 'em, and what's bad about 'em... most honest review you'll ever find
Dog Breed Traits – Which Traits Are Right For You? In this brand new series, I'll help you decide which dog breed traits would best suit you and your family, your home and yard, and your lifestyle, so you can choose the best dog breed for your family. |
Are YOU the right owner for a Curly-Coated Retriever?
Can you provide what this breed needs?
- Someone home most of the day
- Fenced yard (6-8 feet high, not an electronic/underground fence)
- Restricted exercise when young – until maturity (at least 18 months old), exercise restricted to multiple short (20 minute) walks, fetch games, and playing with other dogs – no forced running (beside a jogger or bicyclist), no long-distance treks, minimal jumping
- Ample exercise after maturity – enough ongoing exercise that your Curly stays slim and is tired enough to sleep contentedly and not get into mischief
- "Mental exercise" – interesting activities that keep the mind stimulated, such as a challenging dog sport (agility, rally obedience, musical freestyle, tracking, flyball, field trials); challenging dog toys; a homemade obstacle course; tricks and games such as Musical Toys and Hide 'n Seek; instructions in my training book, Teach Your Dog 100 English Words
- An indoor lifestyle, except for exercise and bathroom breaks
- A meat-heavy diet, either homemade or commercial – meat is expensive, so people with less money should opt for a small dog
- An owner with enough money to treat the health problems Curly Coated Retrievers are prone to (pet health insurance can really help here!)
- Commitment to provide thorough socialization – introducing your Curly to lots of people and other animals, diligently correcting any signs of misbehavior
- Commitment to establish the right Leader-Follower relationship with your Curly Coated Retriever, teaching him to listen to you and do what you say
Which sex? What age?
Male Dogs vs. Female Dogs
Which one makes a better pet?
Puppies vs. Adult Dogs
Should you get a young puppy, an older puppy, or an adult dog?
Where can you buy or adopt a Curly-Coated Retriever?
Curly Coated Retrievers are very uncommon in the United States. Out of 189 breeds in the American Kennel Club, where 1 is most popular and 189 is least popular, Curly Coated Retrievers rank 164th. That makes them hard to find.
Adopting From Dog Rescue Organizations
You might find a Curly Coated Retriever available from a Dog Rescue group. But not many are turned over to Rescue, because not many people own them in the first place.
Adopting From Public Animal Shelters and Humane Societies
Curly Coated Retrievers are rarely found here. Curly Rescue groups keep their eyes peeled on shelters and humane societies across the country. On the off chance that a Curly Coated Retriever turns up at a shelter, the rescue group typically moves in quickly to take the dog.
Buying From a Dog Breeder
I don't know any breeders today who produce Curly Coated Retrievers strictly as hunting dogs. Most likely your only source will be a show breeder, who breeds Curlies to match a detailed standard of appearance for the dog show ring. You might also be able to buy a Curly Coated Retriever from people who "just breed pets" or "just had one litter." But should you? Be sure to read the article to learn more about these people.
Here's one difference between a responsible breeder and an irresponsible breeder – BOTH PARENTS of a Curly Coated Retriever puppy should have:
- a certificate from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) – dated within the past year – certifying the dog to be free of eye diseases
- a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) or PennHip certifying the dog to have normal hips
- a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) or a report from a veterinary cardiologist – dated within the past year – certifying that the dog has had an Advanced Cardiac Exam and has a normal heart
If a seller can't show you those certificates, the puppies are higher risk for health problems. You might choose to accept that risk. But then you need to be willing (and able) to pay a couple thousand bucks for future surgeries and lifelong meds if your Curly ends up with cataracts, heart disease, and hip dysplasia.
Pet Shop Puppies: Buying a Puppy From a Pet Store
I have never seen a Curly Coated Retriever in a pet shop, fortunately. I have plenty to say about buying a puppy from a pet shop!
Which puppy?
Choosing the Right Curly-Coated Retriever Puppy
How to test the temperament and personality of Curly-Coated Retriever puppies and pick the best puppy in a litter.
AKC Registered Puppies: Are AKC Papers Important?
Should you buy only an AKC registered Curly-Coated Retriever puppy? Do AKC papers and pedigrees really matter?
Dog Quest: Find The Dog Of Your Dreams
My dog buying/adoption book will help you find a good-tempered, healthy family companion.
To help you train and care for your dog
Dog training videos. Sometimes it's easier to train your puppy (or adult dog) when you can see the correct training techniques in action.
The problem is that most dog training videos on the internet are worthless, because they use the wrong training method. I recommend these dog training videos that are based on respect and leadership.