Hard
Curly-Coated Retriever
The Curly-Coated Retriever is the tallest and one of the oldest retriever breeds, distinguished by a completely unique coat unlike any other dog: a mass of tight, crisp curls that cover the entire body except the face and legs, providing exceptional protection in cold water and dense cover. The curls are formed by a single layer of tightly coiled hair and are quite different from a Poodle's soft curls — they are drier, harder, and more water-resistant. Despite its unusual appearance, the Curly-Coated Retriever's coat is actually lower maintenance than most retriever breeds.
Coat Type
Tight, Crisp, Water-Resistant Single Coat of Curls
Groom Every
Every 8-10 weeks
Styles Available
3 cuts
Cuts & Styles
Grooming Styles
1
Natural Breed Trim
The tight curls are maintained in their natural state with light trimming around the feet and sanitary areas. The coat's mass of curls is never clipped or scissored — only cleaned up at the margins. The only correct style for this breed.
2
De-Shedding Bath
A thorough bath with a gentle shampoo designed not to frizz the curls, followed by air-drying or low-heat diffusing rather than high-velocity blow-drying which disrupts the curl pattern. Seasonal de-shedding treatments remove dead coat during the twice-yearly shed.
3
Field Maintenance
A post-hunting rinse to remove mud and debris from the tight curls, followed by air-drying. The Curly's curls naturally shed water and surface dirt, making field maintenance much simpler than most sporting breeds.
Expert Advice
Care Tips
- Never brush a dry Curly-Coated Retriever coat — brushing disrupts the tight curl formation and creates a frizzy, triangular shape that is highly unflattering and difficult to correct; only work the coat with fingers or a wide-tooth comb when wet.
- The Curly's coat is minimally mat-prone compared to most curly breeds because the curls are tight and dry rather than soft and cotton-like — weekly coat checks rather than daily brushing is a realistic maintenance schedule.
- Wet the coat completely before any detangling — the tight curls are best managed after bathing when the curl pattern is defined and the hair is supple; dry manipulation breaks the curl structure.
- The face and front legs have straight rather than curly hair and are the most mat-prone areas — brush these sections gently 2–3 times per week with a slicker brush.
- A Curly-Coated Retriever should never be scissored into a non-natural shape — the coat grows in a specific curl pattern that looks completely correct on a well-maintained specimen and completely wrong when cut into any other shape.
Recommended Tools
What you'll need
Miller's Forge Quality Nail Clipper
Nail CareUsed by professional groomers worldwide. Made of high-quality Italian stainless steel with a heavy-duty spring for clean, sharp cuts.
$10 - $15
Chris Christensen Oval Pin Brush
BrushPremium pin brush with rounded stainless steel pins that gently glide through long flowing coats without scratching the skin. The preferred daily brush for Maltese, Yorkies, Silky Terriers, and long-haired cats. Builds coat and reduces static far better than economy pin brushes.
$25 - $40
Wahl Dry Skin & Itch Relief Pet Shampoo — Oatmeal Formula
ShampooA concentrated, pH-balanced oatmeal shampoo that soothes itchy and sensitive skin. Alcohol-free and paraben-free formula is gentle enough for dogs with allergies, skin folds, and short sensitive coats. Made in the USA. One bottle dilutes up to 12:1 for professional use.
$8 - $16
*As an Amazon Associate, Groomas earns from qualifying purchases.
Deep Dives
Curly-Coated Retriever Grooming Guides
Summer Grooming
Heat management, coat care, and seasonal tips.
Read guide
Winter Coat Care
Cold-weather protection and moisture balance.
Read guide
Shedding Season
Survive the seasonal blowout without losing your mind.
Read guide
Prevent Matting
Detangle, prevent, and protect their coat year-round.
Read guide
Best Brushes
The right tools for this specific coat type.
Read guide
Nail Trimming
Safe nail care frequency and technique.
Read guide
Ear Cleaning
Prevent infections with proper ear care.
Read guide
Bathing Guide
How often to bathe and which products to use.
Read guide
Grooming Cost
What professional grooming should cost for this breed.
Read guide
Hypoallergenic
Shedding, dander, and allergy-friendly coat care.
Read guide
First-Time Owner
Grooming basics for new owners of this breed.
Read guide
Skin & Allergies
Itchy skin, hot spots, and coat-sensitive care.
Read guide
Dental Care
Oral hygiene tied to coat and skin health.
Read guide
Flea & Tick
Parasite prevention without damaging the coat.
Read guide
Pro vs DIY
When to groom at home and when to hire a pro.
Read guide
Free Newsletter
Grooming tips in your inbox
Monthly breed spotlights, grooming hacks, and product picks. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Free monthly grooming tips — join anytime