GENERAL APPEARANCE
Shoulder height: 63.5-68.5cm (25”-27”)
Colour: Black or liver. 
Coat: A mass of small crisp curls. Smooth hair on head, pasterns and feet.
Gait: Fore and hindlegs propel well out.
These upstanding dogs are eye catching with their distinctive coats. The large dark eyes are set midway in a strong well proportioned smooth coated head. In contrast to the head, the pendant ears are covered with small tight curls. Among the tallest in the gundog group, in order that these dogs reach the ground easily, means the neck must be proportionately longer than the shorter legged retrievers. A strong body, deep chest for adequate heart and lung room, strong well angulated fore and hindquarters are required. The tapering tail is carried out when the dog is moving.
CHARACTERISTICS AND CARE
These retrievers with their weatherproof coats, excel in working on land or in water. The jaws must be wide so the dog can balance the game between its jaws without crushing the prey and marking the skin - this is known as a ‘soft’ mouth. It is surprising  this breed is not more popular, as besides being most intelligent and lovable, they reputedly have an impish sense of humour. Although amenable to training, Curly Coated Retrievers have the ability to think on their own and use their own initiative. Their naturally oily coat requires little care and like a duck, easily shakes off water. No trimming is required, and only periodic brushing is needed to remove dead hair during seasonal shedding.
HISTORY
This breed is believed to be one of the oldest of the retrieving breeds. Originally evolved for the job of retrieving ducks from English marshlands, it is presumed Curly Coated Retrievers are the result of crosses during the 16th century between an English water spaniel, the liver coloured Irish Water Spaniel, a retrieving setter and the Poodle. Due to their affinity with water, some believe that later, the smaller St. ]ohn’s Newfoundland also may have played a part in the evolvement of the breed.