Comparison: Curly Coated Retriever and Flat-Coated Retriever

Curly Coated Retriever and Flat-Coated Retriever are marked as similar in our database. The table compares only the data we have on the breeds.

Curly Coated Retriever
Photo: Canarian, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
Flat-Coated Retriever
Photo: Peulle, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
Curly Coated RetrieverFlat-Coated Retriever
FCI group8. Retrievers, flushing dogs and water dogs8. Retrievers, flushing dogs and water dogs
Country of originUnited KingdomUnited Kingdom
CategoryLargeLarge
Height at withers64–69 cm56–61 cm
Weight–25–36 kg
Life span–8–10 years
Recognition features
  • Body covered in tight crisp curls from occiput to tip of tail
  • Wedge-shaped head, smooth hair on face and legs
  • Black or liver only
  • Long straight black or liver coat
  • Lean head and long straight tail
  • Elegant, lighter build than a Labrador
CoatBody coat a thick mass of small tight crisp curls lying close to the skin from occiput to tip of tail, without undercoat or bare patches; smooth hair elsewhere. Black or liver; any other colour unacceptable.Long, flat, dense coat.
PurposeA retriever for fetching game, recognisable by its unique curly coat.A 19th-century English gamekeeper's retriever that fetched game from land and water.

Breed page: Curly Coated Retriever · Breed page: Flat-Coated Retriever

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The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard.