Comparison: Curly Coated Retriever and Portuguese Water Dog

Curly Coated Retriever and Portuguese Water Dog 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
Portuguese Water Dog
Photo: andreaarden, CC BY 2.0, source
Curly Coated RetrieverPortuguese Water Dog
FCI group8. Retrievers, flushing dogs and water dogs8. Retrievers, flushing dogs and water dogs
Country of originUnited KingdomPortugal
CategoryLargeMedium
Height at withers64–69 cm43–57 cm
Weight–16–25 kg
Life span–11–14 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
  • Curly or wavy non-shedding coat
  • Often clipped in a "lion" clip
  • Strong, medium-sized build
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.Curly or wavy non-shedding coat.
PurposeA retriever for fetching game, recognisable by its unique curly coat.Portuguese fishermen used it to herd fish into nets and carry messages between boats.

Breed page: Curly Coated Retriever · Breed page: Portuguese Water Dog

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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.