Curly Coated Retriever

Feeding a Curly Coated Retriever properly is crucial for maintaining their athletic build and energy levels. These are substantial dogs with hearty appetites, and they're known for eating quickly - sometimes too quickly for their own good.

Most Australian Curly owners find that high-quality commercial dog food works well, particularly formulas designed for large, active breeds. Look for foods with the first ingredient being a named meat source, and avoid those with excessive fillers. Given Australia's hot climate in many regions, ensure the food doesn't contain ingredients that might cause skin sensitivities.

Puppies under one year need large-breed puppy food to support proper growth without encouraging too-rapid development that could affect their joints. Once they reach adulthood, transition to a high-quality adult formula with controlled calcium levels to prevent developmental issues.

The "gobbling" tendency common in this breed can lead to bloat, so consider using a slow-feeding bowl or puzzle feeder. Many Australian pet stores stock these, and they're a worthwhile investment. Divide daily food into two meals rather than one large serving, and avoid exercise for at least an hour after eating.

Portion control is important - these dogs love their food and can easily become overweight if overfed. A typical adult Curly needs about 3-4 cups of high-quality dry food daily, but this varies based on age, activity level, and individual metabolism. Your Australian vet can help determine the right amount for your specific dog.

Fresh water should always be available, especially important given Australia's climate. After swimming sessions at the beach or lake, rinse their mouth with fresh water to remove salt or algae.

Here's where Curly Coated Retrievers become wonderfully low-maintenance compared to many other breeds. Their unique coat is almost self-caring, but there are some specific Australian considerations to keep in mind.

The golden rule with Curly coats is: don't brush them! This might seem counterintuitive, but brushing actually destroys the tight curl pattern and makes the coat frizzy and less water-resistant. Instead, most Australian owners simply wet the coat down after it gets messy and let it air-dry, which actually enhances the curls.

Bathing should be minimal - only when they're genuinely dirty or after swimming in muddy water. Australia's beach culture means many Curlies get regular salt water rinses, which is generally fine, but do rinse with fresh water afterward to prevent skin irritation from salt buildup.

During shedding seasons (usually spring and autumn in Australia), you'll need a rake-type grooming tool to remove dead hair. Females typically shed more dramatically than males, sometimes looking quite bare when they drop their coat. Don't panic - this is normal, and the new coat will grow back beautifully.

Their ears need regular attention, especially given their love of swimming. Australia's humid conditions in places like Darwin and Brisbane can promote ear infections, so clean ears every couple of weeks with a veterinary ear cleaner containing a drying agent. This is particularly important after beach or river swimming sessions.

Nail trimming is essential, especially during Australia's wetter months when dogs spend more time indoors. Check their feet regularly for grass seeds and burrs - a common issue for active dogs in Australian conditions. The webbed feet that make them excellent swimmers also tend to collect debris.

Training a Curly Coated Retriever requires a balanced approach that respects their intelligence while acknowledging their independent streak. These aren't Golden Retrievers who live to please - Curlies are thinking dogs who need to understand the 'why' behind commands.

Start socialisation early and make it comprehensive. Australian puppy schools are excellent for this, but don't stop there. Expose your Curly to different environments - busy shopping centres, weekend markets, various beaches, and bush walking tracks. Their natural reserve with strangers means thorough socialisation is crucial for developing a confident adult dog.

Keep training sessions engaging and varied. Curlies get bored with repetition, so mix up your approach. Use positive reinforcement, but be consistent and clear with expectations. Too soft, and they'll ignore you; too harsh, and they'll shut down. Think of it as negotiating with a clever teenager rather than commanding a soldier.

Exercise requirements are substantial but manageable for active Australian families. Plan for about two hours of exercise daily, but this doesn't mean two hours of running. A morning beach walk, afternoon swimming session, or evening hike in local bushland will keep them content. They're particularly well-suited to Australia's outdoor lifestyle - camping trips, caravan holidays, and weekend adventures to national parks.

Swimming is their absolute favourite activity. If you're near the coast, rivers, or have access to dog-friendly swimming spots, you'll have a very happy Curly. They're natural water babies who seem to have an internal GPS for finding the nearest body of water.

Mental stimulation is equally important. Puzzle toys, scent work, and retriever training games will keep their minds occupied. Many Australian dog training clubs offer gundog or retrieving activities that tap into their natural instincts.