Comparison: Curly Coated Retriever and Labrador Retriever

Curly Coated Retriever and Labrador 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
Labrador Retriever
Photo: Ballparx, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
Curly Coated RetrieverLabrador 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 cm54–62 cm
Weight–25–36 kg
Life span–10–14 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
  • Short dense water-repellent coat: black, yellow, chocolate
  • Otter tail and broad head
  • Strong build, strongly water-loving
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.Short, hard, dense, water-repellent; black, yellow, chocolate.
PurposeA retriever for fetching game, recognisable by its unique curly coat.Developed from St. John's water dogs used by fishermen in Newfoundland; refined in Britain as a retriever; now an assistance dog.

Breed page: Curly Coated Retriever · Breed page: Labrador 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.