Curly coated retrievers

[Mossdog 27]

Does anyone know if there are curly coats out there that are working gundogs?

 

I don't mean dogs bred for the show ring that happen to have the working gundog cert. I mean dogs that pick up throughout the shooting season on ordinary shoots.

 

Also, if it is still possible to find such a dog, can anyone recommend a breeder who might let me come and see them working and generally ask lots of questions? I've read up all I can, but there is only so much you can get from a book and it is just 1 person's opinion after all!

 

I'm looking for a dog that I can pick up with and maybe also compete in working trails (as in the jumping / tracking etc - not field trials) It's very much a long-term ambition - in a few years' time, but while I'm waiting, my aim is to do as much finding out and watching as I can so I make the right decision for me.

 

I've met some curlies at a show and they had lovely temperaments - but a few people have pulled faces like this when I've mentioned them and suggested there are some really nasty ones!

 

This would be my fist proper picking up dog, but I've had dogs since the 70s and been closely involved with terriers, lurchers, herding dogs, hounds and search dogs. I'm no expert - who is?! but I've definitely not got a 'one method fits all' approach, so I don't think I'd be put off by a dog that wasn't all plain sailing.

[The Sporting Agent 0]

Does anyone know if there are curly coats out there that are working gundogs?

 

I don't mean dogs bred for the show ring that happen to have the working gundog cert. I mean dogs that pick up throughout the shooting season on ordinary shoots.

 

Also, if it is still possible to find such a dog, can anyone recommend a breeder who might let me come and see them working and generally ask lots of questions? I've read up all I can, but there is only so much you can get from a book and it is just 1 person's opinion after all!

 

I'm looking for a dog that I can pick up with and maybe also compete in working trails (as in the jumping / tracking etc - not field trials) It's very much a long-term ambition - in a few years' time, but while I'm waiting, my aim is to do as much finding out and watching as I can so I make the right decision for me.

 

I've met some curlies at a show and they had lovely temperaments - but a few people have pulled faces like this when I've mentioned them and suggested there are some really nasty ones!

 

This would be my fist proper picking up dog, but I've had dogs since the 70s and been closely involved with terriers, lurchers, herding dogs, hounds and search dogs. I'm no expert - who is?! but I've definitely not got a 'one method fits all' approach, so I don't think I'd be put off by a dog that wasn't all plain sailing.

 

Not a breed I know much about, but these guys seem to ....... http://www.curlycoatedretrieverclub.co.uk/workingcurly.htm

[Mossdog 27]

Thanks - just had a look and found the 'Working Co-ordinator's' number.