The Curlies usefulness as a sporting dog comes from a combination of pace, endurance, intelligence and a good nose. With its size and strength they are able to retrieve almost anything, but it is in the water that they excel usually showing a strong desire to swim from an early age. They also have an excellent ability to "memorise" the fall of the bird and so it is not often that they will lose any fallen game.

The Curly Coated Retriever is a slow maturing dog and may take up to three years to reach maturity. Their temperament is kind and good-hearted. They are not apt to bark, but when they do their deep bark alone is enough to stop unwanted intruders in their tracks. The Curly does have a mind of its own and is obedient, but tend to be so in its own time. They are a fun loving, gentle companion for all members of the family.

COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER PETS

The Curly seems to adapt to most other pets, and has been known to happily share his home with cats and other dogs.

CARE REQUIREMENTS

As with all large dogs the Curly Coated Retriever needs plenty of exercise to keep it in good condition.

The Curlies do not need much grooming and are a "wash and wear" dog. On no account should a brush or comb be used. A 10-minute grooming session, using scissors and trimming any scraggly bits from around the tail and ears is all that is required, no more than two or three times a year.

IDEAL OWNERS

Curlies adapt well to most people and as long as it is treated well it will be a loyal and devoted friend to its owner.

IN CONCLUSION

If you have decided that the Curly Coated Retriever is the dog for you and you are aware that this dog can take up to three years to fully mature, then contact one of the groups listed below:

DECISION TIME

Before making a decision on getting a puppy, here are some articles you might find helpful:

• What do we need to consider if we are thinking of buying a puppy?
• How do I determine which breeder to use?
• What should you ask the breeder?
• How do you check if the breeder is reputable?
• What to ask your vet prior to buying a puppy

RECOMMENDED BREEDERS

Breeder Name	Kennel	State
Ann Latimer	Lyndsayvale	NT	Contact
David and Helen Jones	Dizzyki	SA	Contact
Chris Kelly	curltriever	VIC	Contact
Marilyn Cook	Keysteel	VIC	Contact
tony eanes	cudyncae	QLD	Contact
Joanne Foley	Waterfield Kennels	NSW	Contact

* We have vetted and approved these independent breeders as meeting, at the time, our criteria for the reliable breeding, feeding, care and sale of suitable quality puppies of this breed. This does not mean that other breeders do not meet these criteria or are not otherwise suitable suppliers. Nor can our vetting and approval guarantee the quality of a breeder or puppy or that you will be happy with them. We disclaim any liability for the quality, acts or omissions of these breeders or their puppies and our approval of breeders is not a substitute for you making all appropriate enquiries and checks (including veterinary checks) before choosing a specific breeder or puppy.

CANINE CLUBS

Australian Capital Territory ACT Canine Association Inc PO Box 815 Dickson, ACT 2602 Tel: 02 6241 4404 Fax: 02 6241 1129 Email: CONTACT Website: www.actca.asn.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		New South Wales Royal New South Wales Canine Council Ltd PO Box 632 St Marys, NSW 1790 Tel: 02 9834 3022 or 1300 728 022 (NSW only) Fax: 02 9834 3872 Email: CONTACT Website: www.rnswcc.org.au (Details current as of 1/08/04)
Northern Territory The North Australian Canine Association Inc PO Box 37521 Winnellie, NT 0821 Tel: 08 8984 3570 Fax: 08 8984 3409 Email: CONTACT Website: www.users.bigpond.com/naca1/ (Details correct as of 6/08/04)		Queensland Canine Control Council (Queensland) PO Box 495 Fortitude Valley, Qld 4006 Tel: 07 3252 2661 Fax: 07 3252 3864 Email: CONTACT Website: www.cccq.org.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)
South Australia South Australian Canine Association Inc PO Box 844 Prospect East, SA 5082 Tel: 08 8349 4797 Fax: 08 8262 5751 Email: CONTACT Website: www.saca.caninenet.com (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		Tasmania Tasmanian Canine Association Inc The Rothman Building PO Box 116 Glenorchy, Tas 7010 Tel: 03 6272 9443 Fax: 03 6273 0844 Email: CONTACT Website: www.tca.freeservers.com (Details correct as of 1/08/04)
Victoria Victorian Canine Association Locked Bag K9 Cranbourne, Vic 3977 Tel: 03 9788 2500 Fax: 03 9788 2599 Email: CONTACT Website: www.vca.org.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		Western Australia Canine Association of Western Australia Inc PO Box 1404 Canning Vale, WA 6970 Tel: 08 9455 1188 Fax: 08 9455 1190 Email: CONTACT Website: www.cawa.asn.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)