Grooming the Curly Coated Retriever
By Cindra Grooming Products – USA-Made, Professional Grooming Essentials
Last updated: December 19, 2025
Coat
The Curly-Coated Retriever’s coat is a defining characteristic and unlike that of any other breed. It consists of a dense mass of small, tight, crisp curls that lie close to the skin. These curls are resilient, water resistant, and of sufficient thickness to protect the dog against weather, water, and punishing cover—making this coat particularly suited for water work and field conditions.
Curls extend along the entire neck, down the thighs and back legs to the hocks, and fully cover the tail. In contrast, the coat is short, smooth, and straight on the forehead, face, front of forelegs, and feet. Bald patches or areas of uncurled hair are considered faults under the breed standard.
Because of this unique structure, grooming a Curly-Coated Retriever differs significantly from other retrievers. Incorrect techniques—such as heavy brushing or high-heat drying—can permanently damage curl structure and reduce the coat’s natural protective qualities.
Character
Curly-Coated Retrievers are intelligent, confident, and versatile working dogs. They are known for independence, resilience, and steady temperament. Their coat reflects their function: durable, efficient, and purposeful. Grooming should respect these qualities rather than attempt to soften or sculpt the coat.
Recommended Cindra Grooming Products
- Cindra Texturizing Shampoo – cleans without relaxing curl structure
- Cindra Moisturizing Shampoo – for skin balance when extra hydration is needed
- Cindra Moisture Plus Conditioner – used sparingly for dry or weather-stressed areas
- Cindra Reconstructor – supports coat resilience during seasonal change
- Cindra Maxi Care – lightweight leave-in support during brushing or drying
Common Curly-Coated Retriever Coat Problems & Solutions
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Coat feels soft or limp | Bathe using Texturizing Shampoo and avoid heavy conditioning. |
| Loss of curl definition | Rinse thoroughly and allow the coat to air dry. Avoid blow dryers and brushing once dry. |
| Dry or weather-stressed coat | Apply Reconstructor sparingly after exposure to harsh conditions. |
| Debris buildup after field work | Rinse thoroughly with clean water. Shampoo only when truly needed to preserve natural oils. |
| Seasonal shedding | Massage the coat with warm water during shedding periods. Use a wide-tooth comb only while the coat is wet. |
How to Groom a Curly-Coated Retriever
Hands-On Coat Care
The Curly coat traps dead hair within the curl pattern rather than shedding freely. The most effective grooming tool is your hands. While the coat is wet, gently massage with fingertips to loosen dead curls without breaking structure.
Professional tip: Do not brush or comb the coat when dry. This damages curl integrity and creates frizz.
Bathing
Bathe only when necessary—after heavy field use, odor, or during seasonal coat drop. Use either Texturizing Shampoo or Moisturizing Shampoo, depending on coat condition. Work shampoo through using fingertips, not brushes.
Drying
After bathing, gently towel blot excess water and allow the coat to air dry. Forced air or heat drying relaxes curls and compromises coat texture.
A light mist of Maxi Care may be used while the coat is damp to support curl resilience during drying.
Trimming
The body coat should remain natural. Limited trimming may be done for cleanliness and balance:
- Ears (prevent dreadlocking)
- Feet and pads
- Hocks and rear legs if uneven
- Underside of tail
Trim only when the coat is slightly damp using sharp scissors to preserve curl shape.
Seasonal Shedding
Curly-Coated Retrievers typically shed twice per year. During these periods, increased water massage and careful rinsing help release dead curls. Comb sparingly while wet if necessary—never aggressively.
The Cindra Touch
The Curly-Coated Retriever coat is functional by design. Cindra Grooming Products are made in the USA and formulated to support coat strength, skin health, and natural structure—without softening, flattening, or altering breed-correct texture.
Respect the curl, groom with intention, and the Curly coat will remain resilient, distinctive, and true to purpose.