Alright, let’s talk about them dogs, the ones with the curly hair, you know, like that Labrador but not quite. Folks call ’em Curly-coated Retrievers, fancy name, huh?
Now, I ain’t no expert, but I’ve seen a few dogs in my time. These Curlies, they’re big, real big. Taller than your average Lab, that’s for sure. Strong too, like they could pull a cart full of potatoes no problem. Got these wedge-shaped heads, kinda pointy, and small ears that stick close to their heads. Their chests are deep, real deep, and their bellies tuck up a bit, makes ‘em look…well, kinda fancy, I guess.

Some folks say these Curlies came from mixin’ up a bunch of different dogs. Like that English Water Spaniel, the St. John’s Newfoundland – big fella, that one – and some other fancy breeds. Don’t ask me, I just know they look different. They got that curly hair, all tight and close to their bodies. Usually black, or sometimes this liver color, like a dark, dark brown.
- Big dogs
- Curly hair, black or liver color
- Pointy heads, small ears
Now, them Labs, they got nice hair too, but it ain’t curly like the Curlies. Labs are kinda…rounder, I guess. Not as tall and pointy. But they’re both good dogs, smart too. Though, I heard tell these Curlies, they need someone who’s even smarter than them to train ‘em. Can’t be repeatin’ the same thing over and over, they get bored, just like kids! Gotta keep it interestin’, you know?
Talkin’ ‘bout smarts, both them Curlies and Labs are clever. They learn quick, specially when there’s treats involved! But the Curlies, they’re a bit more…independent maybe. Labs, they just wanna please ya. Curlies, they’ll think about it first, then maybe do what ya want. Stubborn sometimes, like my ol’ mule, but good dogs at heart.
Now, if you’re gettin’ a puppy, whether it’s a Curly or a Lab, you gotta look for a healthy one. Eyes should be bright and clear, no gunk in ‘em. And that fur, it should be shiny, not dull and rough. Puppy should be full of energy, runnin’ around and playin’. You don’t want no sickly pup, that’s for sure. And watch out for them worms and fleas, nasty critters, they are.
So, what’s the difference, you ask? Well, the hair, that’s the obvious one. Curly hair versus that smooth Lab hair. And the size, Curlies are bigger, taller. Temperament too, Curlies are a bit more…reserved, maybe. Labs are just happy-go-lucky all the time. But both of ‘em need trainin’, and both of ‘em need lots of love. And both of ‘em will make a mess in your house if you ain’t careful!
I tell ya, dogs are a blessing and a curse. They give you love and company, but they also chew up your shoes and dig holes in your garden. But I wouldn’t trade ‘em for nothin’. Whether it’s a Labrador Retriever or a Curly-coated Retriever, a dog’s a dog, and they’re all good in their own way. Just gotta find the one that fits your life, that’s all.
The curly hair on them Curlies, it ain’t just for looks, you know. It’s thick and tight, keeps ‘em warm in the cold water. ‘Cause these dogs, they like to swim, they were bred for it. Retrievers, they call ‘em, means they go get things. Throw a stick in the water, they’ll go get it. Throw a duck, they’ll go get that too! Good workin’ dogs, these Curlies, and them Labs too.

So, there ya have it. My two cents on them curly-haired dogs and them Labs. Ain’t much, but it’s honest. Just remember, a dog’s a commitment, not a toy. You gotta feed ‘em, train ‘em, take care of ‘em. But if you do that, they’ll give you more love than you can ever imagine.
And that curly hair, well, it’s just somethin’ special, ain’t it?
Tags: [Labrador Retriever, Curly-coated Retriever, Dog Breeds, Curly Hair, Dog Temperament, Dog Training, Dog Health, Puppy, Big Dogs, Retrievers]