🐾 Welcome to the Curly Coated Retriever Club of Victoria!
We are a passionate community dedicated to celebrating, promoting, and protecting the Curly Coated Retriever—one of the oldest and most distinctive retriever breeds in the world.
Whether you’re a long-time Curly owner or just beginning your journey with this wonderful breed, the CCRAV is here to support you. Our mission is to connect Curly enthusiasts, provide education and resources, and host events that bring the Curly community together.
Through social days, breed showcases, training opportunities, and community engagement, we aim to foster a positive environment where both owners and dogs can thrive. We believe in responsible breeding, health testing, and supporting the breed’s future through education and advocacy.
Join us in celebrating this rare and remarkable breed—where every curly tail wag brings us closer together!
🐾 CCRAV Mission Statement
To preserve, promote, and protect the Curly Coated Retriever in Australia by advocating for responsible breeding, education, community engagement, and support for owners and enthusiasts. We are dedicated to maintaining the breed’s unique characteristics and celebrating its versatility as a working, show, and companion dog.
🌟 CCRAV Vision Statement
To be the leading voice for Curly Coated Retrievers in Australia, fostering a thriving, knowledgeable, and connected community that champions the breed’s future through excellence in care, training, and advocacy.
The Curly Coated Retriever Club of Victoria
The Curly Coated Retriever Club of Victoria (CCRAV) proudly represents this rare and remarkable breed across Australia. As the only club dedicated to promoting and protecting the Curly Coated Retriever, we bring together a passionate community of owners, breeders, and enthusiasts who share a love for these intelligent, loyal, and versatile companions.
Affectionately known as the Curly, this breed is the tallest of the retrievers and one of the oldest, with origins dating back to the 1800s in England. Recognised for its crisp, water-resistant curls, the Curly is a true sporting dog, equally at home in the field, at the show ring, or as a beloved family pet. Though intelligents and affectionate, they can be independent and sometimes aloof with strangers—a testament to their history as gamekeepers’ trusted companions.
About the Breed
Curly Coated Retrievers are renowned for their versatility and make exceptional family dogs. Known for their affectionate and loyal nature, Curlies thrive in a family environment where they can bond closely with their people. They are gentle and patient with children, often forming strong, protective relationships with all family members.
While they may appear aloof with strangers at first, Curlies are deeply devoted to their families and make wonderful companions. Their calm yet confident nature allows them to fit seamlessly into a variety of households—whether it’s joining in active outdoor adventures or relaxing indoors as a loving family pet.
These well-muscled, agile dogs excel in many roles, including hunting, retrieving, obedience, tracking, and therapy work. Males typically stand 69 cm at the withers and females 64 cm, with coats in black or liver. And yes, they do shed—though their single coat makes grooming relatively straightforward!
Training & Mental Stimulation: Curlies are highly intelligent and quick learners but can become bored with repetitive training. They respond best to positive, reward-based methods and thrive when given challenges that engage both their body and mind. Consistent, gentle training helps them grow into well-mannered, adaptable companions.
Exercise Needs: As a breed developed for hunting and retrieving, Curlies love exercise and excel in active pursuits such as swimming, hiking, agility, and fieldwork. They benefit from regular playtime and mental enrichment to keep them happy and healthy. While active and energetic outdoors, adult Curlies are generally calm and relaxed inside the home, enjoying family time and snuggling on the couch.
Indoor Adaptability: Despite their athleticism, Curlies adapt well to indoor living when their exercise needs are met. They’re content to relax indoors with their family and are known for being gentle, steady, and affectionate housemates.
A Rare and Endangered Breed
Did you know the Curly Coated Retriever is considered rare and even endangered? With so few breeders and a limited gene pool, every effort to promote responsible ownership and breeding helps secure the future of this remarkable dog.
Is a Curly Coated Retriever Right for You?
If you’re looking for an intelligent, steady, and loyal companion with a dash of independence, the Curly might be the perfect fit. To ensure you’re purchasing a purebred Curly Coated Retriever, always ask for an original ANKC registration certificate and copies of relevant health tests (e.g. PRA, EIC, Hip Scores). For more information on why choosing a purebred dog is important, visit the Dogs Victoria website.
Supporting Our Mission
CCRAV hosts social events, educational workshops, and training opportunities for members and their dogs. We also manage the Curly Shop, offering a range of merchandise with proceeds supporting breed promotion and club initiatives. Stay tuned for our annual Calendar—coming soon!
President: Dan Moloney [email protected]
Vice President: Sharon Villiers [email protected]
Secretary: Melinda Naughton [email protected]
Assistant Secretary: Cassie Parker [email protected]
Treasurer Brian Durrant [email protected]
Newsletter Editor/ Curly Shop: Cassie Parker [email protected]
Membership Officer: Brian Durrant [email protected]
Committee Members :
Michelle Kirk [email protected]
Nicole Cassar [email protected]
James Naughton [email protected]
Jane Kibble [email protected]
Contact Details
Melinda NaughtonTaradale, VIC, Australia
Phone : 0401 138 905
Email : [email protected]
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