Curly-Coated Retrievers are active dogs that love being outside. Bred to be working dogs, they are smart, strong-willed, and affectionate with family, especially children for whom they make a reasonable playmate. They tend to be cautious but polite with strangers. Most do fine but Curly-Coated Retrievers are hunting dogs. Some may not be compatible with all pets. The breed was originally developed for water retrieving, although they can also retrieve on land as they have a 'soft mouth' suitable for retrieving small game birds. They are highly active outdoors which goes well with their significant need for regular exercise. They do best with a large yard and a mental challenge to keep them from becoming destructive. But they also need to be part of the family and should not be left outside all day. They are happiest with regular chances to swim. Barking little, they still make good watchdogs and reasonable guard dogs. While tireless and enthusiastic outside, they are calm indoors.

Large dogs, Curly-Coated Retrievers stand 23-27 inches tall and weigh 65-80 pounds. They are graceful and elegant with a coat of small, tight, crisp curls that lie close to the skin. The coat is dense and water-resistant, either black or liver in color. They require minimal grooming. Frequent brushing or combing makes their coat frizzy; brush them regularly only during seasonal shedding. With this small grooming effort, they shed no more than the average dog. Although they can live outdoors in temperate weather, they are best as indoor-outdoor dogs so they have access to family. They are moderately tolerant of both heat and cold.

Curly-Coated Retrievers tend to be shy and require careful socialization to be comfortable around strangers and new situations. Socializing helps them get along with other dogs and polishes their exceptional ability with children. The breed is intelligent and easily trainable. They are working dogs with a great capacity to learn, but need a large quantity of exercise and mental stimulation. While they might not be the best choice, they are a reasonable choice for a first-time dog owner who is committed to giving the dog what it needs.