The Curly-Coated Retriever breed of dog is a strong, agile, black or liver-colored dog distinguished by its coat of small, tight, water-resistant curls. A wonderful multi-purpose hunting retriever, the Curly-Coated Retriever has a playful side as strong as his work ethic, and thus makes an equally notable family dog. The coat, a hallmark of the breed, is of great importance for all curlies, whether companion, hunting or show dogs. The perfect coat is a dense mass of small, distinct, crisp curls. The Curly-Coated Retriever is highly intelligent, readily trainable -- albeit independent -- and, as such, is cherished as much for his companionship at home as he is in the field. The head of the Curly-Coated Retriever breed of dog is a longer-than-wide wedge, easily distinguished from all other retriever breeds. The head has a nearly straight, continuous taper to the nose. His expression is intelligent and alert. The eyes are almond-shaped, somewhat large but not too prominent. They should be black or brown in black dogs and brown or amber in liver dogs. His ears are slightly small, set on a line slightly above the corner of the eye, and lying close to the head. The muzzle is wedge-shaped, mouth is level, and jaws are long and strong. A scissors bite is preferred. Teeth set straight and even. The lips are tight and clean. The nose is fully pigmented; black on black dogs, brown on liver dogs. The neck of the Curly-Coated Retriever breed of dog is strong and slightly arched, of medium length. His back is strong and level, while the loins are short and muscular. The croup slopes slightly, the chest is decidedly deep and not too wide. The ribs are well-sprung. The Curly's tail is carried straight or fairly straight, never docked, and reaches approximately to the hock. It should be covered with curls. The Curly-Coated Retriever's shoulder blades are very long, well covered with muscle, and are moderately laid back at about a 55 degree angle. The width between shoulder blades is adequate to allow enough flexibility to easily retrieve game. Upper arm bones are about equal in length with shoulder blades. The equal length of shoulder blade and upper arm bone allows for good extension of the front legs. The forelegs are straight with strong, true pasterns. Thighs are powerful with muscling carrying well down into the second thigh. Stifle is of moderate bend. The hocks are strong and true, turning neither in nor out, with hock joint well let down. Feet are round and compact, with well-arched toes and thick pads. Both front and rear dewclaws are generally removed. The coat of the Curly-Coated Retriever is quite different from that of any other breed. His coat is a thick mass of small, tight, crisp curls, lying close to the skin, resilient, water resistant, and of sufficient density to provide protection against weather, water and thick cover. The curls extend up the entire neck to the occiput, down the thigh and back leg to at least the hock, and over the entire tail. Elsewhere, his coat is short, smooth and straight, such as on the forehead, face, front of forelegs, and feet. A looser, more open curl is acceptable on the ears. Feathering may be trimmed from the ears, belly, backs of forelegs, thighs, pasterns, hocks, and feet. On the tail, feathering should be removed. The Curly-Coated Retriever breed of dog may be either black or liver. A few white hairs are allowable, but a prominent white patch is not. The Curly-Coated Retriever's dual function as both waterfowl retriever and upland game hunter requires strength and power, but also speed and agility. The Curly's ground-covering stride exhibits both grace and power. His seemingly effortless trot is efficient and balanced, with both front and back contributing to his free-flowing motion.