Page 238 - ShowSight - February 2020

THE
CURLY- COATED RETRIEVER
1. Where do you live? What do you do “outside” of dogs?
2. In popularity, The Curly is currently ranked #162 out of 192 AKC-recognized breeds. Do you hope this will change or are you comfortable with his placement? Do these numbers help or hurt the breed?
3. Does the average person on the street recognize him for what he is?
4. Although he’s a tremendously hard-working dog with great power and stamina, he’s highly valued as a companion. What qualities in the field also come in handy around the house?
5. An energetic dog—of any size—requires a special household to be a perfect fit. What about the breed makes him an ideal companion? Drawbacks?
6. Are there any misconceptions about the breed you’d like to dispel?
7. What special challenges do CCR breeders face in our current economic and social climate?
8. At what age do you start to see definite signs of show-worthi- ness (or lack thereof)?
9. Is there a good show/pet market for the breed?
10. What is the most important thing about the breed for a new judge to keep in mind?
11. What’s the best way to attract newcomers to your breed and to the sport?
12. What is your ultimate goal for the breed?
13. What is your favorite dog show memory?
14. Is there anything else you’d like to share about the breed? Please elaborate.
IRIS ANDRE
In 1987 I purchased my first Curly-Coated Retriever from a local breeder. Their intelli- gence and unique look drew me to the breed. I became involved in show and performance and expanded my devo- tion to the National Breed Club as the Divi- sion Director and later the President. I worked to increase breed aware- ness and education while promoting good health in our breed. Most recently I have
jumped in with both feet training the dogs in the sport they love, hunt tests. I believe this breed, although still somewhat rare, is one of the most family oriented, dual purposed, healthy dogs that I have
enjoyed being around. I enjoy the breed immensely and have devot- ed my life to supporting and improving the breed.
I live just outside of Sacramento, California. I work for a health- care organization and enjoy time with my two girls and husband.
Do I hope the breed’s ranking will change? I don’t think pop- ularity is or should be a goal for our breed. Preservation is most important. We want the breed to stay relevant and preserved, not lost with the hybrid mix breeds that have weaken the value of pure- bred dogs. As a rare breed, we are most affected by any move away from purebreds.
Does the average person on the street recognize my breed? No, they are not easily recognized but that makes them such a special dog. I like explaining to someone who the breed is and where it came from. It is definitely a conversation starter.
What qualities in the field also come in handy around the house? I work the dogs in the field and what I value in the house is their obedience. They easily go from working to relax mode.
What about my breed makes them an ideal companion? They are a large breed and you need to plan for their size but they are not generally high energy in the house. Once trained as a puppy, they easily become quiet house pets.
Are there any misconceptions about my breed? They do shed. Since they have a curly coat, it is assumed that they don’t shed. They shed, not as much as a Labrador but still is shedding.
What special challenges do CCR breeders face? We need to help educate the community about purebred dogs and help them under- stand that any mixed breed is just that. If we don’t provide the value of purebred dogs, we can find many of our breeds will be lost and just pictures in a history book.
What age do I start to see definite signs of show-worthiness? We have a slow maturing dog and it might be as late as two years old before you know if they are going to be a good show dog. They tend to fill out and mature bedywise late.
Is there a good market for my breed? It seems to change from year to year on whether they are in high demand. What I am most proud is that a majority of my puppy buyers are repeat Curly own- ers. We have a huge following that would never get another breed.
What is the most important thing about my breed for a new judge to keep in mind? A judge should understand that they are not a Golden or Labrador. They can be silly when young and aloof compared to other Retrievers. They should not be shy, just may be disinterested in the food that you are showing them to get their ears perked.
What’s the best way to attract newcomers to my breed? I con- tinue to believe that Curly owners are the best ambassadors. The breed is great in any scenario and I find that just meeting the dog gets people to ask, how do I get one.
What is my ultimate goal for my breed? To keep good move- ment and type while at the same time maintain great hunting drive and trainability.
What is my favorite dog show memory? Every year, we come together at our CCRCA National Specialty and each year sharing time with my fellow Curly owners is one of my best memories.
236 • ShowSight Magazine, February 2020