The average price of a curly-coated retriever from a reputable breeder is $1,000 to $2,500. Alternatively, adopting one from an animal rescue shelter costs around $300.
Some curly-coated retrievers are specially trained for search-and-rescue operations and protection services. Highly-skilled retrievers such as these can cost a whopping $15,000—or more!
In this curly-coated retriever price guide, we’ll discuss the key factors that affect the pricing of these extraordinary dogs. We’ll also tackle the annual costs of feeding, grooming, and caring for a curly-coated retriever.
Key Factors Affecting the Price of a Curly-Coated Retriever
The price of a retriever can vary depending on your breeder’s reputation or the shelter’s adoption fees. The following factors also have a significant impact on the market price of curly-coated retrievers:
Scarcity
Despite being around since the 1900s, curly-coated retrievers have remained limited in number. In fact, they almost went extinct in the early 20th century.
At present, this special dog breed has an estimated population of only 5,000 dogs worldwide. Under 2,000 of them are located in the United States.
These dogs’ rarity is one of the factors that consistently drive up their prices. Pet shops usually have long waiting lists for these companions, often taking months for them to be available.
At animal rescue shelters, curly-coated retrievers are even harder to find. You’ll have to contact multiple breed-specific rescue groups in different locations for better chances of getting one.
Demand
Curly-coated retrievers aren’t as popular as Labradors and Golden retrievers. However, they’re still a top choice for families who want affectionate, active, and playful pets.
Additionally, curly-coated retrievers are reliable hunting dogs, capable of finding and retrieving birds and waterfowl. Hence, this breed is popular among hunters and gamekeepers.
What’s more, curly-coated retrievers naturally excel at sports. Their athletic build and boundless energy make them sought-after sporting dogs.
There’s also a high demand for these retrievers in mobility or therapy work, due to their strength and sensitivity. In 2021, curly-coated retrievers ranked 167th in the American Kennel Club’s list of most popular dog breeds.
Pedigree
Another reason behind the high prices of these dogs is their purebred bloodline. Curly-coated retrievers have been purebred since the 1900s, making them one of the oldest retriever breeds!
In addition to their ancestry, these retrievers are also valued for their show-dog qualities. Their glorious dark curls, elegant stance, and graceful gait can impress any judge.
Curly-coated retrievers were some of the participants in England’s first dog shows in the 1860s.
Location
Curly-coated retrievers were originally bred in England and were later introduced to the United States, New Zealand, and Australia. At present, the majority of these dogs’ population is located in the United Kingdom and the United States.
These dogs can also be found in select areas in Europe and Canada.
Importing a dog from these locations significantly increases the total price you’ll need to pay. You’ll have to cover several fees too, such as the following:
– Import permit fees
– Customs bond
– Foreign currency exchange rates
– Shipping fees
– Handling fees
Annual Cost of Owning a Curly-Coated Retriever
The average annual cost of having a curly-coated retriever is $1,300 to $3,900. This amount includes basic necessities and other expenses to keep your pet healthy and happy, such as the following:
1. Food
About 3 to 4 cups of good-quality dry dog food per day is sufficient for adult curly-coated retrievers. These dogs have medium to large body frames and an active lifestyle, which explain their hearty appetites.
Dog food can cost around $50 to $100 a month, depending on the food brand of your choice. Note that your pet’s consumption can change as he grows and his metabolism develops.
2. Health/Vet Care
Curly-coated retrievers are a fit and healthy breed. However, regular check-ups and yearly vaccinations are necessary to ensure that your companion remains in the best of health.
Annual vet care costs for your retriever can cost from $700 to $1,500. Your total bill will depend on the frequency of your vet visits and the specific services you avail.
The National Breed Club recommends the following health tests for curly-coated retrievers:
– Hip evaluation
– Cardiac exam
– Ophthalmologist evaluation
3. Grooming
As for grooming services and products, expect to spend around $80 to $300 per year. Curly-coated retrievers don’t have an undercoat, which lessens their need for frequent baths.
Additionally, these dogs don’t shed a lot, so some light brushing with a rake-type grooming tool will do. You can also choose to trim your dog’s hair and nails yourself, to cut down on costs.
4. Insurance Costs
Common health issues for curly-coated retrievers include joint pain, baldness, and digestive problems. Meanwhile, some of the major conditions that they’re prone to are as follows:
– Hip and elbow dysplasia
– Cancer
– Progressive Retinal Atrophy
To prepare for future vet bills and medication, you might want to consider getting pet insurance for your retriever. Dog insurance plans can cost around $400 to $600 per year.
5. Toys
Curly-coated retrievers are high-energy dogs. You can give them lots of physical and mental stimulation by engaging in challenging games and activities.
The following toys can make playtime incredibly exciting for you and your pet:
– Frisbee discs
– Squeaky balls
– Fetching sticks
– Chew toys
Fun toys for your retriever can cost around $45 to $100 per year.
6. Training
Puppy retrievers need socialization training to help them get used to new people and other pets. This training will also reduce their shyness and anxiety around others.
Curly-coated retrievers also need to learn basic skills, such as potty training, and basic commands, such as sit and stay. Additionally, you can train your retriever for sports, hunting, or other types of fieldwork.
Pet group training classes can cost $150 to $200 per year.
7. Other Costs
The following services and items can also benefit your furry companion:
Dog Boarding Kennel
If you’re going out of town for a work-related event or vacation, you can drop off your pet at a kennel. These places provide your dog with daytime care and nighttime supervision while you’re away.
Dog boarding kennels usually charge $30 to $50 per night.
Pet Accessories
The following accessory items can greatly enhance your doggy’s comfort and safety:
– Dog harness, leash, and collar
– Food and water bowls
– Dog identification tag
– Dog cleaning wipes
Accessories for your retriever can cost around $30 to $80.
Calvin is the co-founder and one of the main contributors to dogtemperament.com. He has been an avid dog lover all his life. He enjoys researching and sharing great ideas on how you can avoid common pitfalls of dog ownership and build the most loving and enjoyable relationship with your dog.
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