Tallest breed of retriever

The tallest breed of retriever is the curly coated retriever, which according to show standards should stand between 64 and 69 cm at the withers in males, and between 58 and 64 cm at the withers in females. However, individuals bred purely for field work rather than for showing tend to be somewhat smaller in size.

This gundog breed's characteristic tightly curled coat is very effective in repelling water and burrs, as well as protecting the dog from injuries that a thinner coat would be unable to do. Although not as famous nowadays as the golden retriever and labrador retriever, it was one of the first two breeds of retriever to receive official recognition (the other one being the flat-coated retriever), and was originally bred in England, to retrieve waterfowl after they had been shot.