THE RETRIEVER. 221 
(A) THE CURLY-COATED RETRIEVER. 
This variety of the retriever is always a cross between the St. 
John’s Newfoundland and a water-spaniel, which is generally Irish. 
Hence it has become a necessary point that his face shall be bare 
and his tail free from feather and sting-like, as in the Irish breed. 
We cannot trace with certainty the foundation of the curly 
retriever, but, from his appearance and the prominence of the 
The Curly-Coated Retriever. 
above points, no doubt can be entertained that his origin is as 
I have described. A cross with the poodle has been probably 
attempted, but it is said to spoil the coat, though I should fancy 
it would improve the utility of the dog as a retriever. At present 
the wavy-coated variety is in fashion, the prevailing opinion being 
