Curly Coated Retriever — questions to ask before paying a deposit
A responsible breeder will have these readily available. Deflection is a red flag.
Glycogen storage disease IIIa (GSD IIIa)can shorten life or cause chronic pain
A metabolic disorder identified specifically in this breed, caused by deficiency of an enzyme needed to break down stored glycogen. Affected dogs seem normal as puppies but develop exercise intolerance, lethargy and collapse as adults, usually progressing towards liver problems.
Ask to see: DNA test for the AGL gene mutation on both parents
Glycogen storage disease type IIIa in curly-coated retrievers, PubMed (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17338148/) · Curly-Coated Retriever Club of America — Health Information (https://www.ccrca.org/health.html)
Exercise-induced collapse (EIC)can shorten life or cause chronic pain
Collapse with hindquarter weakness or wobbliness after intense, excited exercise. Reported carrier and affected rates in this breed (around 40% carriers, 18% affected) are markedly higher than in Labradors, where the same mutation was first described.
Ask to see: DNA test for the DNM1 gene mutation on both parents
Presence and impact of the exercise-induced collapse associated DNM1 mutation in Labrador Retrievers and other breeds, PubMed (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21782486/)
Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat/GDV)can shorten life or cause chronic pain
A life-threatening emergency in which the stomach fills with gas and twists, cutting off its own blood supply. The breed's own international owner survey estimated a 7% lifetime prevalence with a 34% fatality rate once it happens, and found having a first-degree relative that had bloated was the clearest predictor.
Ask to see: No screening or DNA test exists. Ask whether the sire, dam or their first-degree relatives have ever bloated, and discuss preventive gastropexy with a vet
Estimated Lifetime Prevalence of Bloat in Curly-Coated Retrievers Using International Survey Data of Owners — CCRCA (https://www.ccrca.org/downloads/Bloatarticle.pdf)
Hip dysplasia
Malformation of the hip joint that can progress to osteoarthritis. Screening is part of the breed's recommended CHIC testing panel.
Ask to see: Hip evaluation from OFA or PennHIP on both parents
AKC — Sporting Group Health Testing Requirements (https://www.akc.org/breeder-programs/breed-health-testing-requirements/sporting-group-health-testing-requirements/)
Elbow dysplasia
Developmental abnormalities of the elbow joint causing pain and a predisposition to arthritis. Screening is part of the breed's recommended CHIC testing panel.
Ask to see: Elbow evaluation from OFA on both parents
AKC — Sporting Group Health Testing Requirements (https://www.akc.org/breeder-programs/breed-health-testing-requirements/sporting-group-health-testing-requirements/)
Congenital heart disease
Structural heart defects present from birth. Cardiac certification is part of the breed's recommended CHIC testing panel, though no single named defect dominates the available material for this breed.
Ask to see: Echocardiogram from a board-certified veterinary cardiologist (OFA cardiac certification) on both parents
AKC — Sporting Group Health Testing Requirements (https://www.akc.org/breeder-programs/breed-health-testing-requirements/sporting-group-health-testing-requirements/)
Epilepsy
Recurrent seizures with no identifiable structural or metabolic cause. The breed club maintains a dedicated epilepsy database, but no causative gene or DNA test has been found in this breed.
Ask to see: No validated screening or DNA test exists. Ask whether the sire, dam or their close relatives have a seizure history
Curly-Coated Retriever Club of America — Health Information (Canine Epilepsy Study, CCR Epilepsy Database) (https://www.ccrca.org/health.html)