TRAIL and search dogs, Murray River Curly Coated Retrievers excel in duck hunts and deer tracking. They also seem to be good at seeking each other out.
A doggie play-date for 13 Curlies in Vic Park on Sunday, quickly attracted a couple more Curly friends who happened to be exploring off-lead, by coincidence, nearby.
Murray River Curly Coated Retrievers Association officially meets annually, by the Murray River, but owners from across the state decided for an informal Ballarat catch-up with their furry friends – from young pup River up to gentle old Molly.
Association life-member Karen Bell said the breed was very loyal, easy-going, trainable and needed a lot of exercise. Members were really proud of the breed’s heritage.
“The Murray River retriever is Australia’s only home-bred retriever. It’s been here longer than the kelpie,” Ms Bell said. “They were about on the Victorian Goldfields.”
Australian National Kennel Council put Curlies on the sporting register in 2014, so the dogs may compete in trials, like tracking.
