MATHEL KENNELS

The Curly Coated Retriever is wickedly smart and highly trainable and, as such, is cherished as much for his role as loyal companion at home as he is in the field. Prized for innate field ability, courage, and indomitable perseverance, a correctly built and tempered Curly will work as long as there is work to be done, retrieving both fur and feather in the heaviest of cover and the iciest of waters. Self-confident, steadfast and proud, this active, intelligent dog is a charming and gentle family companion and a determined, durable hunter. The Curly is alert, biddable and responsive to family and friends, whether at home or in the field.

The coat of a Curly Coated Retriever is a hallmark of the breed. This unique coat is a distinguishing characteristic of the breed and quite different from that of any other breed. The body coat is a thick mass of small, tight, crisp curls, lying close to the skin, resilient, water resistant, and of sufficient density to provide protection against weather, water and punishing cover. The oils in the coat, coupled with the tight, small crisp curls, provide the working armor that enables the Curly to do the work in the field. The Curly Coated Retriever is a single coated breed having no undercoat. They have hair, not fur, and yes, they do shed.

The Curly is an energetic breed that very much enjoys the water, retrieving, and being with their owners. The personality of the Curly Coated Retriever is such that they like to be with their owners and their family. They are a poor choice for kennel type environment or a dog relegated to a life in the backyard. They need the close relationship with people. They enjoy and are “up for” just about any activity the owners want to do with their Curly Coated Retriever. Besides hunting, Curlies enjoy agility, flyball, boating, camping, hiking, Frisbees in the park, walks on the beach, strolls around town, and anything else that might strike the owners fancy. They have also have lives as show dogs, obedience trial dogs, hunting test and trial dogs, search and rescue dogs, therapy dogs, wheelchair assist companions, drug and customs enforcement dogs, and seeing eye dogs. The Curly Coated Retriever is truly a multi-purpose working dog and loyal family companion.

We believe that our responsibility to the Curly Coated Retriever is to operate in the best long-term interest of the breed. We aspire to breed the very best possible Curly Coated Retriever, bringing out the best in temperament, intelligence, field ability, health, and structure.

I have been a member of the Curly Coated Retriever Club of America since 1980. The club was founded in 1979. I am a past Treasurer and Newsletter Editor for the Curly Coated Retriever Club of America. My father was a past president and my mother was a charter member of the CCRCA. I have been a member of the Curly Coated Retriever Judges Education Committee since its inception.

I have been a member of the Curly Coated Retriever Club of America who has served on:

• the AKC Standard Revision Committee (one of five members)
• the AKC Video Breed Committee (one of three members)
• the current AKC Illustrated Standard Committee (one of five members).

I have also written numerous published articles on the breed and acted a presenter at several breed specific forums. I was also an attendee and presenter at our very first World Curly Coated Retriever Symposium and show held in conjuction with the World Show in Helsinki, Finland 1998.

About Mary Holkenbrink, co-owner of Mathel Kennels:

As my mother stated above, my grandmother started in the sport of dogs in 1932. Dogs and dog shows, field events, and obedience trials have always been a part of my life. I have been involved with Curly Coated Retrievers since 1975. I remember sitting in my grandmothers kitchen with Curlies around and on top of me (they don't care what they walk on).

I was a member of the Curly Coated Retriever Club of America from 1980 to 1987. I went to college and pursed other endeavors. In September of 1992, I received as a graduation present, my very own Curly. Six years later I asked for and received another Curly, which made me decide to become an active participant in Mathel Kennels. I became a member of the CCRCA again in 1998. I am a past Division Coordinator for the Curly Coated Retriever Club of America for the State of California. I look forward to a long term relationship with this breed.

I have reviewed numerous published articles on the breed and acted a co-presenter at several breed specific forums.

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