As much as we try to ensure healthy pups, there are always some things we cannot control. We ensure the best possible start through choosing the best genetics, please help us by providing the best environment. Together we will try to ensure long, healthy, fun filled lives for all Cutecurl puppies.
If you ever have any concerns about your Cutecurl dog, please contact us. We offer lifetime breeder support.
Nutritional Information
Curlies are large breed, deep chested dogs that can be prone to bloat. We recommend feeding smaller quantities twice a day (three times a day when puppies).
Our dogs are fed Royal Canin with a selection of toppers (sardines, fresh mince, Eureka air dried food) and fresh bones (chicken frames/ necks, beef brisket bones). The guide on the pack is dependent on the individual dog and activity level. Curlies hold excess weight around their rib cage and can still have a slim waist. Please contact us for any more nutritional information and advice.
Puppies until 18 months of age – Royal Canin Maxi Puppy
Show dogs – Royal Canin Show Beauty Large Dog
Older dogs (8 years +) – Royal Canin Maxi Ageing 8+
For added boost – Royal Canin Energy 4800
Always allow your Curly access to clean, fresh water… and be careful, Curlies love to tip their water bowls out in the first 10 minutes that you leave the house! Make sure you have a sturdy water container that allows them to drink and is Curly-proof. Dunking troughs such as stock troughs, paddle pools, etc also help to keep your Curly cool.
care and maintenance
Curly Coat Maintenance
Curlies do shed and can benefit from a grooming rake through their coat once a month, especially after they have been neutered. A trim, using scissors, around the ears and tail prevents matting. Regular nail trims are also recommended.
Baths do not need to be frequent and a leave in conditioner will help prevent the coat drying out and becoming itchy. I recommend Aloveen Oatmeal Shampoo and Conditioner. If your groomer does “blow out” your Curly, don’t panic. Those beautiful curls will be back after the next swim/ full coat wet.
If your curly gets itchy in Spring, more frequent washing with Aloveen Oatmeal Shampoo and Conditioner before the condition worsens. Consult your breeder and your vet.
Vaccinations and Vet Care
Annual vet checks are recommended so your vet can keep an eye on how your Curly is growing and developing. After the final puppy vaccination, C3 vaccinations are required only every 3 years. If your dog visits high risk areas such as kennels, a Kennel Cough vaccination annually is also recommended.
De-sexing your pet Curly is recommended after 12-18 months of age as it has been shown the hormones are important for bone density and development. Please discuss with us any concerns you may have with regard to looking after your entire dog during this period… we are only too willing to help 😊
worming
All Cutecurl pups have been wormed at 5, and 8 weeks with all-wormer – Drontal – to treat against intestinal worms and heartworm. Your pup has also been treated with Revolution at 6 weeks to prevent heartworm and fleas.
You will need to worm your pup again at 12 weeks. At this time you may choose to go with a monthly dab-on heartwormer + flea treatment such as Revolution and continue a monthly oral all wormer treatment (such as Drontal) until the pup is 6 months old. After 6 months intestinal worming should only need to be done every 3 months. If you choose to use a 3-monthly intestinal wormer you will also need monthly heartworm prevention. There are also combined intestinal wormers, flea treatments and heartworm preventions available (such as Interceptor and Nexgard Spectra).
Fleas and Ticks
Curlies can be quite sensitive to fleas. Dab on worm treatments such as Revolution may not be sufficient to prevent fleas on your dog. If this is the case, or if you are in an area that has ticks, Frontline plus dab-on is recommended every 6 weeks.
Exercise and Mental Stimulation
Curlies are highly intelligent pups that crave mental stimulation. Take them on daily walks to boost their socialization and confidence, and reinforce your role as the "Pack Leader." Puppy pre-school and basic obedience training are critical to molding your Curly into a well-mannered canine companion. Check with your local Dogs Victoria (or equivalent) club for obedience classes.
Remember, Curlies are large, strong, and sometimes stubborn dogs that require consistent, considerate training. Keep exercise for young Curlies controlled - lift them in and out of cars, and avoid allowing jumps from heights until they're over 12-18 months old. The same goes for running - we want to minimize stress on those growing joints.
With the right training and care, your Curly will thrive!
