In the small rural community of Cambridge Narrows, N.B., one of the world’s rarest dog breeds has welcomed a new litter of puppies. The litter, which is now three weeks old, featured 11 curly coated retrievers. The puppies are believed to be just the second litter of the breed born in Canada over the last two years. First-time registered breeder Wanita Pelley says nationwide there are fewer than 100 curly coated canines. “They were one of the original retriever breeds in the 18th century in England,” says Pelley. “Then as other retriever breeds came along, they kind of lost favor for the new upcoming breeds like the black labs and golden retrievers.” Pelley says the breed nearly went extinct following the Second World War, noting there were as few as three in the world. She says the dogs are very similar to their more common counterparts. Curly coated retrievers have incredible temperament, according to Pelley, and are very loyal. “They will spend all day with you out in the field or hiking or hunting but will also be just as comfortable curling up on the sofa, putting their head on your lap watching TV,” she says. “They’re just so versatile.” What makes this rare litter of puppies even more special is their lineage. The mother, or dam of the litter, Kalyani is an award-winning canine. Among her accolades includes being named the top curly coated retriever in Canada for 2025. The father Issac also has good genes, coming from a long-time breeder in Nova Scotia. Pelley says there is a lot of pride that comes with the rare litter of puppies, with their popularity being noteworthy with two puppies going as far as Calgary and Washington. She hopes this batch of puppies with be a beacon for the breed she says has been quietly disappearing. “To have this litter born here in New Brunswick is incredibly special, not just for us, but for the future of the Curly Coated Retriever in Canada,” she says. For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
