Curly-Coated Retriever Ear Infections: Signs, Causes and Ear Care

People who meet a Curly-Coated Retriever for the first time often reach out to touch the coat, and it surprises them. Those tight, crisp curls feel almost like astrakhan wool, and they cover nearly every inch of the dog, ears included. The Curly is one of the oldest retriever breeds, a tall, elegant water dog that will happily swim in conditions most dogs avoid. Its coat is a big part of what makes its ears behave differently.

Below you will find what is unusual about Curly ears, how to read early warning signs, what tends to cause problems, when to call your vet and a practical weekly routine.

Curly ears: what owners should know

A Curly's ears are fairly small for the size of the dog. They are set slightly above eye level, hang close to the head and are covered with the same small, tight curls as the body. That combination creates its own set of challenges.

The curls sit on the ear leather itself. Unlike a Poodle-type dog, where much of the concern is hair growing inside the canal, the Curly's issue is on the outside of the flap. Each tight curl traps a little pocket of water, so after a swim the ear stays heavy and damp for a long time.

Curls catch debris. Burrs, duckweed, sand and small sticks get wound into the curls on the ear, then rub against the skin and the canal opening.

The flap lies close. Small ears that hang flat against the head cover the canal and slow down airflow.

A true water specialist. Curlies were bred to retrieve from cold water and thick cover. Many still swim year-round if given the chance.

A gundog profile. UK research on ear inflammation in dogs seen by first-opinion vets found gundogs and drop-eared breeds at higher odds than many other groups. The Curly checks both boxes, even though its ears are smaller than a spaniel's.

Allergies. As in other retrievers, allergic skin can show up as itchy, red ears.

Curlies come in solid black or solid liver. On liver dogs, darker wax can be easier to spot; on black dogs, a closer look with good light helps.

Curly vs. Labrador ears

A Labrador has a short, smooth coat that sheds water quickly, and its ear risk comes mostly from moisture inside the canal and allergies. A Curly has the same inside risk plus a curly outer layer that acts like a sponge. Drying the flap itself matters much more for a Curly. The Flat-Coated Retriever, a close relative from the same British shooting tradition, has smooth feathered ears instead of curls.

Signs your Curly's ears need a closer look

Curlies are often described as more reserved and independent than other retrievers, and some will not make a fuss when something hurts. Keep an eye out for:

• Shaking or tilting the head after a swim has long finished
• Rubbing an ear along furniture, the car seat or your leg
• Scratching at the base of one ear
• Wax or discharge at the canal opening, especially if it looks dark, yellow or sticky
• A yeasty or stale smell from the ear
• Redness, scaling or thickened skin under the curls on the flap
• Bald or thinning patches on the ear where the dog has been rubbing

The color and texture of any discharge can give your vet useful clues. Our guide to ear discharge in dogs explains what different types can mean.

What usually causes trouble

Moisture in and around the ear

Water held in the curls keeps the area around the canal opening damp, and water that runs inside stays put under the flap. A warm, humid canal lets yeast and bacteria that normally live on the skin multiply.

Allergic inflammation

Environmental and food allergies can make the ear lining swell and itch, and they are a common reason ear problems keep returning.

Plant material

Field and marsh debris wound into the curls can irritate the skin. Grass seeds sometimes slip into the canal itself, and only your vet should remove those.

Wax and skin changes

Wax can build up near the opening when airflow is limited. Some Curlies also have patchy coat loss, which can affect the ears; it is worth raising with your vet if you see thinning.

When to see your vet

Cleaning helps keep healthy ears in good condition. If an ear is already sore, it needs a proper exam first. Call your vet if you notice:

• Pain: your Curly yelps, flinches or will not let you touch the ear
• Head tilt, loss of balance, circling or unusual eye movements
• Bleeding, or a swollen, puffy ear flap (this can be a blood blister called an aural hematoma)
• A bad smell together with discharge
• Redness or swelling that is getting worse
• Symptoms that have not improved after a few days, or keep coming back

Leave vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol and kitchen oil mixtures on the shelf. They irritate tender skin and can be dangerous if the eardrum is damaged. Do not put cotton swabs into the canal.

Weekly ear care for a curly-coated dog

Curlies are listed among breeds prone to ear problems because of their lifestyle and gundog build. For a healthy dog, a full ear clean once a week and thorough drying after every swim are a good starting point. Your vet may suggest a different plan if the ears have a history of trouble.

The Curly coat is low-maintenance in general and should not be brushed out, because brushing frizzes the curls. The ears are the exception that needs hands-on attention.

1. Blot, then squeeze. Press a towel against the curly ear flap rather than rubbing. Rubbing tangles and frizzes the curls.
2. Pick out debris by hand. Run your fingertips through the curls on both sides of the ear and remove anything caught in them.
3. Inspect the opening. Lift the flap and check for redness, swelling, discharge or a strong smell. If you find any, stop and call your vet.
4. Fill and massage. Fill the ear canal with a dog ear cleaner and massage the base of the ear for 60 to 90 seconds.
5. Shake time. Let your Curly shake out the loosened material.
6. Wipe the visible area. Use cotton or gauze on the inner flap and the opening only.
7. Air-dry. If you can, let your dog rest somewhere warm for a while after cleaning so the curls on the ear dry fully.

About EcoEars: EcoEars is a botanical dog ear cleaner with no antibiotics or steroids, made in the USA in an FDA-registered facility. As directed on the label, fill the ear canal, massage the base of the ear for 60 to 90 seconds, let your dog shake, and wipe away loosened debris. Use it twice daily for 10 days in a row, then weekly or as needed. It is for dogs 12 weeks and older and for dogs only, since it contains tea tree oil.

Curly-Coated Retriever ear FAQ

Does my Curly need the hair inside its ears plucked like a Poodle?

Generally no. Curlies do not usually grow the dense canal hair Poodle-type breeds are known for. The curls that matter are on the flap. If you think hair inside the canal is a problem, ask your vet.

Can I use a hair dryer on the ears?

A dryer on a cool, low setting held well away from the head can help the curls dry. Never aim air into the canal, and stop if your dog seems uncomfortable.

My Curly has thin patches of coat on its ears. Is that an ear infection?

Not necessarily. Rubbing from itchy ears can cause hair loss, but coat thinning can have other causes too. Your vet can check the skin and decide what is going on.

Is a winter swimmer at more risk?

Cold-water swimming does not change the routine much, but wet curls dry slowly in cold air, so take extra time drying the ears before your Curly settles for the night.