GROUP 3 - GUNDOGS

History

The Murray River Retriever is an Australian icon and Australia’s only home grown retriever. The earliest reference to a similar dog has been traced back to early to mid 1800’s. They have been breeding true to type since at least 1894.

The Murray River Retriever (MRR) is known by various names including Murray River Curly Coated Retriever, Murray River Curlies, Murrays, Curlies, Murray Curly Retriever; in SA they were in the past known as Murray River Duck Dogs, Murray Reds and numerous other names. There is a rich historical connection between the Murray River Retriever and the river it was named after. Murray River Retrievers were used as both retrievers and protection dogs on paddlesteamers and duck punts.1.

The Murray is the only Gundog whose country of development is Australia. Murrays have remained true to type since the 1800s and have been identified by DNA as not related to any other modern breed of dog. Initially used for duck hunting, they were versatile for, flushing and pointing for birds and tracking other game. They have been trained for hunting, bomb detection, assistance and search and rescue. A “Jack of all Trades”. 1.

Recognised by Dogs Australia from 1 January 2022.

Temperament

Friendly, self-confident, highly intelligent and inquisitive. 

Loving, loyal and amiable house pets and intelligent, energetic focussed hunters. Generally good with children, but as with all dogs, initial close supervision
is advised for the welfare of both human and dog.

As Murrays have a strong sense of loyalty to their owners and families, this protective instinct was bred in to use them as protection dogs. Pups need to be well socialised if they are primarily to be a family pet.

Appearance

The Murray River Retriever is a stockily built dog, rectangular in outline, with a strong, moderately broad head with a distinctive stop. He loves water and his distinctive webbed feet with feathering (hair) between the toes, (used for for swimming), are a hallmark of the breed The breed has medium to tight curls over the body and is a solid liver in colour. The coat is not shiny, rather having a dull appearance. Size: Height: Males and Females 46-53cms.

The coat is naturally oily but not harsh to the touch. It is sufficiently thick to protect the skin from cold water, when he is retrieving, as with any coated breed. Some regular maintenance is necessary, with bathing as required. Daily combing when shedding coat is recommended and less frequently otherwise. This breed will enjoy frequent exercise, spending time with the family, together with plenty of mental stimulation. Socialisation as a puppy is also strongly recommended.

Suitability

The Murray River Retriever is suitable for those who want an active and devoted companion, who will be part of the family. As with all dogs, young children and pets should always be supervised when they are together.

Murrays love to swim and are well known to utilise a body of water for their own amusement and swimming pleasure. They are an energetic breed and require a moderate amount of exercise and mental stimulation.1.

Their grooming requirements are relatively low maintenance. They have medium shedding, but with regular brushing shedding can be kept to a minimum, with an occasional light scissor trim, ears, back of legs and feet.

They do require a yard in which to run.

Friendly with other dogs and generally ok with other pets. May need to introduce and socialise with chickens or smaller pets carefully to ensure your Murray understands they are part of the pack.

A Utility Gundog that will retrieve, flush, and track, Murrays also have been trained for Obedience and Tracking, as Assistance dogs, Bomb Detection plus Search and Rescue. The breed has a natural ability to find, flush and retrieve game with a soft mouth and track large game. Expression shows alertness and intelligent focus.

Health

All breeds have individual health issues. When speaking to breeders it is recommended you enquire about the breed’s health and what health testing the breeder does. Lifespan: 12 – 16 years. Can be prone to ear infections (as is common with many floppy eared dogs). Hip Dysplasia - although rare, has been seen in dogs with a recent outcross in the geneology.

Dogs Australia activities

Conformation Shows, Obedience, Rally, Agility, Tracking, Retrieving and RATG (Retrieving Ability Test For Gundogs).

In conclusion

Now you know a little more about this breed. If you have decided this is the dog for you and wish to investigate further, please contact the Breed Club or DOGS NSW. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog events where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the breed and its needs. With any breed of dog, it is important to research and determine suitability for your lifestyle before committing to a puppy which will be a part of your family for many years to come.

Whilst many breeds are recommended for families, it is imperative that when children are with dogs they are supervised at all times. Basic obedience training is a vital part of dog ownership.

Link to Dogs Australia Breed Standard: https://dogsaustralia.org.au/members/breeds/breed-standards/Murray-River-Retriever

Murray River Retriever Association: https://www.mrr.org.au/

Image credit: Kerrie Afford Photography