Could our new puppy be a curly coated retriever?

Mitch was four months old on Sunday. Just as parents eventually do with a new baby, DH and I have stopped counting the weeks. It’s easy to keep track, since the puppy was born on DH’s birthday. That’s how we ended up with another dog. “Not another dog,” I said. “And if we get a dog, not another puppy.” DH took the auspicious date as a sign.

Update: Mitch has big ears. His body is trying to catch up. And if the size of his paws is any indication, that will happen soon. The pup is now about twice the size he was in this picture with his best buddy, Joey, a cottage neighbour who lives near Collingwood when he’s not hanging out at the island.

There’s something else a little unusual about our golden retriever: He has curly hair. Tight curls. We are often asked if Mitch is a curly coated retriever. Our vet (who sent Mitch a welcome card after his first visit), says the curly coat happens occasionally in goldens and is the result of a “recessive gene.” Mitch’s breeder, a.k.a. DH’s cousin, who owns his parents, says Mitch’s mother, Sunny, had a curly coat, too, until her first litter was born. We’re curious to see if the curls stay with Mitch, since we’ll be extremely surprised if he gives birth.

Has anybody else seen a curly coated golden retriever?

Meanwhile, we still struggle with the house training. After a perfect weekend, Mitch regressed today and left two deposits on the pine floor in the dining room. DH generously has claimed responsibility (ha, ha—not in that way!). Last week, he slipped off an icy ladder and turned his ankle. He and Mitch haven’t been able to go as far on their walks while the ankle heals. Never a dull moment in this house.

More next Tuesday…