SoftMaple Curlies

Mark and Cathy Lewandowski
8282 Soft Maple Road
Croghan NY 13327

softmaple@curlycoat.org

Home of the First Curly AKC NA, OA and AX.
Home of the First curly USDAA AD.

We have bred dogs that compete in agility, obedience, conformation and field. We have been active with our curlies at Therapy dogs. We participate in 4-H, school and scouting demonstrations.

Dog agility is a sport in which a handler is given a set amount of time in which to direct a dog off-leash through an obstacle course. Fashioned after horse Show Jumping, the sport has evolved its own additional obstacles, scoring systems and performance ideals. Agility made its debut as a demonstration in the UK at Crufts in 1978. Today, Agility remains the fastest growing dog sport. It is a sport that finds dog and handler teams leaving the agility course celebrating, whether they have qualified in their run or not. It is also very popular among spectators, the action is fast and it is always entertaining whether the dog does as the handler asks or not. Spectators continue today to get caught up watching the dog and handler's enthusiasm in their athletic race against the clock.

In the United States, there are several national organizations for agility which sanction tests or trials held by local dog training clubs. Trials which are based on the original international rules and specifications call for the highest level of agility from the dogs both in terms of speed and the physical ability to perform the obstacles. There are also domestic varieties of the sport that call for less actual agility (by using lower jump heights and smaller obstacles) from the dog and focus more on the handling aspects of the game.

Agility courses are created with obstacles the dog must perform correctly. The judge predetermines the direction and flow that each obstacle must be taken and the handler directs the dog, off leash, through this obstacle course. They may cheer, clap, and call the dog through each obstacle as it best serves them. There are jumps of various make, climbing obstacles, weave poles, tunnels, and a pause table. Each course is timed and the dog that finishes with the fewest course faults and the fastest time wins. This rule varies according to the sanctioning organization of the trial you are attending.

USDAA Agility Page
NADAC Agility Page
AKC Agility


I enjoy having fun with my dogs. I also enjoy letting them just lay around doing nothing. Laying around doing nothing, often leads to a dog occupying himself. Sometimes they become destructive! Curlies are an active, intelligent breed. Giving them a "job" to do makes them better members of the family. Having a dog sport you and your curly can do together strengthens the bond between you. The Curly Coated Retriever is a dog that can excel at many jobs.

A Curly that lives in the house, has regular exercise and work, including any type of work that takes advantage of the breed's innate intelligence, and is a part of the family, is a happy Curly. The most important care and training of a Curly is involving him in the family's day to day activities. Include your Curly in your every day life and he will repay you with years of friendship. The AKC Standard states that "outline, carriage and attitude all combine for a grace and elegance somewhat uncommon among the other retriever breeds." The grace and elegance is combined with a sturdy structure and hardworking, persevering temperament to create an excellent working retriever.

The Curly Coat is possessed of an imperturbable temperament. Even tempered, this dog is intensely loyal and will be protective of the family while maintaining unfailingly good manners to humans likewise mannered. Curlies tend to be reserved rather than extroverted with strangers. However, this reserve can be shed rather dramatically when someone the dog knows and loves approaches! Curly Coats are very slow to mature and this should be taken into account when training them. They are always quick and intelligent, however, so tailoring your training into multiple, short, and interesting sessions will yield the best results over time. Of course, not all Curlies are paragons of virtue.

Most Curlies cannot be kept out of the water and are great natural swimmers. You should exercise due sensibility when introducing a puppy to water. Never throw the pup into the water: allow him to approach the water himself on a gently sloping entry with plenty of shallow water with little or no current. As he gains confidence, he will be splashing about in no time. If an adult dog is around to encourage the pup, he will probably be swimming before you (or he) know it!

Originally bred to retrieve ducks on English seaboard marshes, the Curly-Coated Retriever is a black or liver-colored dog easily recognized by his coat, which is one mass of crisp curls that covers his entire body. The coat is easy to care for, as the curls stay in place with little or no attention. The Curly-Coated Retriever is a strong, smart, active dog who exhibits intelligence and endurance. He will practically live in the water. Temperamentally easy to train, he is a charming and faithful companion, and an excellent guard dog. His curious nature may lead him into many amusing escapades that call for an owner with a sense of humor

The Curly is a hunting dog for the person who likes variety: ducks, pheasant, grouse and a dog who can also be a companion to children and a family friend. Though he is designated as a retriever, the Curly is also an outstanding upland game dog on pheasant, grouse, quail, etc. Curlies are currently being hunted throughout North America, and are used extensively for hunting in New Zealand (where they are the hunting dog of choice) and Australia. Many, if not most, of the people hunting Curlies are family oriented who just want a dog that hunts and can be a companion so hunting Curlies is rather a silent revolution

Curlies and agility go hand in hand. I have trained the first AKC agility titled CCR, with many others close on my heels! These dogs love the sport. Basic obstacles comprising an agility course might include: high jumps, bar jumps, broad jumps, tire and hoop jumps, water, platform, sway bridge, A-frame, teeter-totter and dogwalk. Other obstacles are weave poles, weave hoops, open and pipe tunnels, collapsed tunnel, crawl tunnel, tables and boxes. Dogs must, of course, clear the jumps on the course, and they must touch the "contact zones" on obstacles that include that requirement. In competition, the dog must touch at least one foot in the contact zone or faults are accumulated. The reason for this is to ensure that dogs negotiate certain obstacles safely. The natural agility of the curly makes them super at this sport. They can be clowns in the obedience ring, but their speed, intelligence and natural athleticism gives them and edge in Agility competition. Its great fun for both you and your curly. There have been several very successful curly and owner teams in the US and Canada.

Training can improve your relationship with your Curly. While obedience is a competitive sport there is also practical obedience which is not much different than teaching basic manners and communication. If you are uncomfortable with the formality and, yes, rigidity, of formal obedience you can still become a happy team in practical obedience. I recommend obedience to any Curly owner. It will make your dog a better member of your family.

SR, U-CH, UAG1, CH Soft Maple Kyrabean Queen, CD, U-CD, OAJ, OA, NA, NAJ, NAP, NJP, OAP, RN, RA, JH, WCX, WC (WCI, WC), TT, TDI, CGC, HOF, ROM

Am & Can CH Pasha N Charwin's Black Jack Am & Can WC ROM CR-220G26M CH Pasha's Raisin Kane V Wits End ROM CR-130 CH Windpatch Ebony Walkabout CD ROM
CH Wits End The Whatchamacallit CD
Ch.Charwin's Paisley CR Porsche CDX ROMX HOF WC CR-109-T Ch. Karakul Devils Advocate CD WC ROMX CR-36-T
Ch. Lakeviews Kittyhawk CD ROMX CR-63
Ch. Avanti's Best Bet CD CGC ROMX CR-CA12/56F/C CR-408E24F, CERF,GSD Clear BISS Ch. Ptarmigan Walk The Wild Side CR-339G26M-T, CERF CH Rockmeadow Deliverance CD,WCX,JH,TT,ROM CR-161G24M-T
Ch. Ptarmigan Jollyboddies Whizz CR-CA11/122F/C CR-241E24F
Ch. Springolds Irish Spring CR-252G30F, CERF Ch. Karakul Keno CD CR-85-T
CH Karakul Rhinestone CR-167G38F-T

U-CH, UAG1, CH Ptarmigan Huron's Soft Echo CGC CR-CA114/17F/C-PI CR-600G24F-PI

U-CH CH Ptarmigan Huron's Soft Echo OFA Cardiac Clear, CERF and OFA hips good CR-CA114/17F/C-PI CR-600G24F-PI Ch. Ptarmigan Sun Devil, JH, WCX, CD, ROM, OFA Excellent CR-231E24M , CERF Ch. Ptarmigan Stormy Monday, OFA, CERF
Ch. Summerwind's Ithaca, CD, ROM,OFA,CERF
Ch. Avanti's Best Bet, ROMX, CGC, OFA Excellent CR-408E24F, CERF, OFA cardiac CR-CA12/56F/C
Betty's GSD report from Dr John Fyfe D.V.M. Ph.D		 Ch. Ptarmigan Walk The Wild Side OFA, CERF National BOB
Ch. Springolds Irish Spring OFA, CERF


Soft Maple Darcy, CGC, TDI, CD

Am & Can CH Pasha N Charwin's Black Jack Am & Can WC ROM CR-220G26M CH Pasha's Raisin Kane V Wits End ROM CR-130 CH Windpatch Ebony Walkabout CD ROM
CH Wits End The Whatchamacallit CD
Ch.Charwin's Paisley CR Porsche CDX ROMX HOF WC CR-109-T Ch. Karakul Devils Advocate CD WC ROMX CR-36-T
Ch. Lakeviews Kittyhawk CD ROMX CR-63
Ch. Avanti's Best Bet CD CGC ROMX CR-CA12/56F/C CR-408E24F, CERF,GSD Clear BISS Ch. Ptarmigan Walk The Wild Side CR-339G26M-T, CERF CH Rockmeadow Deliverance CD,WCX,JH,TT,ROM CR-161G24M-T
Ch. Ptarmigan Jollyboddies Whizz CR-CA11/122F/C CR-241E24F
Ch. Springolds Irish Spring CR-252G30F, CERF Ch. Karakul Keno CD CR-85-T
CH Karakul Rhinestone CR-167G38F-T

U-AG2 Softmaple Frolic In The Wind NJC, TN-N, TG-N, TN-O, NAC, RN's agility page
Soft Maple Wind on Water ADC, VAADC, VMGDC, CGN's agility page
Soft Maple Darcy, CD, CGC, TDI's agility page
SR, U-CH, UAG1, CH Soft Maple Kyrabean Queen, CD, U-CD, OAJ, OA, NA, NAJ, NAP, NJP, OAP, RN, RA, JH, WCX, WC (WCI, WC), TT, TDI, CGC, ROM, HOF's agility page


Soft Maple Wind on Water ADC, VAADC, VMGDC, CGN

1/20/2007 Soft Maple Wind on Water ADC, VAADC, VMGDC, CGN, competed at his first agility trial in 15 months, the K-9 Cliffhangers trial in Cloverdale, B.C. first run of the day he got a Q (and a 1st place) in Veteran's Advanced Titling, which was his third Q in Advanced so he earned his Veteran Advanced Agility Dog of Canada (VAADC) title!

As soon as he finished that run he and Sheila had to rush over to the other ring and run Master's Gamblers. He Q'd in that run as well, and since that was his third Master Gamblers Q, he earned his Veteran Master Gamblers Dog of Canada (VMGDC) title! Two titles in 4 minutes!!

Soft Maple Wind on Water ADC, VAADC, VMGDC, CGN, CH SoftMaple's O'Dark Thirty JH, SH, MH, WC, WCX, WCQ, CD CGC TT HOF
CR-536G27M-T OFA cardiac, CERF 2001		 Ch. Riverwatch DesertWind ROM CR-EL30 CR-429E24M, CERF CR-564
Ch. Avanti's Best Bet CGC, CD ROMX CR-CA12/56F/C CR-408E24F, CERF CR-483 95,96,99
Ch Charwin Evensong CD, WCX, JH, ROM, HOF
SN24115701 CR-CA22/41F/C CR-480F35F CERF CR-489 95,98,2000		 Am & Can CH Pasha N Charwins's Black Jack Am & Can WC ROM BOW 91 National, AOM 96, 97 CR-220G26M CERF CR-314 90,92,93,99
CH Aarowag's Music of the Night,CD,WCQ,JH CR-300G25F-T RWB 91 National


AG2 Softmaple Frolic In The Wind RN NAJ NF NAC NJC TG-N TN-O, NCC
CR-772G30F-PI, CR-EL159F30-PI, CR-874, CR-G3A7/33F-PI GSD IIIa

AG2 Softmaple Frolic In The Wind RN NAJ NF NAC NJC TG-N TN-O, NCC CH Aberbran Bar Von Bern WC WCX JH SH OFA good; CR-608G24M-PI CR-CA123/37M/P-PI CERF NKOKI Matabele Warrior (Aust.-Imp.)
Ebony Belle of Tavistock
CH SoftMaple's International Fling CGC CR-CA134/34F/C-PI, CERF CR-640G26F-PI, CR-EL97F26-PI Dutch, VDH, German Ch. Caballus Inferno JWW'98, W'98, Europasieger '99, Bundessieger'99 Hips A/A
CH Mathel Felicitation ROM CR-CA3/38F/C CR-453G24F CERF


4/06 At a NADAC trial in MD, Gambol earned her first 2 Qs in Novice Touch N go.

5/06 UKC agility trial in Gloucester, Va. Gambol earned qualifying leg #2 towards her AG1 title with a 198 score.

6/10/2006 Gambol finished up the last leg (with a second place) for her U-AG1 title

9/2/2006 at the NADAC trial in Millersville Maryland, Gambol got a 2nd placement in Novice Jumpers which earned her Novice Jumpers title.

9/2/2006 Gambol earned her first Novice Regular Q.

10/7/2006 U-AG1 Softmaple Frolic In The Wind NJC, TN-N, TG-N earned her third leg of her Novice Tunnelers title with a 3rd class placement at a NADAC trial in NC. Gambol also ran in Jumpers and got a 3rd place finishing in 19 seconds on a 27 seconds SCT time course.

Oct 21st U-AG1 Softmaple Frolic In The Wind NJC, TN-N, TG-N wins her Open Tunnelers class with a First Place

10/29/2006 Gambol wins her Open Jumpers class with a first placefor her first Open Jumpers leg.

11/4/2006 UKC trial Gambol ran in AG1 (She already has the title) she was very speedy and steady and came away with scores of 196 and a 194

She also ran her first time in AG2 and earned her first leg with a 3rd class placement.

11/18/2006 NADAC trial in Youngsville, N.C. Gambol had a most excellent day.


U-AG2 Softmaple Frolic In The Wind NJC, TN-N, TG-N, TN-O, NAC, RN

She took a 1st place in her Open Jumpers class for her second Open Jumpers leg, followed by a 3rd place in Open tunnelers for her second Open Tunnelers leg, followed by a 2nd place in Novice Chances for her first Novice Chances leg.

4/2007 Congratulations to Sarah and U-AG1 Softmaple Frolic In The Wind NJC, TN-N, TG-N, TN-O, RN who earned their AKC Rally Novice title last weekend. The weekends before that, she earned her NADAC (North American Dog Agility Council) Open level Tunnelers title (TN-O) with a 3rd place, two AKC Novice Jumpers with Weaves legs with a 3rd and a 1st place, and one NADAC Novice Reguar (standard) leg with a 1st place. Way to go Sarah and Gambol!

4/29/2007 U-AG1 Softmaple Frolic In The Wind NJC, TN-N, TG-N, TN-O, NAC, RN earned her North American Dog Agility Council Novice Regular title (NAC) with a first place. Then she got her second Novice Chances (formerly called Gamblers) leg. Then she went out and earned her first Novice Weavers leg with a second place.

6/25/2007 News from Sarah and Gambol: Gambol, and I went to a UKC (United Kennel Club) agility trial this weekend. Gambol did very well. She is really settling down and focusing more on the task at hand now. I entered her in 4 classes, two AG1 classes and two AG2 classes. She already had her AG1 (level 1) title, but I wanted her to have more ring experience, thus she was entered in those. She took a 2nd place and a fourth place in them with respectable scores of 193 (out of 200) and 198.

We were trying to finish up the last two need legs for her AG2 (level 2) title and were successful. She took two first places in her classes with scores of 191 and 198!

6/30/2007 U-AG 2 Softmaple Frolic In The Wind RN, NAC, NJC, TN-O, TG-N earns her first AKC Novice FAST leg.

7/22/2007 Congratulations on Sarah and Gambol (U-AG2 Softmaple Frolic In The Wind RN, NAJ, TN-O, TG-N, NAC, NJC ) on earning their Novice Jumpers with Weaves (NAJ) title with a 2nd place at the Westminster, Md AKC agility trial!

8/26/2007 U-AG2 Softmaple Frolic In The Wind RN, NAJ, TN-O, TG-N, NAC, NJC earned the second leg of her Novice FAST with a third class placement. Great job Gambol and Sarah!

9/2/2007 AG2 Softmaple Frolic In The Wind RN NAJ NF NAC NJC TG-N TN-O earned a fourth Novice FAST leg with a fourth place.

9/1/2007 At the the Berks Co. Training Club's AKC agility trial, AG2 Softmaple Frolic In The Wind RN NAJ NF NAC NJC TG-N TN-O, qualified for her first AKC Standard leg with a first place. Gambol earned her Novice FAST (NF) title on Saturday with her third leg.

9/2/2007 AG2 Softmaple Frolic In The Wind RN NAJ NF NAC NJC TG-N TN-O earned a fourth Novice FAST leg with a fourth place.

9/14/2007 Gambol and Sarah went to a NADAC agility trial in N.C. AG2 Softmaple Frolic In The Wind RN NAJ NF NAC NJC TG-N TN-O, NCC, finished up her Novice Chances title (NCC) and took a first place in Open Touch N Go for her first leg!

10/6/07 North Carolina NADAC Agility Trial U-AG2 Softmaple Frolic In The Wind RN, NAJ, NF, OJC, TN-O, NCC, NA,C TG-N and Sarah had a very busy day!

Qd with a 3rd place for her 2nd Elite Tunnelers leg
Qd with a 3rd place for her 2nd Novice Hoopers leg
Qd with a 2nd place for her 2nd Open Chances leg
Qd with a 2nd place to finish her Open Jumpers title
Great job Sarah and Gambol!

10/13/2007 Gambol earned her 2nd Open Touch N Go leg with a 3rd place at a NADAC Agility Trial in Maryland.



SoftMaple Cimramin Journeyman
Ch. Dese's Black As Coal, CD, WC, CGC, TT, RN, JH CR-530G26M-T, CR-CA47/30M/C-T, CR-582 CHIC X CH SoftMaple's Pheasant Dreams WC CGC CR-722G34F, CR-El134F34, CR-CA178/41F/P-NOPI, CR-CA178/53F/S-PI, CR-814N


Ch Fairway's Softmaple Finnheir, CGC, CD, NA, NAJ, RN, RA
Finn takes first place in his Agility class at the 2006 CCRCA National Specialty

Feb 17th 2007 CH Fairway SoftMaple Finnheir CGC, CD, RN, NAJ Finished his Novice Agility Jumpers title

We at SoftMaple have been active in showing and breeding pure bred dogs since 1979. Active in Curly Coated Retrievers since 1993. We do not earn our income from the sale our puppies. For me raising a litter is a very rewarding, time consuming and expensive passion. We are breeding for healthy, sound, highly trainable, versatile dogs without compromising the correct structure and breed type set out in the standard.

SoftMaple bred and or owned Curlies hold over 100 titles to date in conformation, field, obedience and agility. Most SoftMaple dogs go to loving companion homes, or to personal hunting homes and are never shown. Titles do not make the dog, nor do they make a dog great. We are more interested in producing healthy, cherished companions, than having our primary goal to put letters before a dog's name.

Early puppy stimulation, as well as continued puppy socialization are key in our breeding program. We stress temperament and health. Our dogs are family companions, first and foremost. We are only interested in finding homes for our puppies in which potential owners are genuinely committed to loving a Curly for its life-time, be it a pet, show, or hunting companion.