The Murray is an intelligent, self-confident and sociable dog; when well socialised while growing up. Although he may appear slightly aloof with strangers he should never be afraid. The Murray may announce strangers entering his territory by barking. The Murray can be discerning when introduced to new people, animals and environments. Exposing him to new experiences when young will develop his sense of adventure. He is devoted to his family and will play gently with children and smaller pets if brought up with them.
The Murray is a medium sized dog roughly 46-.53 cm (18-21”). The Murray fits easily into the family home; car or any situation you’d like to share. A dog slightly longer in body than high, the Murray’s coat is various shades of liver-brown, with amber-brown eyes. Weight is generally within 5 kgs of 25kg.
Murrays are relatively inexpensive to feed as eating a moderate amount will maintain his optimal body weight and fitness. As an active working breed the Murray should ideally be mentally and physically exercised daily. A 40 minute run off lead with some retrieving and obedience training is ideal, with swimming opportunities always welcome.
The Murray has a single liver coat with curls of varied tightness all over his head and body. His face, legs and paws have smooth fur. The coat curl can be maintained by soaking the coat and combing out any loose hair and trimming the ears, tail and between the toes to neaten them up if desired. Allow him to shake off any excess water to enhance the natural curl; the coat will dry quickly with minimal towel drying. Some Murray's coats are longer than others and require clipping in summer.
The Murray's original purpose as a retriever makes him a willing team-player who will be a faithful, loving member of your family The Murray is still popular as a Retrieving dog Australia wide; he is also successful in Obedience and Agility, as a therapy dog; a faithful family companion and a discerning watchdog.
Most of all the Murray is not a leave in the backyard and forget dog. They crave to be part of your life and their sole purpose is to please you. The Murray Curly is a natural hunter and requires this energy to be directed into acceptable outlets. Dogs left in the yard and forgot will amuse themselves, get into trouble and end up in rescue, that is if they are lucky to make it that far.
Health
The Murray is generally healthy and many live to 15-16 years of age. However they are prone to some problems.
*Ears, being a long eared dog they frequently get ear inflammation so extra attention must be paid to ear hygeine.
*Snake bite. The Murray is a naturally curious breed and large numbers seem to be bitten. Intensive training when young and snake precautions each summer are necessary.
*Grass seeds. They frequently get seed caught in their ear, paws or coat that can cause problems so attention needs to be paid to this.
*Blindness. It has come to light recently that a number of Murrays have poor sight, particularly at night. This is to be investigated but buying you puppy from a breeder who tests free of PRA may help avoid any potential problems.
*Joints. There have been hip and knee problems recorded in a very small number of dogs. Again buying from a breeder who tests for such problems may help.
*Skin. Some lines of Murray's seem to suffer skin allergies and loose hair from various parts including their tail(this can be from too much wagging to!) Vets can advise and hopefully such lines are not breed from
*Temperament. In the distant past some dogs were not known as being friendly and easily became "red zone" dogs. Hopefully these lines have not been bred from and if you follow early socialization principles you pup should be even tempered. It is important when researching about a pup to meet both dam and sire if possible.
The Murray is a medium sized dog roughly 46-.53 cm (18-21”). The Murray fits easily into the family home; car or any situation you’d like to share. A dog slightly longer in body than high, the Murray’s coat is various shades of liver-brown, with amber-brown eyes. Weight is generally within 5 kgs of 25kg.
Murrays are relatively inexpensive to feed as eating a moderate amount will maintain his optimal body weight and fitness. As an active working breed the Murray should ideally be mentally and physically exercised daily. A 40 minute run off lead with some retrieving and obedience training is ideal, with swimming opportunities always welcome.
The Murray has a single liver coat with curls of varied tightness all over his head and body. His face, legs and paws have smooth fur. The coat curl can be maintained by soaking the coat and combing out any loose hair and trimming the ears, tail and between the toes to neaten them up if desired. Allow him to shake off any excess water to enhance the natural curl; the coat will dry quickly with minimal towel drying. Some Murray's coats are longer than others and require clipping in summer.
The Murray's original purpose as a retriever makes him a willing team-player who will be a faithful, loving member of your family The Murray is still popular as a Retrieving dog Australia wide; he is also successful in Obedience and Agility, as a therapy dog; a faithful family companion and a discerning watchdog.
Most of all the Murray is not a leave in the backyard and forget dog. They crave to be part of your life and their sole purpose is to please you. The Murray Curly is a natural hunter and requires this energy to be directed into acceptable outlets. Dogs left in the yard and forgot will amuse themselves, get into trouble and end up in rescue, that is if they are lucky to make it that far.
Health
The Murray is generally healthy and many live to 15-16 years of age. However they are prone to some problems.
*Ears, being a long eared dog they frequently get ear inflammation so extra attention must be paid to ear hygeine.
*Snake bite. The Murray is a naturally curious breed and large numbers seem to be bitten. Intensive training when young and snake precautions each summer are necessary.
*Grass seeds. They frequently get seed caught in their ear, paws or coat that can cause problems so attention needs to be paid to this.
*Blindness. It has come to light recently that a number of Murrays have poor sight, particularly at night. This is to be investigated but buying you puppy from a breeder who tests free of PRA may help avoid any potential problems.
*Joints. There have been hip and knee problems recorded in a very small number of dogs. Again buying from a breeder who tests for such problems may help.
*Skin. Some lines of Murray's seem to suffer skin allergies and loose hair from various parts including their tail(this can be from too much wagging to!) Vets can advise and hopefully such lines are not breed from
*Temperament. In the distant past some dogs were not known as being friendly and easily became "red zone" dogs. Hopefully these lines have not been bred from and if you follow early socialization principles you pup should be even tempered. It is important when researching about a pup to meet both dam and sire if possible.