Discussion Forum

Time
Thursday 20:00–21:30

Held at
Valhalla

Access
Open for Red Group

Discussion Forum: Reinforcing the Curly – Together

This final session gathers the key insights, tools and reflections from the seminar lectures, workshops and the in‑depth articles in the seminar book, and turns them into a shared working space focused on the future of the Curly Coated Retriever.

We begin with a short history talk by Nigel Spraggins, giving everyone a common starting point before moving into an open and structured idea workshop facilitated by Ingelise Koed.

Working Format

In this session, we use a dynamic experience‑exchange format designed to make it easy for everyone to contribute — whether you are new to the breed or have many years of experience.

Together, we will:

Identify important focus areas based on the seminar’s themes.
Bring in perspectives from different countries and different levels of experience.
Explore current challenges and opportunities for the breed.
Work visually and collaboratively to map ideas and develop shared priorities.
Shape possible future initiatives related to breeding cooperation, health, development and long‑term sustainability.

Your Contribution Matters

The aim is to create a space where:

All voices are heard.
International experience is brought into play.
New and experienced Curly people work side by side.
The collective learning from the seminar — including the in‑depth articles — becomes a foundation for future collaboration.

Participants who have followed the full programme and explored the seminar book will naturally have a strong starting point — but everyone’s contribution is valuable, and the session is designed to make it easy to join the conversation.

Your Takeaways

By the end of the session, you will leave with:

New insights and perspectives.
A stronger international network.
A clearer picture of possible paths for safeguarding and developing the Curly Coated Retriever for generations to come.

The results of the workshop will be documented and made publicly available, so the work can benefit the wider Curly community.

History Talk: Nigel Spraggins

We have had Curlys for over 25 years. During that time we have been ‘owned’ by 7 Curlys and bred two litters. Since 2019 I have been Chair of the Curly Coated Retriever Club and in 2020 was elected a member of the Royal Kennel Club. I am honoured to judge and award Challenge Certificates. For a number of years we have represented the breed at Discover Dogs and various game fairs. In part it is the questions that get asked at these events that led me to research the history of the oldest and largest of the British retrievers.

Discussion Forum