The Goodest Boys on the Ice: Why Curlers and Dogs Are Basically the Same Species

November 4, 2025

Let’s face it: curlers are basically just dogs with brooms. Loyal, social, food-motivated, occasionally distracted by shiny objects (rocks), and happiest when surrounded by their pack. Somewhere between the pre-game beer, the strategic barking from the skip, and the mad dash down the ice, the resemblance becomes undeniable.

If you’ve ever watched a curling team in action and thought, “this looks like a well-trained herd of Golden Retrievers chasing a ball,”—you’re not wrong.

1. The Skip: The Border Collie of Curling

Always watching. Always analyzing. Always herding the team into position with precision barks (er, calls).
A good skip, like a Border Collie, has that intense stare that can see a line no one else can. Both thrive on strategy and get slightly anxious if left without a plan.

Cartoon illustration of four dogs curling on ice — a Border Collie skip calling the shot, a Labrador Retriever and Bulldog sweeping, and a Golden Retriever cheering as a fan. Whimsical curling humor artwork for dog-loving curlers.

And much like Border Collies, a skip’s ideal environment is a structured bonspiel with clear rules and snacks available between ends.

2. The Lead: The Labrador Retriever

Cheerful. Loyal. Built for enthusiasm.
Your lead is the one who shows up 45 minutes early, has already cleaned their broom twice, and will happily throw guard after guard with a smile.
They sweep like their life depends on it, and afterward they’ll nudge you for praise (or beer).

Every team needs their Lab — steady, joyful, and powered by pure “good boy energy.”

Fun fact: Some curling clubs actually have Labrador mascots. (Shoutout to the St. Paul Curling Club and their unofficial four-legged fans!)

3. The Second: The Bulldog

Tough, determined, and occasionally stubborn. Seconds are the muscle of the team — they throw heavy hits, sweep with wild abandon, and thrive on short bursts of chaos.
Like Bulldogs, they’re deceptively strategic beneath that rugged exterior. And yes, they too love a good nap between ends.

You’ll usually find them at the bar after the game, claiming “that one double takeout should count for two drinks.”
We don’t disagree.

4. The Vice Skip: The German Shepherd

Loyal lieutenant. Second in command. Fierce protector of team morale.
The vice knows exactly when to back up the skip, when to question a call, and when to hand over the scorecard like a professional. They communicate with purpose — sometimes in full sentences, sometimes just with a head tilt and a sigh.

Much like the Shepherd, the vice’s secret weapon is patience. They’re the glue holding this furry (or frosty) team together.

5. The Curling Fan: The Golden Retriever

They may not be throwing rocks, but fans are the heartbeat of curling culture — friendly, supportive, and eager to meet everyone’s dog.
They cheer for both teams, love good sweeping, and would absolutely buy a shirt that says “Goodest Boy on Ice.”
You can find them rocking our amazing curling shirts from Threadless, often with a dog hair or two attached (bonus flair).

Curlers and Dogs Have More in Common Than You Think

  • Both live for team snacks.
  • Both get wildly excited about fresh ice.
  • Both occasionally chase things they weren’t supposed to.
  • Both can turn a regular Tuesday night into a full-blown bonspiel of joy.

At the end of the day, whether you’re curling or chasing tennis balls, it’s about connection, laughter, and finding your pack.

Ready to Unleash Your Inner Curling Dog?

Whether you’re a Border Collie skip or a Lab lead, celebrate your inner good boy with our latest Threadless drop:
👉 Funny curling shirts and curling team merch for every breed of curler.

Because on the ice — just like at the dog park — it’s all about good vibes, good friends, and wagging tails (metaphorically, of course).

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