The Flat-Coated Retriever is a medium-sized dog used for hunting and retrieving. These dogs have lost their popularity to other retrievers and are rare to find.
Physical Traits
Area of Origin: United Kingdom
Used for: Hunting, tracking, watchdog, retrieving
Average Life Span: Around 10 years
Color: Solid black or solid liver
Coat: Medium-length, thick and fine
Average Height: 22-23 inches
Average Weight: 60-70 pounds
Group: Gun Dog
History and Domestication
The Flat-Coated Retriever was earlier considered to be a ‘Labrador’ and was known as ‘Retriever Proper’. In 1800s various types of retrievers and spaniel type dogs were crossed like he Newfoundland, Collie, Labrador and the Irish Setter and the result was the Flat-Coated Retriever. As a result of breeding, some dogs were born with flat and wavy coat and eventually became a separate breed of flat-coats. These dogs were very popular until the World War 1. People however, prefer Golden Retriever or the Labrador Retriever as they are easier to find. But the flat-coated retrievers were mainly used by hunters and fishermen as the dogs can work in marshy areas and are excellent swimmers.
Standard Physical Characteristics
This is a beautiful, medium-sized dog with a long head and flat skull. The muzzle is deep and long with a gradual and slight stop. The nose is large and can be back or brown depending on whether the color of the coat is black or liver. The almond-eyes are medium-sized and can be hazel or dark brown. The ears are small and well-feathered and hang close to the sides. The back is short and square while the chest is deep and wide.
Care, Grooming and Health
The coat of a Flat-Coated Retriever only needs minor grooming. The dog needs to be brushed or combed once a week. Dry shampoo or bathe only when necessary. Minor trimming might be required sometimes. The breed sheds moderately.
This is an active breed and needs daily exercise to remain calm. While taking it for a walk, make sure that the dog heels beside you or after you. These dogs make excellent jogging companion. They can also be taken for a swim.
This breed is prone to cancer, hip dysplasia, CHD, PRA, epilepsy and diabetes.
Living Conditions
The Flat-Coated Retriever is not suited for apartment life. The breed is relatively inactive indoors and hence an average-sized yard will be required. To stay happy, the dog needs to stay with its family. The breed does best when it is allowed to love inside and play outside.
Temperament
This is a friendly and sweet dog with a reliable temperament. The dog is excellent with children and makes a great house pet. The dog is friendly and high-spirited and loves everyone, even strangers. The dog has a puppy-like attitude and always seems to be in high-spirits. It loves to play but saves up its energy inside to play outside. The dogs are active, obedient and highly trainable. They get along with well with children and other pets.
Adoption Groups
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