DESCRIPTION

The Flat-Coated Retriever is a good but energetic family dog as well as a great example of the hunting and retrieving dog breeds. This Retriever is a strong and muscular hunting and retrieving dog with a good hunting nose. The Flat-Coat has a medium-length coat which can either be flat or wavy. This Retriever’s coat can be black or liver. Male dogs stand about 22 to 24 inches and female dogs about 22 to 22 inches tall at shoulder height. Flat-Coated Retrievers can weigh from 60 to 80 pounds.

TEMPERAMENT

The Flat-coat’s personality is described as outgoing, devoted, and friendly, an ideal companion with a strong bond to its owner and family. It is said to be a very versatile hunting dog, retrieving well on land or in the water, flushing upland game, marking downed birds, and generally doing all that can be expected of a multipurpose gundog. Although little-known and much less popular than the Labrador and Golden Retrievers, it has benefited from that lack of popularity by enjoying more careful breeding and better maintenance of its fine working ability.

Flat-coated retrievers love to please, but may be slightly more difficult to train than the popular Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever. They are easily bored with repetitive training techniques and can exhibit a streak of willfulness at times. For this reason, it's best to make training sessions fun, varied, and relatively short for the dog. Flat-coats are very sensitive and respond best to positive reinforcement. They cannot tolerate harsh handling or corrections.

Flat-coats are known for having a sunny optimism and a tail that's always wagging. They are capable of getting along well with cats, other dogs, small pets, and strangers. However, due to their exuberant nature, they may tend to knock over small children. Socialization and obedience training are highly recommended. An unusual habit that will be familiar to many flat-coat owners is the "flat-coat kiss", where the dogs frequently lick each others mouths. Flat-coats tend to have a good deal of energy, especially when young, and need to have appropriate outlets for this energy. They need plenty of activity, both physical and mental, throughout their lives. Sometimes they are referred to as the "Peter Pan of dogs" because they never grow up, acting playful and puppy-like well into their years.

HISTORY

The Flat-Coat was developed in England during the 19th century as both a land hunter and a water retriever. This breed was very popular until the Golden and Labrador Retrievers took over in popularity. The Flat-Coat is used as hunting, show and field sports dog as well as a family pet. This Retriever breed was ranked 100th out of 154 dog breeds in 2004 AKC registrations.

Breeds

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