The Flat Coated Retriever

Appearance

A Bright, acitive dog of medium size with an intelligent expression, showing power without lumber, and raciness, without weediness. The colours allowed are Black and Liver

History

Flat-coated retrievers became popular in the 19th Century. The breed originated in the UK from St John’s Newfoundland which were then crossed with Setters. The Flat-Coated Retriever was bred as a working hunting retriever to fetch shot birds that land on land or in water, they make natural gundogs in and out of the water. The Flat Coat population reduced by the Second World War, and the increasing popularity of The Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever also affected the Flat Coat numbers. A Few dedicated breeders kept the breed going. In 1980 Shargleam Blackcap won BEST IN SHOW at the famous Dog Show Crufts, this helped to revive the popularity of the breed. They are still far less popular than the Labrador and Golden Retrievers.

Temperament

Flat-coats make great pets due to their highly affectionate, gentle, intelligent and obedient nature. They enjoy an active life and love to please, many love to just carry objects in their mouth enthusiastically wagging their tail, and showing off to all who can see.

Flat Coats are loyal and happy optimists, which makes them fantastic companions. However if the Flat Coat is left alone for long periods and not given the time they deserve they will become unhappy quickly and may not be the dog for you. If you work during the week you must spend good quality time with your dog, walking, playing, retrieving and/or swimming, and having them involved in family activities. They just thrive off attention and exercise.

The best form of training is positive reinforcement, a Flat Coat must enjoy everything they do, or they will become depressed, if you don’t want a fun happy dog, they are not your best choice. They are not robots when it comes to obedience, as they do have a sense of humour, well into old age.

Most enjoy being around children due to their easy going and friendly nature, however they can at times knock over small children with their enthusiasm and ever wagging tails.

Care / Grooming

Weekly brushing of your dog will remove dead hairs and stimulate the natural oil that your dog's coat contains and will give the coat a lovely natural shine and a healthy look. You can trim the feet between the pads and toes and ears, to make your dog look tidy and to help keep out grass seeds.
Good quality food and exercise should keep your dog healthy. Regular Vaccination, worming and flea treatment is all basic care.

Health

Hip Dysplasia in Flat Coats is not very common but can still happen, as with Elbow Dysplasia, when buying a puppy make sure both parents have had their hips and elbows x-rayed. They should also have their eyes tested for Glaucoma. The biggest problem in Flat Coats is cancer.

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