Flat-Coated Retriever

 

The Flat-Coated Retriever is a noble and sturdy working dog, always eager to please. This breed is extremely energetic, cheerful, confident and outgoing. The Flat-Coated Retriever makes an excellent loving family companion.

The Flat-Coated Retriever (originally known as the Wavy Coated Retriever) is originated in the beginning of the XIX century in the United Kingdom. The breed was developed from various Retrievers and Setters such as the Newfoundland, Irish Setter, Labrador, Water Spaniels and possibly the Collie. The Flat-Coated Retriever is somewhat unique among the Retrievers as it was a dual-purpose dog since its creation, developed to work and hunt on both land and water as well as a show dog.

A gamekeeper J. Hull, who owned black Wavy-Coated Retriever female and her daughter, was the first to initiate the Flat-Coated Retriever breeding program in 1864. In 1873 Mr. Sewallis E. Shirley, the founder of the Kennel Club (England), helped to stabilize the breed’s appearance and abilities. These two breeders helped to elevate the of the breed popularity. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the breed in 1915.

The Flat-Coated Retriever is affectionate, energetic, loyal, sensitive, cheerful and gentle. This breed is very friendly and loves everyone, even strangers. It makes a great family companion that will be excellent with children. This a very sociable and highly people-oriented breed that bonds well with all family members and will always welcome new guests. However, the Flat-Coat makes a good protective dog and an alert watchdog that will bark when someone is approaching the house, but won’t be a good a guard dog.

The Flat-Coated Retriever needs a lot of attention and should never be left alone for a long time as it is prone to separation anxiety. It needs constant, gentle, but firm leadership from its family. This breed also gets along well with dogs and other pets.

The most common health problems for the breed include:

• different eye problems;
• canine hip dysplasia (CHD);
• epilepsy;
• diabetes;
• deafness;
• cancer.

The Flat-Coated Retriever is easy to care for. Brush your dog once or twice a week, and if you want to reduce shedding brush the coat more often (4-5 times is ideal). Mats and tangle should be gently brushed and if that is not possible carefully cut out. Bathe your Flat-Coated Retriever only when needed (if the dog is very dirty). You can occasionally trim the dog’s ears and feet.

The Flat-Coated Retriever is intelligent, obedient and highly trainable. Training must be consistent, short and fun, as this breed tends to get bored quickly. Avoid excessive repetition and harsh methods. The Flat-Coated Retriever is highly food motivated, but you can also use a toy or praise as a reward or other positive reinforcement. You can also train your Flat Coat Retriever as a hunting dog. This dog possesses a great stamina and has a natural ability to track down and hunt.

The Flat-Coat Retriever is one of the most active of all the hunting breeds and needs daily exercise. The long daily walks on a leash are a must. This breed will be an excellent jogging, hunting, swimming or hiking companion. In fact, your dog will like any adventure that involves activity and its family. The Flat-Coat Retriever excels in various dog sports (agility, flyball, water activities, hunt tests and obedience), enjoys car rides and loves to play.