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Flat-Coated Retriever Dog Breed
The Flat-Coated Retriever originated in the 19th century and is thought to be the result of a cross between the Labrador Retriever and the Flat-Coated Retriever. These dogs are superb bird flushers and land-and-water retrievers and do excellent job working under extreme weather conditions and swimming in icy water. Flat-Coated Retrievers are friendly, playful and eager to please and learn.
For a long time the name "retriever" was used to define any general-purpose hunting dog. Pointers or setters were also considered retrievers as they were used to locate, collect and bring shot birds to hunters. Some retriever type dogs were better than others. The Canadian St. John's Water Dog from Labrador was the one that had great intelligence and good health. It is thought that the Flat-Coated Retriever breed was created by crossing these dogs and Labrador Retrievers. The result was an outstanding working dog that had speed, stamina, keen nose, good tracking ability, trainability and courage. The Flat-Coated Retriever is a dual-purpose dog and is commonly seen at conformation shows and field trials.
Easygoing and easy to train, with a gentle and serene disposition, Flat-Coats are wonderful field companions. Few other dogs are better with children. They have natural warmth and will endure anything from them, for they never get excited. With strangers, however, they are cool and reserved. Flat-Coated Retrievers have a lot of energy and need lots of daily exercise to avoid behavioral problems (chewing, digging and barking).
Photo courtesy of Calypso Dream
Flat-Coated Retriever Breed Outline
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Country of Origin: | Great Britain |
| FCI Official Name: | Flat Coated Retriever |
| AKC Name: | Flat-Coated Retriever |
| FCI Classification: |
Group 8 - Retrievers-Flushing Dogs-Water Dogs; Retrievers (with working trial) |
| Utilization: | Hunting dog |
| AKC Classification: | Sporting Group |
| Personality: | Friendly, gentle and confident, the Flat-Coated Retriever loves everyone and is always cheerful and ready to be part of all family activities. |
| Size Category: | Medium |
| Height: | 22-24 inches at shoulders |
| Colors: | Solid black or solid liver |
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Other Names: | Flat-Coat |
| Average Litter Size: | 8 |
| Life Span: | 9-14 years |
| Grooming Requirements: | The Flat-Coated Retriever has a naturally waterproof and dirt-proof coat which only requires weekly brushing. No bathing required at all. |
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Social skills: |
The Flat-Coated Retriever gets along with other small animals. |
| Suitability for Children: | Being good-natured and playful, they make good playmates for children. But considering their size, small children should never be left unsupervised around these big dogs. |
| Exercise Needs: | A minimum 90 minute brisk walk is a must, but these dogs will take all the exercise that you can provide. Flat-Coats love running, walking, swimming and games of fetch. |
| Train Ability: | This is a very intelligent and easy to housebreak breed. Flat-Coats respond well to firm, but gentle training. |
| Health & Behavior Issues: | The Flat-Coated Retriever is a very healthy breed. There have been reported cataracts, glaucoma, hip dysplasia, patellar luxation and cancers. |
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