Color: Black, Brown, Liver, White spots, Black spots
Country of Origin: The Flat-Coated Retriever, also called the ‘Flatcoat’ or ‘Flattie’, originated in 19th century England from crosses between the Wavy-Coated Retriever and other flat coated breeds. This produced a waterproof breed which could retrieve on land or water. Such capabilities were increasingly important as firearm technology improved, allowing hunters to shoot down birds in the air. The Flat-Coated Retriever is an ancestor of several other popular breeds, such as the Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Chesapeake Bay Retriever. The Flat-Coated Retriever was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1915, however it became overshadowed by the popular Golden Retriever shortly thereafter, dipping to a dangerously low population. Selective Flat-Coated Retriever breeding programs beginning in the 1960’s have kept the breed alive and produced a high quality of health and personality, but the breed serves today mostly as a companion and show dog. A Flat-Coated Retriever named ‘Almanza Far and Flyg’ won the Gundog group at Crufts, the world’s largest dog show, in 2007.
Coat: The Flat-Coated Retriever has a single layered straight, dense, flat coat which may be solid black or solid liver (deep brown). The coat is of moderate length with feathering on the legs, chest, belly, and tail. Appearance should be as natural as possible.
Character: The Flat-Coated Retriever is intelligent, sensible, outgoing, confident, and happy-go-lucky. It makes a great family companion and tends to bond closely with everyone. Flat-Coat Retrievers are optimistic; constantly wagging tails are their trademark. The Flat-Coated Retriever requires frequent companionship and should not be kept in a kennel—it needs to be a part of the family and will grow destructive if ignored or left alone for long periods of time.
Temperament: The Flat Coated Retriever has a very jolly personality. He gets along well with just about everyone, including small children and does exceptionally well with other dogs. The Flat Coated Retriever is a very intelligent breed and is eager to please, but does require something in return, human companionship and affection. This breed does not do well in a kennel environment and needs to be part of the family, although he does love the outdoors. The Flat Coated Retriever steals the hearts of everyone he meets with his fun loving, endearing, and friendly personality. He would make a wonderful companion for a family of all kinds.
Care: The Flat Coated Retriever does require quite a bit of grooming due to the feathering on the lower quarters of the dog. This breed should be brushed on a regular basis with a firm bristle brush, but should only be bathed when necessary. The coat of this breed has the tendency to trap burrs and sticks so if this breed is to have free roam in a yard, the coat should be checked for said items. This breed doesn't need much trimming as the coat is usually of natural length, however some trimming may be required occasionally.
Training: The Flat Coated Retriever is a highly intelligent and trainable dog and makes a wonderful student. This breed is very jolly and energetic so should require consistency, however excessive repetition is sure to bore him and he will quickly lose interest. Discipline is not required, and correction and positive reinforcement work best. Making training fun with a variety of techniques will be sure to keep his attention, and he will excel much further.
Activity: The Flat Coated Retriever is a large breed that enjoys quite a bit of running, a game of fetch, and long jogs with his owner. Being so energetic, this breed should require at least 2 hours of exercise daily, so an average sized fenced in yard would work best. Long daily walks are definitely enjoyed by this breed and without a fenced in yard to give them exercise, this is required and not optional. The Flat Coated Retriever loves to go on hikes with his owner, so an energetic family that loves the outdoors would be the ideal companion for this fun loving breed.
