FLAT-COATED RETRIEVER
APPEARANCE
The Flat-coated Retriever is a large dog, and has a strong, powerful, and sturdy build. They have strong muscular jaws and a relatively long muzzle. Their head is unique to the breed with a minimal stop and a backskull of approximately the same length as the muzzle. Eyes are almond-shaped and hazel or brown in color, and give the dog a kind, intelligent expression. The Flat-coat’s colour is either solid black or solid liver. The Flat-coated Retriever weighs in at 60-75 pounds. Females are around 22-23 inches in height, and males are around 23-25 inches.
PERSONALITY
The Flat-coat’s personality is described as outgoing, devoted, and friendly, an ideal companion with a strong bond to its owner and family. Flat-coats are known for having a sunny optimism and a tail that is always wagging. 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.
TRAINING
The Flat Coated Retriever is a highly intelligent and trainable dog. They are easily bored with repetitive training techniques and can exhibit a streak of willfulness at times. For this reason, it is 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.
EXERCISE
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. 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 and stimulation, both physical and mental, throughout their lives. They need to be an active participant in the daily life and activities of the family to lead a happy, well balanced life.
SOCIALIZATION
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 very small children. Socialisation and obedience training are highly recommended. This is a sociable breed and will also get along well with strangers in most cases. One thing to watch out for with the Flat-coated Retriever is that he loves to jump around and chew.
LIVING CONDITIONS
The Flat-Coated Retriever is not ideal for people who have cramped living quarters. This breed is ideal for those who have an average-sized yard, as it is very active outdoors.
GROOMING
The coat of the Flat-Coated Retriever require a minimum amount of grooming on a regular basis with a firm bristle brush, also some trimming may be required occasionally. This breed is a medium shedder which means that he is not ideally suited to those with allergies.
HEALTH ISSUES
he Flat-coated Retriever has a life expectancy of around 8-10 years. The Flat-Coated Retriever is a healthy breed, though it can be susceptible to canine hip dysplasia, gastric torsion, patellar luxation, glaucoma and hemangiosarcoma.
HISTORY
Originating in the mid 19th century in England, the Flat-Coated Retriever gained popularity as a gamekeeper’s dog. The breed was registered with the AKC in 1915.
