Flat-Coated Retriever
Quick facts
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AKC Group: | Sporting |
| Height: | Male: 23 – 24.5 inches; Female: 22 – 23.5 inches | |
| Weight: | 60 – 70 pounds | |
| Colors: | solid black or liver | |
| AKC recognized in: | 1915 | |
The Flat-Coated Retriever traces its origins way back in the middle of 19th century England. Classified as a hunting retriever and as a gamekeeper’s dog, the Flat-Coat is described as a versatile gundog breed with clean lines, a smart, racy expression, and dynamic behavior.
The Flat-Coat’s distinctive features include the silhouette, demeanor, smooth, nimble movement, coat, and head type. Flat-Coats have strong one-piece head silhouettes typical to the breed. The head is placed well with the well-arched neck that runs slickly into powerful shoulders.
With almond shaped brown eyes that bore a friendly but shrewd expression, Flat-Coat Retrievers are more elegant and lighter than most hunting retriever breeds out there. In addition, they have relatively small ears which lie near the head and the strong topline assumes a straight, feathered tail of fair length along the back. Flat-Coats are angulated that is why they have flexible and effortless mobility.
Temperament
| Affection |  |
| Cold Tolerance | |
| Ease of Training | |
| Energy level | |
| Exercise Requirements | |
| Friendliness : Children | |
| Friendliness: Other Animals | |
| Friendliness: Other Pets | |
| Grooming Requirements | |
| Heat Tolerance | |
| Playfulness | |
| Protection Ability | |
| Watchdog Ability | |
Deportment and bearing are exceptional characteristics of the Flat-Coated Retriever. A loving, pleasant, and responsive working dog, a Flat-Coat is often favorable especially for families who are hankering for that gundog breed best friend. Flat-Coats are terrific in being tractable, multi-talented, intelligent, and prudent. During competitions, Flat-Coat breeds often display marvelous stability and longing to please the owners with their happy and confident countenance illustrated by wagging their tails.
In fact, Flat-Coat retrievers are family hunting companions as they are keen, resourceful, and determined on both land and water. Flat-Coats exude self-assurance, relying upon their own selves to adjust to varying circumstances whenever needed. Great family hunting cohorts, they are also affectionate, alert, lighthearted, wise, and sensible. They have excellent qualities bearing good-humored attitude towards life into old age. Adult Flat-Coats are bred to be sufficient alarm dogs, very well-capable of barking out warnings and distress signals. But generally, they are really friendly, good-natured, and optimistic tail-waggers.
The Flat-Coat is a jovial, stanch buddy who calls for and values interacting and living in a social clime filled with people. Flat-Coat Retrievers should definitely have strong, intimate bonds with the people they live with as well as garner affectionate attention every so often to be able to reach their full potential in any undertaking.
Health and Exercise
Flat-Coat Retrievers may appear friendly and pleasant but never underestimate them as they can be fierce hunting companions when need be. Flat-Coats have elegant, arched bodily structures suited for hard work. Of utilitarian nature, Flat-Coats are conditioned with a certain structure and attitude perfect for hunting and sporting competitions and obedience trials.
However, when it comes to health, Flat-Coat Retrievers are prone to hereditary joint and eye conditions. Owners who have Flat-Coats should run clearance and regular tests on them regarding hip dysplasia, glaucoma, and even possibly progressive retinal atrophy. Sometimes, epilepsy manifests on the breed which is a serious cause for concern.
Flat-Coat Retrievers also have higher risk of cancer. With a lifespan of only 10 years, most Flat-Coat deaths have been attributed to cancer. To care for your Flat-Coats, nourish them with proper food intake to shrink the occurrence of cancer manifesting in the future. Have your Flat-Coat checked for tests as well.
Visitor Comments
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Any woman who does not thoroughly enjoy tramping across the country on a clear frosty morning with a good gun and a pair of dogs does not know how to enjoy life.
Annie Oakley