Flat-Coated
Retriever
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Description:
Flat-Coated Retrievers have a sunny disposition,
an ever wagging tail and truly makes for a
wonderful family companion. These versatile
hunting retrievers have a beautiful black
or liver coat and are known for their distinctive
silhouette, smooth effortless movement and
head type which is long and sleek.
The Flat-Coated Retriever is believed to have
been developed in the 1800s as a hunting dog
to flush and retrieve game. Possible crosses
with other breeds include the large Newfoundland
setter, spaniel-like water dogs and sheepdog.
Other possible various breeds such as Collie-type
dogs were included to increase the breed's
trainability. Flat-Coated Retrievers were
most valuable to fishermen at the time.
Flat-Coated Retrievers gained quick popularity
in the United States as a gundog, but both
World Wars put a strain on the survival of
the breed. Fortunately, careful breeding programs
were established in the 1960s which resulted
in saving the Flat Coated Retriever. Golden
Retrievers (developed in part from the Flat-Coat)
and Labrador Retrievers became more popular
during the time Flat-Coats were diminishing,
however, this breed which came very close
to not surviving, still enjoys modest popularity
today.
The Flat-Coat Retriever was recognized by
the American Kennel Club in 1915.
Height:
The height for Flat-Coated Retriever dogs
is 23–24.5 inches (58–62 cm) tall
at the withers and for females: 22–23.5
inches (56–60 cm).
Weight: Recommended weight
range for Flat-Coated Retrievers is between
55–75 lb (24–34 kg).
Coat Type: The Flat-Coated
Retriever has a singe coat which is moderate
in length and density and lies straight and
flat. Lustrous; slight wave is permissible.
The coat is thickly feathered on the ears,
back of forelegs, front, chest, and underside
of the tail. The coat should not be bushy,
wooly, fluffy or silky. Grooming is minimal
- weekly brushing is required to keep the
coat beautiful. Bathing is done only when
necessary. The Flat-Coated Retriever is an
average shedder.
Color: The color of the Flat-Coated
Retriever's coat is solid black or solid liver.
On
rare occasions, there are yellow coats, but
this is a disqualification according to the
breed standard.
Temperament:
Flat-Coated Retrievers are versatile hunting
dogs that make wonderful family pets. These
dogs are cheerful, very smart, alert, responsive
and remain playful well into old age. They're
very social and make an exceptional family
companion. Training sessions must be short,
fun and varied as Flat-Coated Retrievers become
easily bored. Positive reinforcement is necessary
because this breed is sensitive and does not
respond well to harsh treatment. Flat-Coated
Retrievers are very alert thus making great
watch dogs (but not guard dogs) and they get
along with other dogs and pets. These energetic
dogs need a daily walk or jog and when given
the chance, swim (they're great swimmers).
Flat-Coated Retrievers thrive on human companionship
and should not be left alone for long periods
of time.
Health Problems: Flat-Coated
Retrievers have a greater chance of getting
cancer than most other breeds. According to
the Flat Coated Retriever Society of America
(FCRSA), the average life span for these dogs
is only about 10 years, with a high percentage
of deaths due to cancer. Other
health concerns seen on occasion include hip
dysplasia and luxating patellas. Breeders
should run tests on any dogs used for breeding
for eye conditions such as progressive retinal
atrophy and glaucoma. Occasionally epilepsy
is also seen in the breed.
Special Interest:
• Flat-Coated Retrievers
show their affection by frequently 'kissing'
their human friends. These affectionate and
good-natured dogs also greet other dogs with
a kiss on the mouth - known as the "flat-coat
kiss".
• The Flat-Coated Retriever
was originally known as the "Wavy-Coated
Retriever".
• Flat-Coated
Retrievers were registered with the American
Kennel Club in 1915.
• Almanza Far
and Flyg (a.k.a. Simon) from Oslo, Norway,
won the Gundog Group at Crufts in 2007. Crufts
is the annual international Championship conformation
show for dogs organized and hosted by the
Kennel Club (UK) and is the largest annual
dog show in the world.
Classifications:
AKC: Sporting Group
ANKC:Group 3 Gundogs
CKC: Group 1 - Sporting Dogs
FCI: Group 8; Section 1- Retrievers
KC: Gundog
NZKC: Gundog
UKC: Gun Dogs |
