Dog Breeds > Flat-Coated Retriever

The Flat-Coated Retriever

The Flat Coated Retriever is an intelligent breed that would fascinate every hopeful breeders and owners. This active and easy going breed never ceases to amaze people of every age.

Energy Playfulness Intelligence Grooming Popularity

Fascinating Facts

The Flat Coated Retriever was once called the “Retriever Proper”, a generic Labrador type. This breed was developed using retriever and water retriever breeds: Newfoundland, Labrador, Irish Setter and Collie. The resulting breed that appeared had flat and wavy coat that subsequently became known as Flat Coated Retriever.
The popularity of the Flat Coated Retriever quickly and widely spread until the World War. However, during that time the number of this breed had decreased as well.

Physical Appearance

The height and weight of the Flat Coated Retriever is 22 – 23 inches and 60 – 70 pounds respectively. Its head is flat and long; the muzzle is deep, long and strong. The nose is black and large for black dogs and brown for brown dogs. The eyes of the Flat Coated Retriever are large and almond shaped. The ears are full of hair and small for the size of the head. The feet are round and strong. The coat’s texture is flat and it covers the body well. The color of the Flat Coated Retriever’s coat ranges from solid black and solid liver. 

Grooming

The flat and smooth coat of the Flat Coated Retriever needs regular brushing and washing to bring out its natural shine and sleek. Regular trimming is also highly recommended to maintain a manageable length of the hair. 

Mood

The Flat Coated Retriever is friendly even with strangers that’s why they are not suitable for watching over your house. This breed do not easily get bad mood; they always appear in high spirits.  They are very active outdoors especially if they are allowed to roam around unleashed. They are also loyal and intelligent and dependable.

With Children

The Flat Coated Retriever is an active and playful dog – an attitude perfect for children. This breed has sweet and loving characteristics that would surely make the children attached to it.

Training & Exercise

Make sure that the Flat Coated Retriever receives daily exercise in order to keep it healthy and fit. Take them outdoors and let them run or walk for at least 2 – 3 hours to prevent it from becoming bored and upset.
Because the Flat Coated Retriever is intelligent, training them should be easy. This breed responds to proper encouragements such as gentle and calm words. They also respond to food-reward training and other gentle and considerate methods.

Health & Life Expectancy

The Flat Coated Retriever lives an average life of 10 years. Although this breed lives a generally healthy life, there are few illnesses that should be watched out for. The common illness on this breed is cancer. There are occasions that hip dysplasia and diabetes and even epilepsy is observed to occur on the Flat Coated Retriever.

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