Flat-Coated Retriever

Family: gundog, retriever, water dog

Origin: England

Date of Origin: 1800s

Breed For: water retrieving

Lifespan:

Recently Used For: water retrieving, retriever field trials

Avg Size of Male: Height: 23-24.5 Weight: 60-70

Avg Size of Female: Height:22-23.5 Weight: 60-70

Temperament:

The flat-coated retriever is a sweet, exuberant, lively dog that loves to play and retrieve. It is on the go outdoors, but quiet indoors. This breed is among the most devoted and companionable of dogs, a true family dog. It needs regular exercise to be on its best behavior, however. It is a sensitive breed and very responsive to training. Its hallmark is its wagging tail.

History:

One of the earliest uses of retrieving dogs was to help fishermen retrieve fish and objects from the water. In the 19th century, such retrieving dogs were especially popular with the cod fisheries around Newfoundland. Of these dogs, the most popular breeds were the Labrador (not to be confused with the present Labrador retriever) and several sizes of Newfoundlands. With the development of more advanced firearms, hunters were increasingly able to shoot "on the wing," but they needed a dog to mark the fallen bird and bring it back. The fishery dogs were unrivaled swimmers and natural retrievers, and crosses between them and British breeds, such as setters or pointers, honed the dog's bird sense. The result was the wavy-coated retriever, and it became quite popular in America and England. In fact, it was among the earliest breeds to be shown at English dog shows. Near the end of the 1800s, crosses with a straighter-haired breed were made because the wavy coat was thought to be less water-repellant. The resulting flat-coated retrievers became tremendously popular. The breed was not recognized by the AKC until 1915, by which time it had already begun to drop in popularity. By the end of the Second World War, the number of flat-coats had dwindled to the point that the breed was threatened with extinction. Concerted efforts to bring the breed back slowly succeeded, and the flat-coat now enjoys modest popularity.

Upkeep:

This active dog needs daily exercise and fun, and especially enjoys the chance to hunt or swim. This is a family-oriented dog that does best when allowed to live inside and play outside. Its coat needs only weekly brushing and little, if any, minor trimming occasionally.

Health:

Major concerns: none#Minor concerns: CHD#Occasionally seen: PRA, epilepsy, diabetes#Suggested tests: (hip), (knee), (eye)#Life span: 10 – 14 years