The Flat-Coated Retriever
Origin
The Flat-Coated Retriever was developed in the 1800's by crossing several already established breeds, including the Irish Setter, Labrador, Water Dog and the St. John's Newfoundland, though one source also mentions the Collie. The breed was fairly popular until the beginning of World War I, but was then overshadowed by the Labrador and the Golden Retriever. The Flat-Coated Retriever deserves more attention, as he is not only an excellent bird dog and swimmer, but also an outstanding family dog. These dogs are gifted with a fine intuition and an excellent sense of smell. They are used above all for retrieving on plains and in areas thick with trees and bushes. They are good swimmers and also work well in marshy areas. Some of the Flat-Coat's talents are retrieving, hunting, tracking, watch dog and agility.
General Appearance & Description
The Flat-Coated Retriever is a beautiful black or liver-colored versatile family companion, hunting retriever with a happy and active demeanor, intelligent expression and clean lines. The Flat-Coat has been traditionally described as showing "power without lumber and raciness without weediness". The distinctive and most important features of the Flat-Coat are the silhouette (both moving and standing), smooth, effortless movement, head type, coat and character. In silhouette the Flat-Coat has a long, strong, clean, "one piece" head, which is unique to the breed. Free from exaggeration of stop or cheek, the head is set well into a moderately long neck which flows smoothly into well laid back shoulders. The eyes are dark brown or hazel, depending on the coat color, with an intelligent expression. A level top line combined with a deep, long rib cage tapering to a moderate tuck-up create the impression of a blunted triangle. The brisket is well developed and the fore chest forms a prominent prow. This utilitarian retriever is well balanced, strong, but elegant; never cobby, short legged or rangy. The coat is thick and flat lying, and the legs and tail are well feathered. A proud carriage, responsive attitude, waving tail and overall look of functional strength, quality, style and symmetry complete the picture of the typical Flat-Coat. Judging the Flat-Coat moving freely on a loose lead and standing naturally is more important than judging the Flat-Coated Retriever posed.
Temperament & Character
The Flat-Coat is a responsive, loving member of the family, a versatile working dog, multi-talented, sensible, bright and tractable. He is keen and birdy, flushing within gun range, as well as a determined, resourceful retriever on land and water. He has a great desire to hunt with self-reliance and an uncanny ability to adapt to changing circumstances on a variety of upland game and waterfowl. As a family companion he is sensible, alert and highly intelligent; a lighthearted, affectionate and adaptable friend. He retains these qualities as well as his youthfully good-humored outlook on life into old age.
The Flat-Coated Retriever is superb with children and a great family dog. It has a very stable temperament. This is a sweet, high-spirited dog that loves to play and retrieve. A gentle and playful tail-wagger. They are cheerful, devoted companions with a puppy-like exuberance well into their later years. It is on the go outdoors, but quiet indoors. This very sociable breed needs lots of affection and attention from his family. The Flat-Coated Retriever gets along well with dogs and other pets. This breed is obedient and highly trainable, but easily bored. Keep training sessions short and fun, without excessive repetition.
In competition the Flat-Coat demonstrates stability - and a desire to please with a confident, happy and outgoing attitude characterized by a wagging tail. The adult Flat-Coat is usually an adequate alarm dog to give warning, but is a good-natured, optimistic dog, basically inclined to be friendly to all. The Flat-Coat is a cheerful, devoted companion who requires and appreciates living with and interacting as a member of his family. To reach full potential in any endeavor he absolutely must have a strong personal bond and affectionate individual attention.
Suggested Reading:
Flat-Coated Retrievers Today; by Joan Mason.
Flat-Coated Retriever; by John Wakefield
Family Dog; by Richard Wolters. A good training resource
Links:
Flat-Coated Retriever Society of America
Flat-Coat Health Manual
American Kennel Club
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
Boykin Spaniel Society www.boykinspaniel.org
The Flat-Coated Retriever was developed in the 1800's by crossing several already established breeds, including the Irish Setter, Labrador, Water Dog and the St. John's Newfoundland, though one source also mentions the Collie. The breed was fairly popular until the beginning of World War I, but was then overshadowed by the Labrador and the Golden Retriever. The Flat-Coated Retriever deserves more attention, as he is not only an excellent bird dog and swimmer, but also an outstanding family dog. These dogs are gifted with a fine intuition and an excellent sense of smell. They are used above all for retrieving on plains and in areas thick with trees and bushes. They are good swimmers and also work well in marshy areas. Some of the Flat-Coat's talents are retrieving, hunting, tracking, watch dog and agility.
General Appearance & Description
The Flat-Coated Retriever is a beautiful black or liver-colored versatile family companion, hunting retriever with a happy and active demeanor, intelligent expression and clean lines. The Flat-Coat has been traditionally described as showing "power without lumber and raciness without weediness". The distinctive and most important features of the Flat-Coat are the silhouette (both moving and standing), smooth, effortless movement, head type, coat and character. In silhouette the Flat-Coat has a long, strong, clean, "one piece" head, which is unique to the breed. Free from exaggeration of stop or cheek, the head is set well into a moderately long neck which flows smoothly into well laid back shoulders. The eyes are dark brown or hazel, depending on the coat color, with an intelligent expression. A level top line combined with a deep, long rib cage tapering to a moderate tuck-up create the impression of a blunted triangle. The brisket is well developed and the fore chest forms a prominent prow. This utilitarian retriever is well balanced, strong, but elegant; never cobby, short legged or rangy. The coat is thick and flat lying, and the legs and tail are well feathered. A proud carriage, responsive attitude, waving tail and overall look of functional strength, quality, style and symmetry complete the picture of the typical Flat-Coat. Judging the Flat-Coat moving freely on a loose lead and standing naturally is more important than judging the Flat-Coated Retriever posed.
Temperament & Character
The Flat-Coat is a responsive, loving member of the family, a versatile working dog, multi-talented, sensible, bright and tractable. He is keen and birdy, flushing within gun range, as well as a determined, resourceful retriever on land and water. He has a great desire to hunt with self-reliance and an uncanny ability to adapt to changing circumstances on a variety of upland game and waterfowl. As a family companion he is sensible, alert and highly intelligent; a lighthearted, affectionate and adaptable friend. He retains these qualities as well as his youthfully good-humored outlook on life into old age.
The Flat-Coated Retriever is superb with children and a great family dog. It has a very stable temperament. This is a sweet, high-spirited dog that loves to play and retrieve. A gentle and playful tail-wagger. They are cheerful, devoted companions with a puppy-like exuberance well into their later years. It is on the go outdoors, but quiet indoors. This very sociable breed needs lots of affection and attention from his family. The Flat-Coated Retriever gets along well with dogs and other pets. This breed is obedient and highly trainable, but easily bored. Keep training sessions short and fun, without excessive repetition.
In competition the Flat-Coat demonstrates stability - and a desire to please with a confident, happy and outgoing attitude characterized by a wagging tail. The adult Flat-Coat is usually an adequate alarm dog to give warning, but is a good-natured, optimistic dog, basically inclined to be friendly to all. The Flat-Coat is a cheerful, devoted companion who requires and appreciates living with and interacting as a member of his family. To reach full potential in any endeavor he absolutely must have a strong personal bond and affectionate individual attention.
Suggested Reading:
Flat-Coated Retrievers Today; by Joan Mason.
Flat-Coated Retriever; by John Wakefield
Family Dog; by Richard Wolters. A good training resource
Links:
Flat-Coated Retriever Society of America
Flat-Coat Health Manual
American Kennel Club
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
Boykin Spaniel Society www.boykinspaniel.org
