The Flat Coated Retriever is a breed that's both beautiful and fascinating. They originated in England in the 19th century.
Their distinctive appearance is characterized by a flat skull, a broad head, and a muscular build. Their coat is short, smooth, and comes in two colors: liver and black.
One of their notable features is their intelligence, which makes them highly trainable.
Retriever Care
To keep your Flat-Coated Retriever happy and healthy, they need lots of daily exercise.
Their grooming needs are fairly straightforward, and they generally take well to training. With regular exercise, they'll be a joy to be around.
Their medium-length coat needs a weekly combing using a brush with firm bristles and a metal comb to eliminate dead hair and dirt.
Brush your Flatcoat more frequently, at least twice or thrice a week, during the shedding season which occurs two times in a year.
Bathe your Flatcoat when it gets dirty, and clean its eyes and ears on a routine basis.
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Retriever History
The flat-coated retriever can trace its origin to the mid-1800s in England.
Their ancestry is linked to the St. John's Water dog, an extinct breed, and the Newfoundland dog, which was brought to Britain by Canadian seafarers.
The breed was developed with the help of Collie-type herding breeds to increase trainability and Setter breeds to enhance scenting skills.
They became England's most popular retriever breed until the Labrador and Golden Retrievers dethroned them in the early 1900s.
In 1860, the first varieties of these dogs came to light, along with the Curly Coated Retriever.
The American Kennel Club first recognized the breed in 1915.
Their popularity declined after the development of the Labrador Retriever in 1918 and the Golden Retriever in the 1920s.
The breed numbers diminished during the World Wars, and flat-coats are still fairly rare today.
Proper and selective breeding in the 1960s helped in their revival, and they are now widely bred as house pets and for conformation showing.
The Flat-Coated Retriever Society of America, formed in 1960, is the AKC's official parent club to this breed.
Retriever Overview
The Flat-Coated Retriever is a breed that's perfect for active families. They generally get along well with kids and even other dogs.
One of the most notable characteristics of this breed is their high energy level. They love to play and need lots of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
If you're an outdoor enthusiast, a Flat-Coated Retriever might be the perfect companion. They're great for people who enjoy hiking and swimming.
But be warned, they need lots of exercise and mental stimulation. If left alone for long periods, they can become destructive.
Here's a quick rundown of what you can expect from a Flat-Coated Retriever:
Temperament and Personality
The Flat-Coated Retriever's temperament and personality are truly one-of-a-kind. They're affectionate family dogs with an immense desire to please their loved ones.
Their fun-loving and cheerful nature has earned them the nickname "Peter Pan of Dogs." You'll often find them cuddling with you in bed and detesting being left alone for prolonged periods.
Their energetic and spritely demeanor is seen even as they age. They love to greet and be friendly with anyone they see.
Their overfriendly nature can be a drawback, making them unsuitable as watch or guard dogs. However, their innate sense of smell often makes them a great asset for drug-sniffing.
Here's a quick rundown of their temperament and personality traits:
They generally get along well with kids, other dogs, and even cats. However, they're not suited for homes with birds, keeping in mind the kind of work they were bred to do.
Their high energy level and love of playtime make them perfect for people who enjoy outdoor activities, including hiking and swimming.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a labrador retriever and a Flat-Coated Retriever?
A Labrador Retriever and a Flat-Coated Retriever are similar in height, but the Flat-Coat has a leaner build and a more elegant appearance.
What two breeds make a Flat-Coated Retriever?
The Flat-Coated Retriever is believed to have originated from crossing Newfoundlands and other breeds, including setters and spaniels. This mix of breeds resulted in a unique and agile dog with a distinctive long coat.
How rare are Flat-Coated Retrievers?
Flat-Coated Retrievers are a relatively rare breed, ranking 91 out of 192 registered breeds in 2018. This unique status makes them a special and sought-after companion for dog enthusiasts.
Sources
- Flat-Coated Retriever Society of America (fcrsa.org)
- Flat-Coated Retriever Rescue (rescueme.org)
- Flat-Coated Retriever Puppies and Dogs (adoptapet.com)
- Flat-Coated Retriever (akc.org)
- American Kennel Association (akc.org)
- Flat-Coated Retriever Dog Breed Information and Pictures (dogbreedinfo.com)
- https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/flat-coated-retriever (petmd.com)
- https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/flatcoatedretrievers.html (yourpurebredpuppy.com)
- https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/flat-coated-retriever/ (akc.org)
- Flat Coated Retriever Info, Temperament, Puppies, Pictures (101dogbreeds.com)
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