Breed of the Week - Flat Coated Retriever

By Alexis Esty

The Flat Coated Retriever was developed in and around Newfoundland in the 1800s from various retriever and spaniel water type dog breeds such as the Newfoundland, Irish Setter, Labrador Retriever, water spaniels, and possibly, the Collie. This breed was not recognized by the AKC until 1915; being a popular dog until the beginning of World War I, during which their numbers dwindled and the breed was threatened by extinction. Efforts began to bring the breed back and slowly succeeded.

The Flat Coated Retriever was used by fisherman and hunters because of their superior sense of smell, excellent swimming capabilities and the fact that they are able to work well in marshy areas. This breed makes a wonderful bird dog being able to do well retrieving on plains and in thick areas. Some of the Flat Coated Retrievers talents include retrieving, hunting, tracking, watchdog and agility.

Flat Coated Retrievers are outgoing, devoted and friendly, an ideal companion with a strong bond to its owner and family. This breed is a versatile hunting dog, retrieving well on land or in the water, flushing upland game, marking downed birds and performing all the tasks expected of a gundog. Although they are not as well known as the Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever, they have benefited from lack of popularity by enjoying more careful breeding and better maintenance of its working ability.

Flat Coated Retrievers love to please but may be slightly more difficult to train than the Golden or Labrador. They become easily bored with repetitive training techniques so it’s best to make training sessions fun, varied and relatively short. This breed is a sensitive breed and responds best to positive reinforcement and cannot tolerate harsh handling or corrections. With their sunny optimism and tails always wagging, Flat Coated Retrievers get along well with other dogs, pets and even strangers. Although they are a friendly breed, they are not recommended for small children because of their exuberance and may knock children over.

Socialization and obedience training is highly recommended. Flat Coated Retrievers have been known to kiss their human companions as well as greet other dogs with a nice friendly kiss by licking the insides of their mouths. They tend to have good energy and need an appropriate outlet for this energy so they need plenty of activity and stimulation, both physical and mental. Sometimes referred to as the “Peter Pan of retrievers”, these dogs retain their playful, optimistic outlook on life into old age.

Because of their feathered coat, Flat Coated Retrievers need only weekly brushings and little, if any, minor trimming, and are average shedders. The most common colors of this breed are a solid black or solid liver although occurring rarely is a solid yellow or cream color. Although the yellow or cream colored Flat Coated Retriever is a disqualification under the confirmation breed standard, they can compete in other activities such as field, agility and obedience trials.

Regular tests and clearances for hereditary joint conditions such as hip dysplasia and eye conditions such as glaucoma and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a gradual deterioration of the retina, should be conducted by breeders on any dogs used for breeding. Epilepsy is a less common problem seen in some Flat Coated Retrievers. This breed has a higher risk of cancer than many other breeds. Hemangiosarcoma, tumors of the blood vessels; Fibrosarcoma, tumors in the connective tissue of bone; Osteosarcoma, bone cancer; and Malignant Histiocytosis, a rapidly spreading cancer affecting many areas of the body; are some of these cancers that can be proved devastating. The average lifespan of the Flat Coated Retriever is about 10 years with a high percentage of death due to cancer. Flat Coated Retrievers have a lower rate of hip dysplasia and luxating patellas compared to other medium sized breeds.

To learn more about this enthusiastic and versatile breed, visit the Flat Coated Retriever Society of America website.

To shop for the Flat Coated Retriever lover in your life, visit www.cherrybrook.com and select Shop by Breed or Click Here, to find gifts and apparel featuring this breed.