Flat Coated Retriever

Posted on 28. May, 2009 by in Dog Breeds, Dog Breeds F, English Dog Breeds, Medium Sized Dog Breeds, Short Coat Dog Breeds, Sporting Dogs, Straight Coat Dog Breeds


Flat-Coated Retriever

The Flat-Coated Retriever was developed in the nineteenth century and is a cross between several already established breeds, including the Irish Setter, Labrador, Water Dog, and the St. John’s Newfoundland.

The Flat Coated Retriever was at one time fairly popular with English sportsmen until the beginning of the World War, but eventually was overshadowed by other Retriever breeds.

The Flat-Coated Retriever breed is known for working well on land, water, marshy areas and in a variety of tasks. This wonderful companion tend to be an excellent swimmer and quite versatile as hunting dogs. The noble Flat-Coated Retriever is a loyal, alert, easy-going and protective dog.

Breed Group

Sporting

Size

22 – 24 inches tall (at shoulder)

WeightFlat-Coated Retriever

60 – 70 lbs

Color(s)

Solid black or liver

Coat

The Flat Coated Retriever has a all-weather coat that is of moderate length, bright, flat or slightly curly.

Life Expectancy

About 9 – 12 years.

Flat Coated Retriever puppyPersonality

The Flat Coated Retriever deserves more human affection and attention, so he does very well in an energetic large family where he can be the center of attention. These dogs has a very stable temperament and is superb with children, stranger, other dogs and pets, this breed loves everyone.

Care

Cancer is common for the Flat-Coated Retriever, also CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia), PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), epilepsy and diabetes are occasionally seen. The coat of the Flat-Coated Retriever require a minimum amount of grooming on a regular basis with a firm bristle brush, also some trimming may be required occasionally. This breed is a medium shedder.

Training

The Flat Coated Retriever is a naturally obedient and highly trainable dog that makes a wonderful hunter fellow. This breed is very joyful and active so should require consistency, easily bored he will quickly lose interest, be sure to keep training sessions short and fun, without excessive repetition. The Flat Coated Retriever thrives on training and is eager to please his owner, so discipline is not required and positive reinforcement work best. Some of the Flat-Coated Retriever’s skills are retrieving, hunting, tracking, watchdogging and also agility.

Activity

The Flat-Coated Retriever is not recommended for apartment dwelling, this active dog needs at least 2 hours of exercise and outdoor fun daily to be happy and in shape. The Flat-Coated Retriever makes an excellent jogging and swimming companion to.

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8 Responses to “Flat Coated Retriever”

  1. angie

    29. Aug, 2009

    I rescued what I believe to be a flat coated retriever…I was told that she was mixed with Irish Setter…but after looking at this website and realizing that they come in more colors other than black -I believe she is a pure FCR. She is an amazing dog! I also own a Malamute/German Shepherd and they are the best of friends. The FCR is a true hunter and SO agile! She is a gentle soul and we love her…but there are moments…I digress…ha ha…

  2. Morgan

    20. Feb, 2011

    I have a flat coated retriever named Trixie.When we got her at the pound,she could do tricks! She is 3 now,but here is my question why do they have a short life period. This is just heart breaking! :( …….and why do people drop there dog off in a trash can.People are just cruel and sick just to left and puppy or any kind of dog. who agrees with me????

  3. Morgan

    20. Feb, 2011

    I rescued a lot of things like a kitten who was in a deep dich.

  4. Jina Stamm

    07. Mar, 2011

    I got my Flat Coated Retriever from the Humane Society. They named her Molly and it fits. Molly is 1 1/2 years old. There is no history on her because she is a stray. She has a stiff bag leg at times because it gets out of joint but wth supplements it rarely occurs. I take her to the dog park daily and she keeos up with the most playful dogs and she is good natured. She is fast. She loves to swim and she loves her beautiful fur to be brushed. Molly is on the smaller side. She weighs fifty pounds and has the black tongue of a Chow. Otherwise she is Float Coated Retriever. Where did you get the information about a short life span?

  5. Charles

    19. Mar, 2011

    Most shelter dogs are not true flat coats. Flat coats are very desirable dogs and have become the name du jor for shelters. As a whole flat coats live 10-12 years which is the average for most dogs. Most cancers in flat coats are geriatric cancers and strike in the 10 year or older range; however bone cancer does take a smaller percentage at an earlier(3-5) age. Hip Dysplasia isn’t as common as they would have you to believe. It is more common in Goldens and Labs. I’ve had Flatties for over 30 years and no matter how old they are when the leave you, it’s always too young.
    stillwaterflats@aol.com

  6. Marcia

    24. May, 2011

    Evidently Flat Coat Retrievers are also a product of Golden Retrievers and Collies. We had 11, accidently. But they are true Flat Coats Retreivers. The one I kept is very shy and definitely doesn’t like sudden noises. However, he loves the ocean! Not a great cuddler, but he will let you love on him for a short time. He definitely lives to please, and has never been a chewer or barker. If I could just figure out how to get him out of his shyness, he would be the perfect dog. He prefers to lay by himself as far away from the human action as possible, but will play hard with his mommy. any suggestions?

  7. Zane

    09. Jun, 2011

    Morgan-I can’t believe your FCR was dropped in a trash can!!! I found ours at the landfill where I work. Someone had attempted to cut his throat but failed and threw him away. I barely spotted him amidst two garbage truck loads of trash, and had he not been on top of the pile with his head sticking out from beneath a couple of garbage bags, I would not have seen him and he would have met a tragic end. There are definitely some sick individuals out there! And he is so adorable and I KNOW that they could have given him away to almost anyone for that reason alone. He’s so intelligent and loving. Though I am extremely happy we ended up with such a wonderful dog, it makes me sad that he was put through such a traumatic event and that people could be so twisted!

  8. T.J. Ardoin

    08. Aug, 2011

    I have a black flat-coated retriever. He is a rescue pup from 7 months. He is now five and still very much a puppy. He has the bushy tail and bushy chest coat with the purple spotted tongue. His attention span is fantastic when it comes to food, squirrels, and anything that moves in water. He is my shadow and loves attention. He is constantly wagging his tail and wanting to play and bark at squirrels. Sadly, he was not trained as a puppy because he was incarcerated and when I did have him trained, i was given a full refund. He walks me on the Levee where I live and sometimes he runs me. He is famous for belching in my ear. He is my inspiration to get up “….I simply love my dog because I’m his and he is mine.”

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