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Flat-Coated Retriever
The Flat-Coated Retriever is an active and intelligent sporting breed.
They make good family pets and excellent jogging partners.
Try out our new Dog Breed Chooser Tool to help you select a breed.
Breed Facts
Finding a Flat-Coated Retriever
Physical Characteristics
- Coat: Sleek, medium-length, thick hair comes in black or brown
- Dark brown or hazel eyes
- Black nose for those with black coats; brown for brown coats
- Height: 22-25 inches
- Weight: 60-70 pounds
- Average lifespan: 10-14 years
Temperament
- Sweet, smart, lively, friendly, cheerful, devoted
- Interaction with people: Good family dog; good with children
- Level of attention needed: Craves attention and will be a friend to the entire family
- Training: Easily trainable but easily bored. Training sessions should be short and fun without excessive repetition. Thrives on training and pleasing his owner
Medical Conditions
- Cancers (including soft tissue sarcomas, hemangiosarcoma, malignant histiocytosis and lymphoma)
- Hip dysplasia
- Ophthalmic disorders (including glaucoma)
- Patellar luxation
While the listed ailments may be common in this breed, not all members of the breed suffer from these conditions. Responsible breeders screen for orthopedic and genetic diseases.
At Home
- Not recommended for apartments
- Needs average-sized yard
- Needs daily walk
- Prefers to live inside and play outside
- Makes an excellent jogging companion
- Loves to play and retrieve
Grooming
- Average shedder
- Needs weekly brushings
- Needs minor trimmings, if any
Other Facts
- By end of World War II, a drop in popularity threatened the breed with extinction
- Today the breed enjoys a modest popularity
- Known for its wagging tail
- Lineage shows signs of the Newfoundland, setter, sheepdog, and spaniel-like water dogs; regarded as a "mongrel" breed for many years
Breed History
- Developed in the 1800s in the U.K. by crossing the Irish setter, Labrador retriever, water dog, St. John's Newfoundland and possibly collies
- Original flat-coateds were descended from a strong working strain owned by a gamekeeper
- Bred to be a versatile and athletic hunter able to retrieve on land and in water
- Thick, flat coat offers good protection without adding weight
- Popular until beginning of World War I, then overtaken in popularity by the Labrador and Golden retrievers
For more information about this breed and breeder referral contacts, please visit the Flat-Coated Retriever Society of America For breed rescue opportunities, visit FCRSA Rescue
Introducing Pet-Pods...
FREE downloadable PDF files providing a comprehensive review of some of the most timely pet health topics: Allergies, Fleas, Summer Safety Hazards, and Vomiting and Diarrhea.
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