The Flat-Coated Retriever is a medium-sized hunting dog that originated in the United Kingdom where it was used to hunt birds and upland game. It is known by several different names including the Flat-Coated Retriever, Flattie, Flat-Coat, Flatt, Flatte and Flattie-Tattie. The Flat-Coat was developed during the early 1800s using various breeds such as Labradors, Irish Setters, Water Spaniels and Newfoundlands. The results of these crosses were dubbed Flat-Coated Retrievers and were quite popular among hunters. However, they did not gain recognition in the U.S. until the early 1900s.
The Flat Coated Retriever is the most elegant of retrievers. It is strong and athletic and runs effortlessly. Its coat is flat and dense and needs occasional brushing. Flat-Coats can weigh anywhere between 55 and 80 pounds when fully grown. They have a medium-length, fine coat that is longer on the chest, back of the forelegs and tail. Acceptable colors are solid black or dark liver. The almond-shaped eyes should be hazel or dark brown, and the small drop ears hang down to just above the cheeks. The muzzle is somewhat square-shaped, and the nose is liver-colored or black depending on the color of the dog’s coat. This is a stocky, muscular dog with a deep chest and strong legs. The tail of the Flat-Coat is long, held parallel to the back or slightly higher and is heavily feathered.
Personality
The Flat Coated Retriever is a loving, gentle and active dog breed that needs plenty of exercise and fun on a daily basis. If given proper exercise, it’s calm indoors. This dog is loyal and devoted to its human family and is very affectionate towards all family members, especially children. They get on well with other dogs and friendly towards strangers. Flat-Coats are happy, gentle dogs that make terrific pets for families with children. They also get along fine with cats; however, due to their hunting instincts, they do not interact well with such pets as rabbits, rodents or birds. This is a highly active breed that requires a lot of exercise and play time. Have you been searching for a playful dog that is great with kids? If so, the Flat-Coated Retriever may be the dog for you. These dogs are extremely gentle and active enough to keep up with young children. They also make terrific pets for people who enjoy hunting or other dog-related sports.
Breed Characteristics
| Family: | Retriever |
| Life Span: | 10-13 years |
| Nicknames: | Flattie, Flat-Coat, Flatt, Flatte, Flattie-Tattie |
Flat Coated Retriever Build Information
The Flat Coated Retriever is the most elegant of retrievers. It is strong and athletic and runs effortlessly. Its coat is flat and dense and needs occasional brushing. Flat-Coats can weigh anywhere between 55 and 80 pounds when fully grown. They have a medium-length, fine coat that is longer on the chest, back of the forelegs and tail. Acceptable colors are solid black or dark liver. The almond-shaped eyes should be hazel or dark brown, and the small drop ears hang down to just above the cheeks. The muzzle is somewhat square-shaped, and the nose is liver-colored or black depending on the color of the dog’s coat. This is a stocky, muscular dog with a deep chest and strong legs. The tail of the Flat-Coat is long, held parallel to the back or slightly higher and is heavily feathered.
| Size: | Medium |
Behaviour and Personality
The Flat Coated Retriever is a loving, gentle and active dog breed that needs plenty of exercise and fun on a daily basis. If given proper exercise, it’s calm indoors. This dog is loyal and devoted to its human family and is very affectionate towards all family members, especially children. They get on well with other dogs and friendly towards strangers. Flat-Coats are happy, gentle dogs that make terrific pets for families with children. They also get along fine with cats; however, due to their hunting instincts, they do not interact well with such pets as rabbits, rodents or birds. This is a highly active breed that requires a lot of exercise and play time. Have you been searching for a playful dog that is great with kids? If so, the Flat-Coated Retriever may be the dog for you. These dogs are extremely gentle and active enough to keep up with young children. They also make terrific pets for people who enjoy hunting or other dog-related sports.
| Activity Level: | Very active |
| Affection Level: | Very affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Very friendly |
Appearance
Although Flat-Coats are generally low-maintenance dogs, you will want to brush your pet daily to prevent mats. You should only need to bathe your Flat-Coat once or twice a month. However, be sure to check its ears regularly and clean them if necessary using the tip of a damp cloth. If you need to clip your pet’s nails, only clip the tips of each one.
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | Low Maintenance |
Flat Coated Retriever Common Health Conditions
A Flat-Coat that is in perfect health can live anywhere from 10 to 13 years or longer. However, just as with the majority of other breeds known today, the Flat-Coat is susceptible to developing various genetic health issues. You will find some of the most common of these conditions listed here: Hip Dysplasia, Patellar Luxation, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Epilepsy, Various Forms of Cancer, Diabetes and Glaucoma and Bloat.
Flat Coated Retriever Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
Flat-Coats mature much slower than many other breeds. In fact, your Flat-Coat may act like a puppy for two or three years before it begins to mature. Due to their high energy levels, Flat-Coats are not recommended for people who live in small homes or apartments. Flat-Coats need a lot of mental stimulation. When they become bored, they can be quite destructive.
| Training: | Moderately easy |
