The Retriever, a dog that would locate and bring back birds killed by
huntsmen, has been developed over the centuries. As time went on, this type
of dog was developed into separate breeds dependent upon aspects preferred
by individual hunters. During the mid-1800s, one such retriever type was
bred in England using the Labrador Retriever and St. John's Newfoundland
. This combination created a working dog that had a flat or wavy coat who
could retrieve through thick cover and cold water. He became known as the
Flat-Coated Retriever. He was admitted to the American Kennel Club in 1915.
The Flat-Coated Retriever is a delightful, animated dog who retains his
youthful outlook well into old age. Tail-wagging is a hallmark of the breed.
He loves to hunt and swim but is a good family companion as well. He needs
plenty of exercise and individual attention.
The skull of the Flat-Coat has very little drop off to the muzzle (stop),
giving the impression of a "one-piece" head. The brows are slightly
raised and very mobile, giving life to his expression. The muzzle is equal
in length and breadth to the skull. The eyes are set wide apart and almond
shaped. They are dark brown or hazel in color. The ears are relatively small,
lying close to the head. The jaws are strong with a scissors bite. The neck
is strong and slightly arched. The chest reaches to the elbow and is moderately
broad. The legs are straight and strong with medium bone. The topline is
level. The loin is strong and well muscled. The tail is fairly straight,
well feathered and long enough to reach the hock. The coat is of moderate
length, density and fullness with a high luster. It should be straight or
flat lying although a slight wave is permissible. Thick feathering exists
on the ears, chest, back of legs, thighs and underside of the tail. Coat
colors include solid black or solid liver. Average height is between 22
and 24 inches. Average weight is between 60 and 70 pounds.
Name withheld by request of Washington writes:
Great family dog, but do research.
This breed is the ideal family breed. I got my first (and only) FCR
at six, and he was everything I could ask for. He was 28 inches at the shoulder
and 100 pounds, so he was big, but he almost never jumped, and he loved
everyone. But do your research. I think that I bought from a puppymill breeder,
and he died at six and a half years old. Ask the breeder the age of parents
and grandparents. I highly recommend them.
Name withheld by request of Chicago, IL writes on 4/3/01:
Great dogs, but...
I have owned and loved Flat-Coats for thirteen years. We've had numerous
champions, junior hunters, and CDX. I absolutely love this breed and would
never own any other. They are always happy and are content to just be around
their owners. They would just as soon lie at your feet as jog around the
block. I have never, ever met an agressive one, and I've known quite a few.
They are as eager as any dog to please their owner. My dogs would jump through
flaming hoops if asked to. However, I must caution people interested in
the breed, for the sake of the potential owners as well as the dogs. They
are not for everyone. An owner must have time to train them and exercise
them. If these needs aren't met they meet them for themselves and engage
in unwanted behaviors, including chewing and digging.They are great with
kids, but they are large dogs. In their over zealous playing they could
inadvertantly injure a child. This doesn't mean they are bad dogs. I encourage
anyone interested in the breed to researh. Find out as much as you can before
you buy one of these fabulous dogs. You wouldn't buy a car without researching
it and comparing it to other cars. And like buying a car, you want one that
suits your life style, a family of six wouldn't be interested in a Mazda
Miata, would they?
