Description:

The Flat Coated Retriever is a lovely member of the Sporting group with an exuberant and sweet personality. A dog that would love to hunt all day if possible with its boundless energy.

Playful, devoted, and loyal, the Flat Coated Retriever can make the ideal pet for a family that spends a lot of time outside. These dogs also have a mindset that's sensitive, which can make them easier to train.

History Of The Flat Coated Retriever:

To appreciate the history of the Flat Coated Retriever it helps to begin with a Newfoundland, throughout the 19th century, when retrieving was a popular activity with fisherman that relied on a trustworthy dog to assist in bringing back fish and other such objects from the water.

The cod fisheries relied on a breed of Labradors as a common canine (not the same as today's Labrador Retriever). Also relying on various Newfoundland dogs. As time progressed with its changes in technology and the arrival of firearms, hunter's now had the ability to shoot prey from a short distance and required a dog able to retrieve the downed foul.

The fisher dogs of choice were retrievers and natural swimmers and those were cross-bred with British pointers and setters to enhance on a dog's bird senses. This resulted in a Wavy Coated Retriever, which soon became admired in England and in America.

Later in the 1800's the Wavy Coated Retriever were bred with dogs that had straighter coats as it was believed that a wavy coat wasn't as water repellent as straight hair. This all resulted in the arrival of the Flat Coated Retriever, which was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1915.

Flat Coated Retriever Care:

Regular, daily exercise is a requirement for a Flat Coated Retriever to remain content. Sporting dog breeds are in need of ample exercise, and these dogs are always seeking an opportunity to jump into water and hunt. As a family-oriented breed, the Flat Coated Retriever's will prefer to spend there nights inside with the rest of the household.

Health Information:

Health concerns seen with a Flat Coated Retriever include gastric torsion, glaucoma, CHD, osteosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, lymphosarcoma, and patellar luxation. Vets recommend that this breed is checked for eye, hip, and knee related problems.

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