Flat-Coated Retriever

Flat-Coated Retriever
Size: Large
Other Names: Flat-Coat, Flattie
Country of Origin: England
Accreditation:
American Kennel Club (AKC): Sporting
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): Sporting
United Kennel Club (UKC): Gun Dog
Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC): Gun Dogs
The Kennel Club (KC): Gun Dogs
Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA): Gun Dogs
New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC): Gun Dogs

The Flat-Coated Retriever is a large, racy retrieving dog with a longish head, small dropped ears, and a dense, flat coat that looks almost painted on.  The tail is well feathered, and the expression is cheerful.

An optimistic retrieving dog for an active house; a flat coat that sheds, a generally friendly voice, and a need for swim or field time every day.

The Flat-Coated Retriever is an English gundog developed in the 19th century as an all-purpose retriever for water and upland work.  It is less common than the Labrador or Golden.  The AKC places it in the Sporting Group; the UKC classes it as a Gun Dog.
Height
Male: 23–24½ inches; Female: 22–23½ inches
Weight
55–80 pounds
Color
Black or liver
Coat
Dense, fine, and as flat as possible, with moderate feathering
Lifespan
8–10 years
Litter size
6–8 puppies

Temperament

Flat-Coats are typically friendly, optimistic, and slow to mature.  They stay puppyish longer than many retrievers and need more exercise than a short leash walk.  They are usually good with people and poor at being left alone all day.

Training

They learn quickly and get bored with drill.  Keep sessions short and start retrieving early.

Care and grooming

Brush the flat coat weekly so the feathering does not mat.  They need a daily run or swim.

Shedding

Moderate.

Health

Flat-Coated Retrievers have a higher-than-average rate of cancer, including histiocytic sarcoma.  Hip dysplasia and eye disease can also occur.

Crosses that include the Flat-Coated Retriever

These hybrid pages list this breed as a parent. Open a name to see the other contributing breed.

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