Flat-Coated Retriever Overview

One of the best family dogs around, the Flat-Coated Retriever is athletic, playful, infinitely affectionate and trainable. 

Well behaved indoors and highly active outdoors, this breed is slightly more manageable than other retrievers. 

Grooming requirements are low, only needing to be brushed once per week. However, their penchant for adventure makes them dirt magnets. 

Exercise and family exposure are very important for this dog. Not only is daily exercise a necessity, but it is also recommended that the dog spends time with its owner while doing so. Vigorous play sessions or long daily walks are the best way to keep this dog healthy and happy. 

Certainly not for the laid back owner, the Flat-Coated Retriever is a strongly affectionate and biddable companion, best suited for an active family.

Flat-Coated Retriever History

Retrievers, as their name implies, were adept at catching fish and retrieving small game for hunters. The 19^th century saw the influx of this type of dog. With the advent of the firearm, the importance of retrievers grew. 

The most popular version of this breed was the Labrador, but not the Labrador Retriever we know today. In an attempt to perfect the dog’s tracking ability, this Labrador type was cross-bred with various pointers, creating a Wavy-Coated Retriever that took early English dog shows by storm. 

As the 20^th century approached, the wavy coat began to straighten and the Flat-Coated Retriever was born. Ignored by the AKC until 1915, there was little interest in supporting this new breed. By 1945, the

Retrievers, as their name implies, were adept at catching fish and retrieving small game for hunters.  The 19^th century saw the influx of this type of dog.  With the advent of the firearm, the importance of retrievers grew.  The most popular version of this breed was the Labrador, but not the Labrador Retriever we know today.  In an attempt to perfect the dog’s tracking ability, this Labrador type was cross-bred with various pointers, creating a Wavy-Coated Retriever that took early English dog shows by storm. 

As the 20^th century approached, the wavy coat began to straighten and the Flat-Coated Retriever was born.  Ignored by the AKC until 1915, there was little interest in supporting this new breed.  By 1945, the Flat-Coated Retriever was nearly extinct.  The breed was saved by a small group of supporters, but it has never made a big comeback.  Today the Flat-Coated Retriever is moderately popular.

Flat-Coated Retriever Character

The Flat-Coated Retriever is an energetic and brilliant dog. Always ready for adventure, this is a dog that needs to be involved in plenty of physical and mental activity. They are so energetic, in fact, it is important to monitor the activity of puppies, as they tend to overexert themselves and damage growing bones. 

Apartment life, while not impossible, is simply not recommended. But this is not a completely outdoor dog either. Flat-Coated Retrievers are very demanding when it comes to attention and family involvement, and they deserve every bit of it. 

These are very friendly and affectionate dogs no matter where they are. They are playful with other dogs and tend to chase small animals. With proper socialization, they are well-behaved around other household pets. 

This breed is famously good with children, though they may be too boisterous for toddlers. 

Training is a breeze. This dog is always eager to please and it learns quickly. It is not uncommon to see a Flat-Coated Retriever contending and succeeding in an endurance or obedience competition. 

The Flat-Coated Retriever is a brilliant dog for an active owner. Its biddable nature and ease of training make it an excellent dog for beginners.

Flat-Coated Retriever Care

The Flat Coated Retriever does require quite a bit of grooming due to the feathering on the lower quarters of the dog. This breed should be brushed on a regular basis with a firm bristle brush, but should only be bathed when necessary. The coat of this breed has the tendency to trap burrs and sticks so if this breed is to have free roam in a yard, the coat should be checked for said items. This breed doesn't need much trimming as the coat is usually of natural length, however some trimming may be required occasionally.

Flat-Coated Retriever Training

The Flat Coated Retriever is a highly intelligent and trainable dog and makes a wonderful student. This breed is very jolly and energetic so should require consistency, however excessive repetition is sure to bore him and he will quickly lose interest. Discipline is not required, and correction and positive reinforcement work best. Making training fun with a variety of techniques will be sure to keep his attention, and he will excel much further.

Flat-Coated Retriever Health

Common Health Issues for the Flat-Coated Retriever:

Disclaimer: While we try our best to provide accurate medical reference information, it is very likely that we have errors on our website. Do not use this website to diagnose or treat your dog. Please check with your veterinarian for health advice and treatment options.

Less Common Health Issues for the Flat-Coated Retriever:

Disclaimer: While we try our best to provide accurate medical reference information, it is very likely that we have errors on our website. Do not use this website to diagnose or treat your dog. Please check with your veterinarian for health advice and treatment options.

Flat-Coated Retriever Resources