Mary Allen
The breed has been bred in Britain since the mid-1800s and has become a very popular retriever in its homeland. Find out everything about the behavior, character, activity and exercise needs, education, and care of the Flatcoated Retriever dog breed in the profile.
Like all retrievers, the Flatcoated probably goes back to a small Newfoundland dog, the “Saint John’s Dog”. He came to England with seafarers around the emergence of the Flatcoated and was bred there with local breeds, setters, spaniels, and others. crossed. The “Flat” has been bred in Germany since the 1980s.
General Appearance
Long, soft topcoat, smooth or slightly wavy, soft undercoat. The Flatcoated Retriever is usually black, rarely liver.
Behavior and temperament
If the conditions are right and you can give the dog enough breed-appropriate activity, there is nothing wrong with a Flatcoated Retriever as a housemate: They are friendly (actually they always wag their tails) and always in a good mood, full of energy and an exuberant temperament outside and at the same time calm and gentle roommates in the house. In contrast to other hunting dogs, they can also be kept and trained well by non-hunters. They fit into any “pack” that has enough time and love for them. Its effervescent energy comes into its own when playing. As a companion of humans, he is attentive and controlled, towards children he shows almost limitless patience.
Need for employment and physical activity
The Flatcoated Retriever is a very active dog that you don’t necessarily have to take with you on a hunt. Long walks, dog sports or retrieval exercises, and – this is particularly important – the opportunity to swim also keep him busy.
Upbringing
This retriever also likes to please his people and is therefore easy to lead and train.
Maintenance
The dense, silky coat should be combed regularly, but overall requires little grooming.
Disease Susceptibility / Common Diseases
The Flatcoated Retriever is a hardy dog with very rare cases of HD and ED. However, flats are more prone to angiodysplasia, an inherited eye defect. An increased incidence of tumors was also observed.