Flat-coated retriever

Welcome to our page dedicated to the breed of dog flat-coated retriever!

Here, you will find all the useful information about flat-coated retriever. This descriptive profile will allow you to discover the aspects of this breed. You can notably consult information about the average price, monthly and annual upkeep expenses, their health, name ideas, as well as their official recognition by competent authorities.

Explore this page to discover everything you need to know.

Overall description of the breed

The origins of the Flat-Coated Retriever, literally "Retriever with a flat coat" in French, remain shrouded in mystery. It is presumed that this breed emerged from a cross between the English Setter and the Newfoundland. It made its appearance in the early 20th century on an island of the same name off the coast of Canada.

Closely related to the Golden Retriever and the Labrador Retriever, the Flat-Coated Retriever is primarily recognized for its skills as a hunting dog, excelling in this field. Although it was relatively uncommon until the 2000s, the population of this breed continues to grow in the West, notably in the United Kingdom. It received official recognition from the International Cynological Federation on December 23, 1954, and its current breed standard was established on July 28, 2009.

Less famous than its close cousins, the Flat-Coated Retriever possesses a plethora of physical qualities. It falls within the category of medium to large-sized dogs, featuring an imposing stature while maintaining a graceful and harmonious appearance. Its solid construction is evident in its strong and powerful limbs, coupled with a generous chest and deep thorax. Its backline is broad, fleshy, and perfectly straight.

Its well-proportioned and robust neck harmoniously connects to a balanced head that is in harmony with the rest of its body. Its skull has a rounded shape, and its stop is subtly defined. The coat of the Flat-Coated Retriever is long, particularly on its limbs, and features abundant density that covers its entire body. The colors accepted by the breed standard are black and brown.

Regarding its temperament, the Flat-Coated Retriever is a delightful companion to live with. Gentle and benevolent towards its owner, it proves to be a wonderful life companion. With a cheerful and playful demeanor, it is always eager to partake in playful activities or share extended moments of play with the family, especially in the company of children, with whom it develops an exceptional closeness.

As a remarkable hunting assistant, it is primarily employed for game retrieval and tracking injured animals, two domains in which it demonstrates exceptional aptitude. Possessing versatility and patience, it also stands out in rescuing individuals in distress and assisting people with disabilities. Sociable and obedient, the Flat-Coated Retriever is easy to train due to its innate intelligence.

By forming strong bonds with its close ones, it craves their presence to fully flourish. Overflowing with affection, it is sure to reciprocate the love and attention you provide in spades.

In terms of weight, the Flat-Coated Retriever ranges from 27 to 36 kg (59.5 to 79 lb) for males and 25 to 32 kg (55 to 70.5 lb) for females. Its shoulder height varies from 58 to 61 cm (22.5" to 24") for males and 56 to 59 cm (22" to 23") for females.

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Origins

The Flat-Coated Retriever, also known as the Flat-Coat, originates from the United Kingdom. This breed was developed in the 19th century for hunting, particularly for retrieving game on both water and land. Ancestors of the Flat-Coated Retriever include the St. John's Water Dog, the Irish Setter, the Water Spaniel, and the Collie. The breed was created to combine the best qualities of these dogs, focusing on working ability, endurance, and a friendly temperament.

History

The history of the Flat-Coated Retriever dates back to the 19th century, when British breeders were looking to create a versatile hunting dog. They crossed St. John's Water Dogs with Irish Setters, Water Spaniels, and Collies to create a dog capable of retrieving game in difficult conditions. The breed quickly gained popularity for its exceptional skills and friendly temperament. Although its popularity declined in the early 20th century, the Flat-Coated Retriever is still appreciated for its role as a working dog and loyal companion.

Standard

The standard of the Flat-Coated Retriever breed describes a dog of medium to large size, well proportioned and elegant. The head is long and well sculpted, with dark and expressive eyes. The ears are hanging, attached high and well covered with hair. The body is strong and muscular, with a deep chest and well ribbed ribs. The tail is carried straight and well furnished. The coat is long, flat and dense, weather resistant. Accepted coat colors are black and liver. The Flat-Coated Retriever should present a graceful and energetic appearance.

Physical characteristics

The Flat-Coated Retriever is a medium to large size dog, measuring between 58 and 61 cm at the withers for males and between 55 and 58 cm for females. The weight varies from 27 to 36 kg. Its coat is long, flat and dense, providing good protection against the weather. The coat colors are black and liver. The body is muscular and well-proportioned, with a deep chest and a straight back line. The eyes are dark, expressive and almond-shaped. The ears are hanging and well covered with hair, adding to the elegant appearance of the dog.

Character

The Flat-Coated Retriever is known for its friendly, cheerful, and energetic nature. It is an intelligent and eager to please dog, making it easy to train. It is also very sociable and gets along well with children and other animals. Its playful and affectionate nature makes it an excellent family companion. The Flat-Coated Retriever is also very active and enjoys participating in physical and mental activities. It is often described as having "eternal youth", maintaining its enthusiasm and zest for life throughout its life.

Life expectancy

The Flat-Coated Retriever's life expectancy is generally between 10 and 12 years. To maximize its longevity, it is essential to offer it a balanced diet, regular exercise, and appropriate veterinary care. Owners must be vigilant about their dogs' health, especially by monitoring signs of common diseases such as hip dysplasia and certain types of cancers. With proper care and regular attention to its health, the Flat-Coated Retriever can lead a long and active life, bringing joy and companionship to its owners.

Exercise and activity needs

The Flat-Coated Retriever is a very active dog that requires a good amount of daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. At least one hour of intense exercise per day is recommended, including walks, retrieval games, and stimulating activities. Canine sports such as agility, obedience, and retrieval work are also excellent for this breed. Due to its intelligence and energy, the Flat-Coated Retriever can easily become bored if not sufficiently stimulated, which can lead to destructive behaviors. Regular and varied exercise is therefore essential for its well-being.

Recommended diet

The Flat-Coated Retriever requires high-quality food, rich in proteins and essential nutrients to support its musculature and high level of activity. A diet suitable for large and active dogs is recommended. The monthly cost of feeding a Flat-Coated Retriever generally ranges between 50 and 80 euros. It is important to monitor its weight and provide appropriate portions to prevent obesity. A balanced diet contributes to the overall health and longevity of this robust and energetic dog.

Training and obedience

The Flat-Coated Retriever is an intelligent and eager-to-please dog, which makes training and obedience easier. However, due to their playful and sometimes stubborn nature, it is important to use positive reinforcement methods, such as rewards and praises. Early socialization is crucial for them to get used to various people, animals, and situations. Short but regular training sessions help maintain their interest and develop their obedience skills. A well-trained Flat-Coated Retriever is an obedient companion, capable of effectively responding to their owner's commands.

Behavior with children

The Flat-Coated Retriever is generally very good with children, thanks to its affectionate and patient nature. He can be an excellent playmate, bringing energy and joy to the home. However, due to his size and energy, it is important to supervise interactions between the dog and young children to avoid any unintentional accidents. Children should also be educated on how to properly treat the dog with respect and gentleness. With proper socialization and training, the Flat-Coated Retriever can become a valuable and loving member of the family.

Compatibility with Other Animals

The Flat-Coated Retriever can get along well with other pets, especially if socialized from a young age. Due to its hunting and retrieving instincts, it may sometimes chase small animals, but gradual and supervised introductions can help establish a harmonious coexistence. Interactions with other dogs or cats should be monitored initially. With proper socialization, it can peacefully live with other pets, bringing a positive and balanced dynamic to the household.

Grooming needs

The Flat-Coated Retriever has a long, flat and dense coat that requires regular maintenance to stay clean and healthy. Weekly brushing is recommended to remove dead hair and prevent matting. An occasional bath, about every two months, is sufficient to keep its coat clean. It is also important to regularly check its ears to prevent infections, brush its teeth to prevent dental problems, and trim its nails if they do not wear down naturally. Regular grooming contributes to the overall health of the Flat-Coated Retriever and the quality of its coat.

Health

The Flat-Coated Retriever is generally a robust breed, but like all breeds, it can be prone to certain health conditions. Common problems include hip dysplasia, eye conditions, and certain types of cancers. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and frequent visits to the vet are essential for maintaining the health of the Flat-Coated Retriever. Owners should also be vigilant about the formation of tumors, which this breed may be predisposed to. Regular attention to its health contributes to a long and happy life.

Average price

The average price of a Flat-Coated Retriever puppy generally ranges between 800 and 1500 euros, depending on the breeder's reputation, the parents' pedigree, and the quality of the puppy. Puppies from champion bloodlines or parents with show titles may cost more. It is crucial to choose a reputable breeder who conducts health tests on their breeding dogs and who adheres to the breed standards. Initial purchase costs should be followed by regular expenses for the maintenance, health, and education of the Flat-Coated Retriever.

Expenses

Annual expenses for a Flat-Coated Retriever can vary, but they generally range between 1000 and 1500 euros (1100 to 1650 dollars). This includes food, veterinary care, grooming products, and potential training or activity fees. Veterinary expenses could increase in case of illness or accidents. It is also recommended to invest in pet health insurance, which could represent an additional annual cost of 300 to 600 euros (340 to 670 dollars). Good expense management is essential for ensuring a healthy and happy life for the Flat-Coated Retriever.

Name ideas

Choosing a name for your Flat-Coated Retriever can be a pleasure. "Shadow" evokes a faithful companion. "Zeus" for its power and nobility. "Luna" means "moon", perfect for a gentle female. "Max" is a classic name for a robust dog. "Bella" means "beautiful", ideal for an elegant female. "Rex" evokes a leader. "Coco" for a dog with dark fur. "Storm" for an energetic dog. "Ruby" as a precious companion. "Finn" for a joyful and adventurous dog. Each name should reflect the personality and distinctive traits of your Flat-Coated Retriever.

Legislation and regulation

The Flat-Coated Retriever is not subject to any particular restrictions in France or in most countries. It is not classified among potentially dangerous dog breeds and therefore is not subject to any specific strict regulations. However, like any dog, it must be registered with local authorities and be up to date with its vaccinations. In public, it must always be under control. It is recommended to check local regulations, as some regions or municipalities may have specific rules concerning dog ownership.

Official recognition

The Flat-Coated Retriever is recognized by several international cynological organizations. In France, it is recognized by the Société Centrale Canine (SCC) and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). In the United States, the breed is recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the United Kennel Club (UKC). In the United Kingdom, its country of origin, the Kennel Club manages the breed standards. These recognitions allow the Flat-Coated Retriever to participate in dog shows and working competitions, contributing to the promotion and conservation of the breed on a global scale.

Pedigrees

Pedigrees for the Flat-Coated Retriever are issued by several recognized breed clubs. In France, the Société Centrale Canine (SCC) issues pedigrees under the auspices of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). In the United States, the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the United Kennel Club (UKC) manage pedigrees for this breed. In the United Kingdom, the Kennel Club also issues pedigrees. These breed clubs ensure the respect of standards and the quality of bloodlines, thus contributing to the preservation of the breed. Responsible breeders must adhere to these clubs to ensure the health and conformity of their dogs.

Destination and usage

The Flat-Coated Retriever is mainly used as a hunting dog, especially for retrieving game in difficult environments thanks to its resistant coat and robustness. It is also appreciated as a companion dog for its loyalty and playful character. Due to its intelligence and energy, the Flat-Coated Retriever excels in dog sports such as agility, obedience, and flyball. Its protective nature and guardian instinct also make it a good guard dog for the home. Its versatility makes it a dog suitable for various uses.

Prohibitions

To date, the Flat-Coated Retriever is not banned in any country. It is not classified among potentially dangerous dog breeds and therefore is not subject to any specific strict regulations. However, as with all breeds, it is important to respect local laws regarding dog ownership. This includes registering the animal, obeying safety rules in public, and vaccination obligations. Owners must also be aware of the specific socialization and energy management needs of the Flat-Coated Retriever to ensure its well-being.

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