Is The Flat-Coated Retriever Right For You?
- 1Flat-Coated Retrievers are active dogs that are eager to please their human companions.
- 2They make loving pets and do very well with small children.
- 3Like their cousins the Labrador, their combination of traits make them excellent guide dogs.
HISTORY
The Flat-Coated Retriever was first bred in the 1800s and is a blend of Irish Setter, Newfoundland, Labrador, Water Spaniel, and perhaps a splash of Collie. At first they were just considered a variation of the Lab, but they eventually became a breed in their own right. A popular breed up until the first World War, the Flat-Coated Retrievers were used as helpers on fishing boats, by hunters, and as companions for families. They were first recognized by the AKC in 1915.
Quick Facts
Size
Large
Lifespan
10 years
Hair Length
Long
Male Height
22 -23 inches (56 - 58 cm.)
Male Weight
60 - 70 pounds (27 - 32 kg.)
Female Height
22 -23 inches (56 - 58 cm.)
Female Weight
60 - 70 pounds (27 - 32 kg.)
Litter Size
4 - 8 puppies with the average being 6 puppies
Personality
A splendid family dog, the Flat-Coated Retriever is an excellent hunting, tracking, watching, and (obviously) retrieving dog, as well as being notoriously good with kids. They are level headed dogs and are smart as whips. They crave the company of people and are eager to please. If they have any detriment, it is an overabundance of love, which may be offputting to strangers. Due to their insatiable love of people, they should be trained not to jump up, and to curb their excitement. .
Color
The Flat-Coated Retriever can be black, brown, or liver, occasionally with white or black spots.
Health Concerns
The Flat-Coated Retriever is prone to:
- Cancer
- Hip Dysplasia
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- CHD
- Epilepsy
- Diabetes
Appearance
The Flat-Coated Retriever is a medium to large sized breed with a long, wide head with small, flat ears. They have a muscular, athletic build, with a deep chest and long legs. They have a medium length, feathery coat, that has become their trademark feature. Per their breed standards, the color of their nose should match the color of their coat. They grow to a height of roughly 23 inches and weigh somewhere around 65 pounds.
