Man's Best Friend: Flat Coated Retriever

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Medium - large

Height: 56 - 61 cm (22 - 24 inches)

Weight: 27 - 32 kg (60 - 70 lb)

Life Span: 15 years

Grooming: Medium

Exercise: Medium

Feeding: Medium

Temperament: Energetic & active

Country of Origin: England

AKC Group: Sporting

Temperament:

The Flat Coated Retriever is good-humoured, intelligent and active. Flat Coated Retrievers thrive on human company and make affectionate family pets. Their active and energetic nature may make them too boisterous for small children or the elderly. Flat Coated Retrievers are very bright and are easily trained. They tend to get on well with most other dogs and will alert their owner when strangers arrive.

Grooming:

Flat Coated Retrievers tend to be reasonably clean dogs and only need a quick, weekly brush to keep the coat looking tidy and healthy.

Exercise:

Flat Coated Retrievers have enormous stamina and need plenty of exercise. They love the water, swimming and retrieving. If they do not receive adequate daily exercise then they can become very badly behaved.

History:

These dogs were originally called Wavy Coated Retrievers or Gamekeeper's Dogs. It's believed that the Flat Coated Retriever evolved from infusions of the Curly Coated Retriever, the Newfoundland and the Labrador Retriever. Some also believe that crosses with Gordon and Irish Setters took place which resulted in this breeds characteristic coat pattern. Flat Coated Retrievers were shown in England in 1859 and the breed was well established in 1874, when the British Kennel Stud Book was formed.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Active, powerful and lovable.

Color: Black or liver.

Coat: Dense, flat, medium texture with feathering.

Tail: Straight and never carried above the level of the back.

Ears: Small and hanging by the cheek.

Body: The chest is deep and broad and the back is short and square.

Additional Comments:

Flat Coated Retrievers have a lighter body than other retriever breeds. They are more suited for the country rather than the city.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/flat_coated_retriever/