The Flat-Coated Retriever is a beautiful black or liver-colored
retriever, sporting a sleek, medium-length, thick, fine coat with
well-feathered legs, tail and chest. The eyes are dark brown or
hazel, with an intelligent expression. The nose should be black
for black coats and brown for liver coats.
The Flat-Coated Retriever is fantastic with children and a great
family dog. Smart, active and friendly, this breed loves everyone
- overwhelming guests with love and attention. This is a sweet,
high-spirited dog that loves to play and retrieve. A gentle and
playful tail-wagger. It is on the go outdoors, but quiet indoors.
This very sociable breed needs lots of affection and attention from
his family. The Flat-Coated Retriever gets along well with dogs
and other pets.
The Flat-Coated Retriever was developed in the 1800's by crossing
several already established breeds, including the Irish Setter,
Labrador, Water Dog, and the St. John's Newfoundland, though one
source also mentions the Collie. The breed was fairly popular until
the beginning of the World War, but was then overshadowed by the
Labrador and Golden Retriever. The Flat-Coated Retriever deserves
more attention, as he is not only an excellent bird dog and swimmer
but also an outstanding family dog. These dogs are gifted with a
fine intuition and an excellent sense of smell. The Flat-Coated
Retriever is used above all for retrieving on plains and in areas
thick with trees and bushes. They are good swimmers and also work
well in marshy areas. Some of the Flat-Coated Retriever's talents
are retrieving, hunting, tracking, watchdogging and agility.They
are cheerful, devoted companions with a puppy-like exuberance well
into their later years.
