Flat Coated Retriever Description, History, Grooming and Living Conditions - By: Scott Lipe

The Flat-Coated Retriever has a medium length flowing coat that should be either solid black or solid liver, which is a deep rich brown. Their coat should lie flat to their body and preferably straight, though a slight wave is permitted. They can stand between 22 and 24 inches tall with females weighing 55-71lbs, and males weighing 60-79lbs. They have almond shaped eyes with small pendant ears that lie close to the head. They have a long muzzle and a well arched neck, with feathering on their feet, chest, underbelly and their tail, which should be held straight off the back. They have intelligent eyes and have an overall appearance of being agile while still appearing strong boned.

History. The Flat-Coated Retriever was developed in the 1800's and is thought to be a mix of Newfoundland's, Irish Setter, Labrador, Water Spaniel and possibly the Collie. They have an excellent ability to swim and have often been used by fishermen and hunters in marshy areas. They were popular up until the beginning of the first world war when their numbers fell and unfortunately have never quite recovered, this is thought to be mainly because people chose Labradors or Golden Retrievers instead, as they are cheaper and easier to find. They were recognised by the AKC in 1950.

Temperament. The Flat-Coated Retriever is a sweet tempered and loving dog. They are outgoing and devoted to their family. They love to please their owners but can be difficult to train as they become easily bored. They tend to have a positive outlook on life and will normally be seen with their tails wagging. The breed has an unusual habit, with other canines, in which they often lick the other dog's nose and mouths as a sign of affection. They are an energetic dog who loves to play and needs plenty of mental and physical exercise, they are known for keeping the fun loving and youthful attitude on life right into their old age.

Health Issues. Although the Flat-Coated Retriever is a generally healthy breed, they can be prone to hip dysplasia, the eye condition PRA. These should be tested for before breeding the dogs. It has also been shown that they have a higher risk of cancer than most dogs, they have an average life span of around 10 years, with a high percentage of these deaths due to cancer.

Grooming. Flat-Coated Retrievers are only moderate shedders and require only a little grooming, a good brush every day should keep their coat in its best condition and remove any loose hairs, debris and mud. They also need a minimal amount of trimming especially on their feathering. It's also important to regularly clean and check their ears and teeth.

Living Conditions. The Flat-Coated Retriever can be relatively inactive indoors but is not suited to apartment living as they need somewhere where they can run around. They are a very family orientated dog who thrives on their family, so the ideal situation would be that they live indoors but have a good sized garden.

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