| General Information |
| Group(s):
Sporting, Retriever |
Height: 22-24.5 inches |
| Weight: 40-55 pounds |
Longevity: teens |
| Colors: solid black or solid liver |
Coat type: straight and flat lying, with some feathering |
| Recognized Registries: UKC, AKC, NCA, FCI and others |
| Overall Appearance: Moderate yet elegant with a certain refinement that cannot be excessive or the qualities of the breed and type are lost. The headpiece is unique in its smooth lines and "one piece" quality of blending into a long neck. |
 |
| Personaility - Behavior - Training |
| Energy Level: moderate to high |
| General Nature: |
Genial and gregarious |
| |
with Children: Generally very good but proper socialization, supervision and well mannered children are required |
| |
with other pets: Can be good but as a hunting dog it can be variable around smaller animals |
| |
with dogs: Generally very good. |
|
| Socialization requirements: Moderate to high: slight tendency toward shyness that can be avoided by building confidence through socialization and basic training |
| Ideal home characteristics: One that appreciates the energy, athleticism, intelligence and gentle nature of the breed |
| Temperament Notes: Gentle, intelligent, clever, alert, quick |
| Training requirement: moderate with high physical demands, needs plenty of exercise regularly in addition to socialization and basic manners |
| Trainer notes: The Flat Coated Retriever boasts a nature that is easily as trainable as the Labrador Retriever and other more popular breeds. Probably not as tolerant of heavy handed training methods as some breeds, the Flat Coat nevertheless emerges as a stellar performer when teamed with a training partner that it can truly trust and rely upon for fun and fair treatment. |
|
| Background Information |
| Year range of first recognition: early 1900s as the |
| Country of Origin: England |
| Original Function: Waterfowl retriever |
| History: First shown in 1860, the breed is thought to be a blend of Irish Setter, Pointer and Newfoundland with a bit of Labrador thrown in. |
|
| Adoption Information |
|
| Deviations from Standard: oversized, excessive bone, |
| Health Notes: epilepsy, patella luxation, hip dysplasia, bloat, hypothyroidism |
| Health Testing: CERF, Thyroid Panel, OFA |
| Questions to ask Breeder: http://www.digitaldog.com/breeder_questions.html - The Breeder Questions as listed here provided with explanations and answers you will want to be looking for!
How long have you had Flat Coated Retrievers?
Why do you have Flat Coated Retrievers (show, performance, hunting, etc.)?
What do you consider to be the most important single characteristic of a Flat Coated Retriever?
What health issues have you seen in the breed?
What criteria do you set for your breeding stock?
Do you plan to keep a puppy from this litter?
How often do you have puppies?
Do you have a written contract and puppy guarantee?
At what age do you sent your pups to their homes?
How would you describe the ideal Flat Coated Retriever?
How would you describe the ideal Flat Coated Retriever home?
Are your puppies whelped in your home?
What advice would you offer someone in raising and training a Flat Coated Retriever?
How do you assist or help Flat Coated Retrievers in need of rescue? |
| Web Sites: http://clubs.akc.org/fcra/rescue.html - Flat Coated Retriever Club of America Rescue |
|
|
| Other Resources |
|
|
