HISTORY

ORIGIN GREAT BRITIAN

GROUP SPORTING GROUP


The Flat-Coated Retriever originated in the 19th century and they are a cross of the Labrador retriever and Newfoundland. This breed was created to be a hunting breed. They are excellent bird dogs, and considered to excel in both land and water retrieval.

APPEARANCE(S)

The Flat-Coated Retrievers are large dogs with a broad head and drop ears. Most people say they look like a long haired Labrador retriever.

COLOR(S)


This breed is most commonly seen in black or liver.

COAT


The coat of the Flat-Coated Retriever is flat and silky with feathers on the underbody, legs, feet, tails and ears.

PERSONALITY

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Moderate

POSITIVES


This breed is very loving to its owners and enjoys playing games and swimming. They love children and are usually good with other animals. This breed loves to learn and they are great students.

THINGS TO CONSIDER


The Flat-Coated Retriever does better with some obedience training early in life. They are known to jump on people they just meet and they take awhile to leash train, as they are constantly excited to “go and see” everything new to them.

IDEAL LIVING SITUATION

This breed would do well in the city or country.

HELPFUL INFORMATION/SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

This breed needs daily exercise and really likes to have something to do.

BREED RELATED HEALTH CONCERNS

The following conditions are known to be seen in this breed, please look at our A to Z listing to find out detailed information.

  • Patellar Luxation
  • Osteosarcoma

NATIONAL CLUBS AND/OR ORGANIZATIONS

Flat-Coated Retriever Society of America
13208 Mandarin Rd.
Jacksonville, FL 32223

FUN FACT(S)

The Flat-Coated Retriever is a “puppy” for a long time. They tend to act immature until between the ages of 4-6yrs.
Written by: PetsMD Veterinary Editorial Staff