Nickname        : The Natural Water Dog

Breed Origins : Great Britain (1800’s)

Breed usage    : Hunting Small Game - water retrieving

Dog Weight     : 55 - 70 Pounds

Dog Height      : 22 to 24 inches to the shoulder

History
Flat Coated Retriever comes from Great Britain and was bred originally to hunt small game - water retrieving. The flat-coated retriever is a natural water dog, although it also has excellent retrieving abilities on land.The labrador is one of this breed’s ancestors. This dog is classified as one of the Sporting Dog Group.The Flat Coated Retriever was first Registered by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1915. This breed is based on the Newfoundland dog and Mr. Shirley, founder of the UK Kennel Club was chiefly responsible for the current form of the breed. It is believed that, amongst others, he crossed a Collie to build the build and appearance of the dog.
Dogs in the Sporting group, which include the Flat Coated Retriever, can be divided into three main categories - Retrievers, Pointers and Setters. These dogs were bred primarily to work with people to hunt game birds. Some of these dogs work in water whilst other dogs are more suited to work on land and many of the dogs in the Sporting dog category are comfortable and capable of working in either land or water environments. Sporting dogs, including the Flat Coated Retriever, are particularly suited to wood and field activities. The Retriever, Pointer and Setter dogs and their main functionalities are as follows:

• The Retriever dog - Retriever dogs find and return killed game to the hunter. Some Retrievers are especially equipped, for instance with a water-repellent coat and webbed feet, for retrieving downed waterfowl.
• The Pointer dog - Pointer dogs stand in front of their quarry, with their nose and body rigidly still , thus directing (or pointing) the hunter to its location.
• The Setter dog - Setter dogs were originally trained to set, or crouch, in front of game preventing the escape of the quarry. The hunter would make the capture with a net.

All Information and Tips About This Dog :

• Coat and Colours information
  The Flat Coated Retriever ’s coat is normally solid black or solid brown. The coat is normally medium length, dense, fine to medium texture.

• Health information - potential problems
  Resolving dog health problems, including those of the Flat Coated Retriever , can prove to be costly and it would be wise to consider the benefits of obtaining dog health insurance. Common health problems and questions occur in relation to the Bones, Joints, Muscles, Nerves, Ears, Eyes, Teeth and the Mouth. Other, more serious, issues can relate to the Digestive System, Heart & Respiratory Systems, Immune & Blood Systems, Reproduction and Urinary Systems. Potential health problems of the Flat Coated Retriever can include:
  • Hip Dysplasia (abnormal development of hip joints)
  • Knee Joint problems
  • Diabetes
  • The life expectancy for this particular breed is 10 – 12 years.

• Grooming and Care
  Flat Coated Retriever requires weekly care and grooming. Grooming consists of not only brushing out the coat and bathing but also giving attention to the eyes, teeth, ears, feet and nails. A regular routine also ensures that any potential health problems are identified as quickly as possible.