Flat-Coated RetrieverCharacteristics, history, training and care

Wikipedia says the Flat-Coated Retriever appeared in England in the mid-19th century and became popular as the gamekeeper's dog. Its ancestors are thought to include Newfoundland dogs brought over by Canadian sailors, collie-type dogs, for ease of training, and setters, for scenting ability. The first dogs appeared around 1860, and the final type was established 20 years later.

It was very popular until the Golden Retriever, bred partly from it, took its place. By the end of the Second World War so few dogs remained that the breed's survival was uncertain. From the 1960s, careful breeding rebuilt the population.

How the breed developed

• Around 1860 – The first Flat-Coated Retrievers appear.
• Around 1880 – The final type is established.
• 1915 – The AKC officially recognises the breed.
• 1945 – The breed is close to extinction.
• 23 December 1954 – The FCI recognises the breed.
• 1960s – Careful breeding rebuilds the population.
• 2022 – A liver Flat-Coat from Oslo wins Best in Show at Crufts.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

The AKC says the Flat-Coat is about as tall as a Labrador, but has a sleeker, more elegant silhouette. The long head, unique among retrievers, is described as being “of one piece”, with a very slight stop.

General appearance

The almond-shaped, dark brown eyes have an intelligent, friendly expression. The small ears hang close to the head. The feathered tail is carried straight. The standard says its joy of life shows in the enthusiastic action of its tail.

The standard accepts only black or liver. Wikipedia says yellow dogs also occur, but this colour is a disqualification at shows.

The standard describes it as generously endowed with natural gundog ability, optimistic and friendly, confident and kindly. The AKC gives it the top score for trainability: it is very intelligent, responsive and eager to please.

It has a sensitive nature and does not respond well to harsh corrections. It wants to be with its family, and if it is often left alone for long periods it may get into mischief. Early socialisation and puppy classes are recommended.

Tips for effective training

• Use gentle methods. The AKC says it is sensitive to harshness.
• Do not leave it alone for long. It always wants to be with the family.
• Give it the chance to swim. It loves water.
• Try dog sports. Obedience, tracking, agility, rally.

The AKC says it is an active sporting breed that needs plenty of exercise every day: long walks, play and dog sports such as obedience, tracking, agility or rally.

Tips for a balanced life

• It suits a very active family.
• Check the ears after swimming.
• Keep it close to the family.

Coat and skin care

The AKC says the medium-length coat should be groomed weekly with a brush and a metal comb. The ears should be checked and cleaned regularly, and the nails trimmed often.

Common health problems

The AKC says the Flat-Coat is generally healthy, and responsible breeders test their dogs for:

Other care

• Check the ears regularly.
• Trim the nails often.
• Brush its teeth regularly.

The AKC recommends good-quality food suited to the dog's age and activity level, and fresh water always available.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Split the food into two meals a day to reduce the risk of bloat.
• Training treats count towards the daily portion.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months, but in large breeds it can be delayed until about two years. The body also reaches its adult form later than in small breeds.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In large breeds, a litter has around 7 puppies on average. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• The “Peter Pan” of retrievers. This is what author Paddy Petch calls it in the book “The Complete Flat-Coated Retriever”, because it never seems to grow up.
• It helped create the Golden Retriever. The Golden Retriever was bred partly from the Flat-Coat.
• Guide dog. It is used in the United Kingdom in the guide dog programme for blind people.
• Detection dog. Its good nose makes it suitable for drug detection.
• Crufts champion. In 2022, a liver Flat-Coat from Oslo won Best in Show at Crufts.

Why is it called “Peter Pan”?

Because it stays playful and childlike all its life.

How big does it get?

Males measure 59–61.5 cm and weigh 27–36 kg; females measure 56.5–59 cm and weigh 25–32 kg.

Is it good with children?

Yes, the AKC gives it the top score for being good with children.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives 8–10 years.