The Flat-Coated Retriever, an easy-going dog.

The Flat-Coated Retriever, an easy-going dog. The Flat-Coated Retriever, or Flat-Coated Retriever in French, is a powerful and elegant medium-bodied hunting dog, retriever of wounded game. He is particularly skilled in the water. This dog is particularly recognizable by its short and flat coat with a shiny appearance. Intelligent, feisty and enthusiastic, the Flat-Coated Retriever is an easy-going pet.

Height: 56 cm to 61 cm.
Weight: 25 kg to 36 kg.
Hair: short and flat.
Color: black or brown.
Life expectancy: 10 to 14 years.
Gestation period: 63 days.
Description and characteristics of the Flat-Coated Retriever.

The Flat-Coated Retriever is recognizable by its coat made up of dense, short, and mostly flat hair (a characteristic of this breed) and its shiny appearance. Its fur, however, is a little longer on its legs and tail, which are covered with a kind of fringe. Her dress can be black or brown.

The head of the Flat-Coated Retriever is elongated and equipped with long and strong jaws which allow him to bring back game for hunting. His dark brown or hazel eyes give him a soft and endearing look. Its ears are quite small and carried drooping along its head.

Origin of the Flat-Coated Retriever.

The Flat-Coated Retriever originated in Great Britain but was imported from Canada, and more precisely from the island of Newfoundland, at the beginning of the 19th century. It is the cousin of the Golden-Retriever and the Labrador-Retriever , but the Flat-Coated Retriever is much rarer than the latter.

Character and behavior of the Flat-Coated Retriever – Who is it for?

The Flat-Coated Retriever is primarily a hunting dog used to fetch wounded game, valued for its intelligence, strong hunting instincts and confidence. He is particularly comfortable in the water. Therefore it can also be used as a rescue dog. It is an energetic dog that is best suited to an athletic master.

As a pet, this dog shows cheerfulness, he is indeed always in a good mood, and very kind. The Flat-Coated Retriever is sociable, very attached to its master, and never aggressive. He nevertheless needs a firm education from an early age to channel his vivacity and his passion. This is why it is more advisable for a master already experienced in dog breeding.

How to take care of your Flat-Coated Retriever: its needs.

The Flat-Coated Retriever enjoys being surrounded by his family. He doesn’t tolerate loneliness well.

As a hunting dog, he needs exercise and is happiest living in the countryside. The Flat-Coated Retriever can, however, live in town and in an apartment, provided that his master offers him regular outings during which he can exert himself a lot.

On the maintenance side, the Flat-Coated Retriever does not require any special care except regular brushing, especially during its moulting period, in order to rid its coat of dead hair.

Feeding the Flat-Coated Retriever.

The Flat-Coated Retriever does not require a particular diet, especially since its appetite is not very big. His food must be of good quality and above all adapted to his age, his state of health and his physical exercise.

Flat-Coated Retriever Health.

The Flat-Coated Retriever is a robust and resistant dog that does not present any particular health problems. However, he may be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia.

Price of a Flat-Coated Retriever Puppy.

The price of a Flat-Coated Retriever puppy will depend on gender, parent pedigree, compliance with breed standards, etc.

Price of a male Flat-Coated Retriever: 400 to 3,900 €.
Price of a female Flat-Coated Retriever: 900 to 3,900 €.