Flat-Coated Retriever ~ Peter Pan of the Dog World

Hi Lil Dog Whisperer Readers!
This week I have decided to write about the fun, beautiful Flat-Coated Retriever!  I hope you enjoy learning about them as much as I have!!

 The Flat-Coated Retriever is excellent with children and a great family dog, with a reliable temperament. Friendly, sweet and high-spirited, they love everyone, even strangers. They have a puppy-like attitude and always appear to be in good spirits.

They love to play and retrieve, and with enough exercise they will be quiet indoors, saving the activity for the outside. They are intelligent, loyal companions. This very sociable breed needs lots of gentle but firm leadership from their family.

As a family companion he is sensible, alert and highly intelligent; a lighthearted, affectionate and adaptable friend. He retains these qualities as well as his youthfully good-humored outlook on life into old age. 

Paddy Petch, author of The Complete Flat-Coated Retriever, refers to these dogs as the "Peter Pan" of the retriever breeds, given they never quite grow up.
The Flat-Coated Retriever gets along well with dogs and other pets. They are active, obedient and highly trainable, and can get bored easily without variety.

Keep training sessions short and fun, without excessive repetition. Be sure to take them for daily walks to satisfy their high energy.

The Flat-Coated Retrievers is a versatile family companion hunting retriever with a happy and active demeanor, intelligent expression, and clean lines.The Flat-

Coated Retriever is an active, multi-talented bird dog with a strong desire to please people. Exuberant, confident, and outgoing, they make a loving family pet and are excellent companions to even small children, providing adults are nearby to direct this dog's boisterous enthusiasm.

These retrievers do best with plenty of exercise and engagement to help channel their natural sporting energy. Including them in one's daily routines whether for a walk, jog, or car ride are great ways to indulge their innate desire to be with people. While flat-coats will protect their owners and property with an assertive bark, they are unlikely to back up such noise with actual aggression.

Originating in the mid-19th century in England, the Flat-Coated Retriever gained popularity as a gamekeeper’s dog.  It is thought that Canadian seafarers brought Newfoundlands to British ports and that they factored into the ancestry of the Flat-coat. It is thought that Collie-type dogs were added to increase the breed's trainability along with the Newfoundland for strength and Setter blood for enhanced scenting ability.

The first examples of the breed were introduced around 1860, but the final type was only established twenty years later.  These retrievers were invaluable to fishermen and often traded between Britain and North America, where they became known as generic "Labrador" dogs. Eventually, a breed known as the Wavy-Coated (subsequently Flat-Coated) Retriever appeared and became distinct to these "Labrador" dogs.

The medium-length coat of the Flat-Coated Retriever only requires an occasional brushing. But because he sheds you may find yourself brushing him once or twice a week to remove loose hair. (What you get out with a brush doesn't fall out in your home!)

The distinctive and most important features of the Flat-Coat are the silhouette (both moving and standing), smooth effortless movement, head type, coat and character.

In silhouette the Flat-Coat has a long, strong, clean, "one piece" head, which is unique to the breed. Free from exaggeration of stop or cheek, the head is set well into a moderately long neck which flows smoothly into well laid back shoulders.

A level topline combined with a deep, long rib cage tapering to a moderate tuck-up create the impression of a blunted triangle. The brisket is well developed and the forechest forms a prominent prow.

(Liver Flat Coated Retriever)
This utilitarian retriever is well balanced, strong, but elegant; never cobby, short legged or rangy. The coat is thick and flat lying, and the legs and tail are well feathered. A proud carriage, responsive attitude, waving tail and overall look of functional strength, quality, style and symmetry complete the picture of the typical Flat-Coat.

From the young Peter Pan or strong retriever, the Flat-Coated Retriever is an amazing dog!