Flat-coated retriever

Breed Description

The Flat-Coated Retriever is a breed of hunting dogs that first appeared in the 19th century in Great Britain. It is believed that England is the homeland of these loyal dogs, although the breed’s development began in Scotland. There, a dog was needed that could effectively work in both water and land and could withstand harsh weather conditions. Inexperienced dog owners might think that the name “retriever” is somehow related to rivers and rats, but this is a misconception. It is known that breeders named the breed because these dogs “retrieve” (from French “retrouver” – to find again) wounded or dead game. Mainly, this involves ducks and other birds found near bodies of water.

The history of the Flat-Coated Retriever is connected to regions in Scotland, such as Glenfinnan. In these areas, hunting waterfowl was a popular activity, and it was here that the breed was developed to meet the needs of hunters. Almost every breeder of hunting dogs in those places received requests from hunters. Puppies were bought in packs, and the breed quickly gained popularity.

The excellent dog was bred from local dogs, resembling Labradors, but differing in size, color, and coat texture. These dogs were used for retrieving game from water as well as locating and delivering game on land. They were valued assistants to hunters and recognized for their loyalty and ability to work in various weather conditions. Breeders brought in Pointer (English) blood and added genes from the Irish Setter to the Flat-Coated Retriever.

Later, Flat-Coated Retrievers became popular in many countries around the world, thanks to their intelligent, friendly, and loyal characteristics. They quickly gained popularity as family pets and participated in exhibitions and competitions for retrieving game from water and on land. The first dog show featuring them took place in 1860.

Interestingly, during World War I, they were used as medics and rescuers. Today, the Flat-Coated Retriever is one of the most recognized and beloved dog breeds in many countries, attracting a large number of fans. In Russia, it’s easy to find a dog kennel on the map. The average price for a purebred Flat-Coated Retriever puppy in Russia is around 50,000 to 60,000 rubles.

Appearance

It must be said that when you first see such a dog, you immediately think of another type of retriever, only with dark fur. Upon closer inspection, you realize that you are looking at a completely different dog.

The slightly elongated body contour is more streamlined, and as renowned breeders in Russia mention, it is a bit more “greyhound-like” than the “spaniel-like” transition to the muzzle. Even someone far removed from hunting understands right away that this is a game-hunting dog.

The height at the withers is around 60 cm for males, while females are practically the same height, with any differences being just a couple of centimeters. However, weight shows a larger difference: an adult female weighs 25 to 32 kg, while males can reach up to 36 kilograms.

By the way, the lifespan of smooth-haired flat-coated retrievers, as judged by dog breeders, is around 13 to 14 years – a quite respectable age for such energetic dogs. However, instances where a certain breeder has reported significantly longer lifespans for their flat-coated retrievers occur quite frequently, both abroad and in Russia. Often, they live longer if the owner provides ideal conditions for the dog’s care. You can inquire about how to achieve this at any of the breeders listed on our website.

Отличительные черты

Голова

The skull is slightly broad and flat between the ears. The head has an elongated shape, as if carved from stone. Furthermore, the transition from the forehead to the nose bridge is very smooth. The breed standard specifies that the nose bridge should not have an upward slope.

Морда

The face is elongated, with a straight, long bridge of the nose. When viewed from the side, it resembles a rectangle more. The tip of the nose is very large and black. The nostrils are big and open. Males have a more rugged and robust profile than females. Any deviation from the standard parameters is considered a flaw.

Уши

In general proportion, they are small, widely set, hanging down by the sides of the head, pressed against the cheeks. The cartilage is thin, and the ears are triangular in shape. They are positioned quite low. The fur on the outer side of the ears is short, while there is almost no fur on the inner side.

Глаза

Small to medium-sized in relation to the size of the head. In most cases, they are dark hazel or brown in color, with a pleasant, soft, and intelligent gaze. Round and/or bulging eyes are highly discouraged. The gaze should be straight; slanted eyes are disqualified.

Зубы

Slightly elongated but very strong jaws. The cheekbones do not protrude. The bite ideally has a scissors shape (with such a bite, the dog can handle even large game: rabbit, hare, pheasant, or even goose). The white teeth are arranged in tight rows with large canines. A full set of 42 teeth.

Корпус

Elongated and massive, yet it simultaneously gives an impression of extraordinary lightness. The chest is broad and quite deep. The back is straight, with a slight incline towards the lower back. The lower back is short. It is generally believed that a long lower back is highly undesirable.

Конечности

Костяк передних ног достаточно крепкий. При взгляде спереди ноги прямые, локти подвижные, лапы круглые, пальцы сводом. Особенно мягкие и очень пышные подушечки лап. Задние ноги очень мускулистые, правильно поставлены при осмотре с любой стороны, низкие скакательные суставы с умеренным углом. Не приветствуются "коровьи ноги". Подушечки задних лап аналогичны передним. Движение равномерные, очень плавные, "интеллигентные".

Хвост

Straight, without bends or angularities, fairly short, and correctly positioned. It is usually held at the level of the back and practically never raised. It never curls into a hook. Most often, it is cheerfully mobile. Any abnormalities in the tail are considered a drawback.

Шерсть

A feature is considered to be the quality of the wool: very soft or somewhat coarser, growing very thick, as straight as possible. The tail and the back sides of the legs have beautiful fringes that flutter in the wind or during movement. Any deviation is seen as a deficiency, but the dog's ability to perform work takes priority.

Окрас

The only officially recognized colors of wool are chestnut (brown) or black. In some sources, brown is referred to as liver. The tone should be uniform, without any markings or speckles, and should have a classic shade without the prevalence of lighter or darker tones.

Character

Talking about the character of Flat-Coated Retrievers, as they are sometimes referred to by well-known breeders, can go on endlessly. Among all their characteristics, kennels and dog breeders highlight several key traits. We invite you to learn about them before finding a dog kennel.

Loyalty to family and devotion to the owner.

Flat-Coated Retrievers are renowned for their high degree of loyalty and devotion to their owners. According to specialists, dogs typically develop a strong emotional bond with their family members and are willing to go to great lengths to meet their needs. They possess an incredible ability to sense their owners’ moods and provide support in stressful situations. Moreover, this ability is virtually independent of the pet’s age. Even at a young age, a puppy can sense when someone in the family is feeling down and will do its best to distract them from sad thoughts. Because of this character trait, Flat-Coated Retrievers can be not only excellent hunting companions but also superb pet dogs.

Friendliness and sociability.

Like many other large dog breeds, Flat-Coated Retrievers are friendly towards both their family members and other people. This trait often extends to other dogs as well. There are plenty of materials available online showing the friendship between cats and Flat-Coated Retrievers-these are not isolated incidents, and such friendships are quite possible. They are playful and affectionate, making them great companions for all age groups. Because of their friendly nature, Flat-Coated Retrievers easily connect with those around them and often become favorites in social settings.

Intelligence and trainability.Flat-Coated Retrievers are known for their developed intelligence and quick trainability. They easily grasp commands and various tricks. This makes them worthy participants in different types of training and competitions, with excellent results in agility as evidence. This breed can successfully perform a wide range of tasks, from retrieving game during hunting to assisting people with disabilities as guide dogs. Sometimes, they are used as search dogs in airports, thanks to their excellent sense of smell, which enables them to detect prohibited substances in various countries around the world.

Care and Maintenance

When you decide to get a flat-coated retriever, it’s important to remember that this breed of hunting dogs makes an excellent family pet and companion. From a very young age, they require consistent care and attention. Caring for flatties, as seasoned breeders say, includes not only maintaining the animal’s physical condition but also ensuring its psychological comfort.

The dog’s dense, thick coat requires thorough grooming, especially during shedding seasons. It’s advisable to use special grooming tools to reduce hair loss and help the dog shed its undercoat and dead topcoat. You should keep in mind that shedding in retrievers can be prolonged and happen year-round, so the owner must adopt a systematic approach to this matter. When requesting a price list from a kennel, inquire if the puppies are accustomed to grooming procedures. Often, puppies from breeders are already familiar with combing, saving you time on this issue.

In addition to keeping your dog’s coat looking presentable, it’s essential to ensure your pet’s dental health. Consider this: a graceful dog with enamel problems is quite a sight. Try to brush your puppy’s teeth with special toothbrushes at least once a week. Trusted breeders recommend giving the dog special chew bones to assist with dental care. These are effective at removing plaque from enamel and preventing tartar build-up. Note that you should use dental powder for cleaning, rather than regular toothpaste. In particularly challenging cases, you can consult a veterinarian or specialized services that provide dental cleaning and other home services for dogs.

An important aspect of caring for a flat-coated retriever is ensuring its regular physical activity. Naturally active, retrievers need daily exercise to maintain their physical and psychological well-being. Regular walks, playtime, and sports activities help prevent behavioral issues and excessive excitement. If you decide to buy a puppy from a kennel and later raise it as a companion dog, look for a nearby place to practice agility with it. Time spent together in training will strengthen your bond with the dog and positively impact its character development.

Equally important is providing high-quality, balanced nutrition for your flat-coated retriever. Use only those feeds that contain essential micronutrients, vitamins, and nutrients. An optimal diet consists of a high amount of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Issues with excess weight can be easily resolved by choosing high-quality food. Typically, these are more expensive than other varieties, but the price difference is justified. It’s much easier to monitor weight and tailor a diet to the specific needs of an individual dog. Fresh water should always be available in sufficient amounts for the dog.

Walks in fresh air are another step toward ensuring a happy life for your dog. In summer, aim for at least 1.5 to 2 hours of walking. Evening walks are generally longer than morning ones. For puppies, the total outdoor time should be split into several outings. Adult or small retrievers need not only physical but also mental stimulation. They expect love and care from their owners.

Training and Education

Straight-haired retrievers are primarily a hunting breed, from which it’s quite possible to raise excellent companions. As noted by well-known breeders in Russia, these wonderful dogs possess high intelligence and are easy to train. However, like any breed, they have their own characteristics that must be considered during upbringing.

The first aspect to focus on is socialization. They are very sociable and love the company of other dogs and people, so it’s important to introduce them to various situations, people, and animals from an early age.

An important part of raising retrievers is long walks and physical exercise. These active and energetic dogs need ample time outdoors. This helps them express themselves, shed excess energy, and feel happy.

Attention should also be paid to their intellectual development. Flat-coated retrievers are very smart and enjoy logical tasks. Games, training, and object searches will help them utilize their abilities and develop their minds.

Finally, remember that raising straight-haired retrievers requires patience and consistency. They are friendly, affectionate, and love being the center of attention. It is important for the owner to find the right approach and be consistent in their actions. As a result, proper upbringing will help your pet become a well-behaved, loving, and reliable friend.

There are several commands necessary for the full upbringing of a dog of this breed:- “Place” – the dog goes to its spot/returns;- “No!” – your flat-coated retriever does not touch food/treats that are within its reach;- “Wait!” – the pet remains in place, not moving (including for an extended period);- “Come” – the dog approaches you at the first command;- “Heel!” – a command for the dog to walk beside you, even off-leash;- “Quieter” – particularly relevant in urban settings to prevent barking.This is quite sufficient for a companion dog. If you wish to train an assistant for hunting, advice on training can be provided by a reputable hunting dog breeder, and Zooinika offers puppies of elite breeds with a complete set of documents.

How to Choose a Puppy

How do you choose the best puppy? This is a question every potential owner asks themselves. When selecting one, it’s important not to focus solely on the pet’s appearance. Health plays a crucial role. When purchasing, one must consider not only external criteria but also the conditions of the puppy’s upbringing and lineage. In this article, we will discuss how to properly choose a healthy flat-coated retriever puppy and where to purchase it.

One of the key questions when choosing a puppy is the safety of the transaction. Nowadays, buying a dog from a breeder can be a risky endeavor, as such purchases come with a number of risks, such as a lack of health guarantees and the dog’s origin. Despite this, reputable breeders with verified reputations often offer healthy and well-cared-for puppies. It’s important to find a reliable and responsible breeder who will provide complete information about the puppy’s parents, its origins, and health.

Finding a dog kennel and purchasing through one of the breed clubs ensures greater safety for the transaction. Here, health and lineage guarantees are often provided, along with assistance for ongoing care of the animal. However, keep in mind that the cost of such puppies is generally higher than that of private breeders. To do this, you need to select dog kennels on the map and contact one of them to obtain the kennel’s price list. The final decision will depend on your financial capabilities.

Puppies can be found at bird markets at lower prices, but this comes with the risk of buying an animal without documentation, parasite prevention, or quality care. Additionally, the source of origin and health of such dogs remain questionable. However, there are cases where purchases at bird markets end successfully, and sellers provide all necessary information about the puppy.

Ultimately, the choice of where to acquire a flat-coated retriever puppy depends on your personal preferences, financial situation, and desire for guarantees regarding the health and origin of your future pet. Exercising caution, conducting thorough analysis, and making informed decisions will help you find a healthy and happy companion for many years. Zounika offers attractive deals-depending on the breed and pedigree.

Health and Diseases

Flat-coated retrievers are considered a healthy breed. They do not have significant health issues as long as the recommendations of veterinarians, vaccination schedules, and parasite treatments are followed.

Most often, dog kennels of this breed offer already vaccinated puppies and carefully monitor genetic deviations that may arise in any dog.

In their homeland, the UK, it is customary to pay attention to the psychological atmosphere in a home with a retriever. These animals are very sensitive to their owners’ moods and absorb any changes like a sponge. There is also a health program for flat-coated retrievers that includes regular screenings for hip dysplasia, regular checks of visual organs, and careful selection of these dogs’ breeders. To purchase a puppy from a kennel, a breeder must obtain a certificate. If a certificate is not available for any reason, kennel clubs recommend not breeding a female before she is 2 years old. Additionally, females may not have more than 3 litters in their lifetime, and each litter should occur no more than once a year.

Thinking about it? There is a vast selection of listings on the Zoonyka map by city.