Cheerful and optimistic: these are only some of the qualities which make a dog attractive. Combined with a balanced skill set and beautiful appearance, it would result in a breed that anyone would surely love. Interestingly, the Flat-Coated Retriever best defines such qualities.
The Flat-Coated Retriever is an elegant breed that is built for power. There are many features present in this dog, mainly its dominance in sports. Don’t let its elegant appearance deceive you; it is exceptionally strong, agile, and energetic, making it suitable in sports and various activities.
If you are looking for a dog that has a beautiful appearance and athletic body, the Flat-Coat would be a great choice. Breeders admire its youthful looks, which never gets old. One thing that could have contributed to this feature is its extremely happy nature; dog enthusiasts often regard this dog as a cheerful and optimistic breed that is sure to bring a smile to its owner’s face.
Origins of the Flat-Coated Retriever
Similar to other retriever breeds, the Flat-Coated Retriever has its reputation on the field as a skilled hunter. It is known for its work on the lake, retrieving waterfowls to its master. Exceptional skills and a sturdy body are the main reasons why this breed is a well-known hunter. It showcases its talent on the field, attracting dog enthusiasts.
We can trace back the Flat-Coated Retriever’s origins to the 19th century, where the hunting game was widespread across Britain. Flat-Coat was once the most popular retriever in Britain; this was during the time when Labrador and Golden retrievers were not yet on the scene. During this time, breeders often regard the Flat-Coat as a “Gamekeeper’s Dog,” mainly because of its employment on game fields.
The Flat-Coat’s ancestors pretty much show why this breed is incredible at the field; it is a combination of the St. John’s Dog and different setter-type dogs. Ever since its early development, its elegant coat was already one of its primary assets. This coat is not just a wonderful attraction; it serves an essential role in protecting its body from the harsh elements outside.
The breed continued to develop over the years, and breeders are admiring this dog’s greatness. Over the years, the Flat-Coat gained recognition for its fascinating features. However, its popularity catastrophically declined after the development of the Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever, which are both excellent retriever breeds. Despite its downfall, the Flat-Coated Retriever remains to be an exceptional dog that is sure to capture the hearts of many dog lovers.
Characteristics of the Flat-Coated Retriever
Height: 22 – 24.5 inches
Weight: 60 – 70 pounds
Life Expectancy: 8 – 10 years
Hypoallergenic: No
Appearance is one of the primary assets of the Flat-Coated Retriever. It is a medium-sized breed that could stand up to more than twenty-four inches and weighs up to seventy pounds. This body size is ideal for working on the field; it has a sleek and athletic body concealed under its beautiful coat. At first glance, this dog might give the impression of a show-offy dog. However, its characteristics prove that it is not just an elegant breed but also has outstanding expertise in the field.
One of the most distinctive features of the Flat-coated Retriever is apparent from its name; its coat is flat-lying that comes with the color black or liver, covering its body. Furthermore, its legs and tail have thicker and feather hair, which adds to this breed’s style. In addition to its coat, the Flat-Coat also possesses other qualities that are common to retriever breeds.
Moreover, these similarities are not limited to appearance; the Flat-Coat also has a lively nature and superior skills. As mentioned earlier, it built its reputation as a known hunting dog over the years. Today, its great athleticism is put into sports, where it also dominates the field. These qualities are common to retriever breeds, which are substantial and athletic dogs built for various tasks.
One of the main reasons why many people admired the Flat-Coat is its sweet and optimistic attitude. These qualities might already be evident in its appearance, but owning a Flat-Coat in your home would definitely put a smile on your face.