Height: 22-24 inches
Weight: 60-70 lbs.
Life Span: 10-14 yrs.
Breed Group: Sporting Dogs
Overview
Flat-coated retrievers are exuberant, tail-wagging dogs whose biggest faults
may be overfriendliness and jumping up on people to greet them.
They love children and get along with other animals. It is important to
start obedience training and socialization to non-family members early,
as these dogs are sometimes suspicious of strangers.
Flat-coats are enthusiastic students and quick learners.
Appearance
The moderately long outercoat is dense, shiny, fine, straight, and flat-lying;
the undercoat is waterproof. When the dog is in full coat, the ears, chest,
back of the legs, and underside of the tail are thickly feathered.
Coat color is solid black or liver.
Grooming & Exercise Needs
The flat-coated retriever needs to be brushed a few times a week; feathering
should be trimmed occasionally. Daily exercise, such as a run, swim, or
game of fetch, is important.
Origins
Flat-coated retrievers originated in the 19th century and are thought to
be the result of a cross between the Labrador retriever and the Newfoundland.
They are superb bird flushers and land-and-water-retrievers and don't mind
icy water or chilling winds as long as they are working.
Breed-related health concerns: patellar luxation, osteosarcoma.
Reference: AKC - American Kennel Club |
