Flat Coated Retriever

Flat Coated Retriever Others Name:

Flat-coats, Retriever

Flat Coated Retriever Weight

55 to 77 pounds.

Flat Coated Retriever Average Life Span

9-15 years.

Flat Coated Retriever Appearance

Retrievers are muscular dogs with an intelligent expression.

Flat Coated Retriever Temperament

They are smart, lively, kind, loving, and loyal. They need human attention and love to participate in family activities. They are good with children and other animals making them excellent family pets. They can be too energetic around young children, it would be more suitable for a family with older children. However, they continue to behave like puppies for up to three years or more, so be prepared for this time scale as they take time to begin to mature. They are sweet and cheerful dogs that love to play and retrieve.

Training

It should be slow until fully matured (three years or more), a puppy training teaches you good manners and to strictly comply with what is ordered, but the formal training should be brief, cheerful and enthusiastic. The flat coats are bright and They catch on quickly, but can easily get bored. They are smart and obedient which makes training easy. The training must be positive and varied so that they remain mentally stimulated. They excel at recovery, agility and obedience tests.

Cleanliness

Brushing once a week is enough to keep their coat healthy and shiny.

Exercise

They are energetic and require long daily walks giving them the opportunity to run without a leash. They are excellent natural swimmers and water dogs, they greatly enjoy this form of exercise, although care must be taken to ensure their safety in the water. They also love to play and recover. Multiple walks, off-leash runs, and activities should be used to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. If you do not have the time to take long daily walks, it should not be taken as a pet.

Flat Coated Retriever Health

Hip Malformation or Dysplasia: 

Results in a poor fit between the head of the femur bone and the acetabulum of the hip. This condition can be alleviated by surgery, although with consequences for dogs and owners since dogs with dysplasia usually produce puppies with the same condition. Buyers should ask if both the sire and dam of the puppy they are interested in have been recently tested and are free of hip dysplasia. Don’t take yes for an answer without seeing a certificate and ask for a copy to take to your vet.

Flat Coated Retriever

It is a hereditary eye disease that has been identified in Retrievers. It is a term for the group of diseases that involve all the gradual deterioration of the retina leading to blindness. All Retrievers, regardless of age or breeding status, should be examined annually by a veterinary ophthalmologist.

Malignant histiocytosis (MH). 

It is a hereditary cancer. It is a very specific disease that affects both the Retriever and the Bernese Highlander in disproportionately higher numbers than other dog breeds. When caught early and removed surgically, the progression can be stopped, but unfortunately it can be fatal.

Hypothyroidism

This is a metabolic disease characterized by generalized atrophy or malfunction of the thyroid gland. Clinical symptoms include obesity, lethargy, and / or coat problems. Affected animals can also have a variety of reproductive problems, including periods of irregular or absent heat and lack of fertility in both males and females.

Flat Coated Retriever History

The Retriever breed was developed in the 19th century as dogs whose sole purpose was to collect in shooting games. The strains that were used to develop the breed are believed to have been Labradors, Setters, Spaniels, and Sheepdogs. Retrievers have additional skills in hunting in the highlands. Credit for the establishment of this breed is given to Mr. Hull J. who began breeding them in 1864, becoming in common use on farms throughout Great Britain.

In the 20th century they began to decline and after World War II they declined drastically, although the breed was re-established in the mid-1960s the numbers remain relatively low. This has had its benefits with the breed that, due to the lack of demand, has proliferated the breeding and preserved its quality.