Flat-Coated Retriever Breed Profile

The Flat-Coated Retriever was developed in Great Britain in the late 1800's with the advent of the breachcock shotgun requiring a need for a faster retriever. Dogs used in developement were Setters, Spaniels, Collie, St. John's Water Dog, and Wavy Coated Retriever. The Flat-Coated Retriever was deveoped from the start to be a dual-purpose breed as both a working retriever and show dog. The Flat-Coated Retriever is a medium sized active dog that shows power without lumber and raciness without weediness. They are natural retrievers and make an excellent family companion hunting retriever for upland game as well as waterfowl. (They love water.) Flat-Coated Retrievers are slow to mature and often carry on their enthusiam for life (exhibited by a constant wagging tail) and playfullness into their late years. Flat-Coated Retrievers should be trained early with a "light" hand and consistency. They are eager to please but do not respond well to harsh punishment. If left un-trained and un-attended the Flat-Coat could develope into a destructive dog. Being a retriever they like to carry things in their mouths and need plenty of toys to chew. The Flat-Coated Retriever is a family/companion working retriever that is at it's best with family interaction and a job to do. With the proper traing and family interaction the Flat-Coated Retriever will make an excellent addition to the family.

Information courtesy of flat-coat.com 

Congenital and Genetic Conditions found with greater than average frequency in the Flat-Coated Retriever (point to name for description):


This is presented solely as a starting point for you to learn and ask questions about the breed. This information is NOT to be used to diagnose, evaluate, or treat any condition whatsoever. For specific information, consult your veterinarian. The above diseases and conditions are found with a higher-than-average frequency in the Flat-Coated Retriever. These conditions may or may not be severe, and may or may not be hereditary. Some conditions may actually be "normal" for the breed, such as alopecia in the hairless breeds; some may be intrinsic to the breed due to its physiology, such as skin fold dermatitis in the Pug, Bulldog, and Shar-Pei; some may be related to care and nutrition; and some may be strictly genetic. The best source of additional and more detailed information on these conditions is a veterinarian, breed club, or knowledgeable breeder.

Flat-Coated Retriever Links:

Flat-Coated Retriever Society of America, Inc. - www.fcrsainc.org
National Breed Club

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