Introduction
The Flat-Coated Retriever, also known as the Flatcoat, the Flatte, and the Flattie, is a breed of dog in the Sporting Group. The Flattie’s most enduring characteristic is a perpetual vivacious and happy attitude. The Flattie is rarely seen without an open smile and a wagging tail. The Flat-Coated Retriever was recognized by the AKC in 1915 and AKC approved in 1990.
The average Flat-Coated Retriever stands 22 to 25 inches high at the shoulder and weighs between 60 and 70 pounds. Their short coat is easy to care for and only requires a good brush once a week along with minimal grooming.
Temperament
The Flat-Coated Retriever is a very intelligent and highly energetic breed. While this breed requires plenty of mental stimulation and exercise, Flattie’s are wonderful family pets. The Flattie will bond very closely with family members of all ages and this breed will also get along great with other pets in the family including cats.
The Flattie is always willing to please, but due to their welcoming and friendly attitudes they are not very good watch dogs. Because the Flattie is so playful and energetic they can accidentally knock over someone smaller than them, so they should always be supervised around young children.
Owners of the Flat-Coated Retriever need to be prepared to spend plenty of quality time with their Flattie and to provide their dog with tons of mental stimulation and exercise. These dogs love to learn new tricks and commands, and they excel at competitions of all kinds.
Flatties should only be trained using positive reinforcement with a gentle voice, because the happy Flattie also has a sensitive nature and its feelings can easily become hurt.
Health
The average life expectancy of the Flattie is around 10 years, and they are at increased risks from some health conditions which pet owners should be aware of. Flat-Coats have a higher risk of cancer than most dogs. Hemangiosarcoma, fibrosarcoma, osteosarcoma and malignant histiocytosis are particularly devastating and occur at higher rates in Flat-coated Retrievers than in other breeds.
History
The Flat-Coated Retriever was originally bred as an agile and energetic hunting dog particularly for bird hunting in Britain. The breed was created from crosses which included the Newfoundland and various types of setters, sheepdogs, and water dogs. In the 1800’s this breed was grouped in with various dogs termed Labradors, and it was not until the late 1800’s that their distinction as a breed was acknowledged.
Flat-Coated Retriever
Quick Facts
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Weight: 60-70 lbs
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Height: 22-25 in
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Coat: Short, easy to care for
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Temperament: Very intelligent, very energetic
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Lifespan: ~10 years