Flat Coated Retriever

[Troy]

The Flat Coated Retriever

ANKC Standard

(from http://www.ankc.org.au/home/breeds_details.asp?bid=83 )

Group: Group 3 (Gundogs)

General Appearance: A bright, active dog of medium size with an intelligent expression, showing power without lumber, and raciness, without weediness.

Characteristics: Generously endowed with natural gundog ability, optimism and friendliness demonstrated by enthusiastic tail action.

Temperament: Confident and kindly.

Head And Skull: Head, long and nicely moulded. Skull, flat and moderately broad with a slight stop between eyes, in no way accentuated, avoiding a down or dish-faced appearance. Nose of good size, with open nostrils. Jaws long and strong, capable of carrying a hare or pheasant.

Eyes: Medium size, dark brown or hazel, with a very intelligent expression (a round prominent eye highly undesirable.) Not obliquely placed.

Ears: Small and well set on, close to side of head.

Mouth: Jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. Upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth and set square to the jaws. Teeth sound and strong.

Neck: Head well set in neck, the latter reasonably long and free from throatiness, symmetrically set and obliquely placed in shoulders, running well into the back to allow for easy seeking of trail.

Forequarters: Chest, deep and fairly broad, with well defined brisket, on which elbows should move cleanly and evenly. Forelegs straight, with bone of good quality throughout.

Body: Foreribs fairly flat. Body, well ribbed-up showing a gradual spring and well arched in centre but rather lighter towards quarters. Loin short and square. Open couplings highly undesirable.

Hindquarters: Muscular. Moderate bend of stifle and hock, latter well let down. Should stand true all round. Cowhocks highly undesirable.

Feet: Round and strong with toes close and well arched. Soles thick and strong.

Tail: Short, straight and well set on, gaily carried, but never much above level of back.

Gait/Movement: Free and flowing, straight and true as seen from front and rear.

Coat: Dense, of fine to medium texture and good quality, as flat as possible. Legs and tail well feathered. Full furnishings on maturity complete the elegance of a good dog.

Colour: Black or liver only.

Sizes: Preferred height: Dogs 58 - 61cms (23-24 ins)

Bitches 56 - 58 cms (22-23 ins)

Preferred weight in hard condition: Dogs 27 - 36 kg ( 60 - 80 lbs)

Bitches 25 - 32 kg (55 - 70 lbs)

Faults: Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog, and on the dog�s ability to perform its traditional work.

Notes: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

See Photos of the Flat Coated Retriever

QUESTIONS

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

3. How common is it in Australia?

4. What is the average lifespan?

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

9. How much grooming is required?

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

If you wish to contribute to the knowledge about this breed, please answer the above questions. (Copy and paste them into a new post).

• Please only answer if you breed or own a pedigree example of this breed.
  
• You do not have to answer all questions
  
• Please keep posts limited to answering questions or for asking further questions if you require more (or expanded) information.
  

See Photos of the Flat Coated Retriever

Flat Coated Retriever Breeders

Flat Coated Retriever Puppies For Sale

[FionaC]

I have a couple of questions (I met my first flat coat a few weeks ago and fell in love - they are now on the top of my "next puppy after the next GSP list"

* So are they a breed that takes longer to mature (like some of the other Gundogs - eg GSP's?- and I can say that cause I have one )

* Coat management - how much is involved? are they clipped at all (for a non-show dog I'm thinking) - given I'm used to wash and wear with the GSP, what else is involved?

* I have seen a Flat Coat do Agility and he looked amazing - are there certain bloodlines of Flat Coats that might be more suitable for this type of activity rather than Confirmation (ie, are there Working Lines as well as Confirmation lines?)

Thanks!

[Cosmolo]

I have been told before that it is difficult to find a 'good flatcoat' as there are many who are anxious and hyper and their puppies then have similar traits. Can anyone confirm or deny that this is the case?

[FionaC]

Bump for a Flat Coat owner/breeder?

[Weibritty]

Not a Flat-coat owner, but do have friends who own and show/retrieve and breed them. If you want some more information on the breed go to the Flat-coat website at www.flatcoated.org.au. The Secretary's contact details are also there. Give the Secretary a call, she will be more than happy to chat "Flat" with you.

Edited September 11, 2009 by Weibritty

[whatevah]

I have a flat coat retriever, he only needs simple brushing about once a month. A little trimming to neaten up the tail and a little bit off the feet.

He is an exceptionally happy licky dog. He treats everyone like a long lost friend and he is 8 years old.

He competes in flyball, the only flatcoated retriever competing in Australia. He will also be in the Dock Dog event at the World Dog games in Sydney. He jumped 15 feet !!!

I don;t think he is hyper, just very friendly when he meets someone, gets on well with other dogs. To calm him down a little when he first meets someone I will give him a toy. He loves to lick lick lick and more lick lick lick. But will only do this if people pay him attention.

Have found if someone just ignores them then he will leave them alone. I think the breed is similar to a golden retriever except age much more slowly.

[tez]

This would be my top 'wish list' breed of dog to own and we looked long and hard into getting one but were put off abit by the high incidence of cancer in the breed. Having just PTS my 14 year old girl, I couldn't bear to think about losing another at a relatively young age. Just wondering if my research was accurate?

[ILFC]

I can answer from the one of my first one, so obviously a breeder has a much more varied perspective.

They are a breed that is absolutely fabulous and we will never have anything else. However; buyer beware- choose your breeder carefully. The responsible ones are happy to share hip/elbow scores and info about the breed and actually do things with their dogs. They need careful and consistent training in terms of guidance and pointing to what to do rather than harshness. They need to be inside and the coat is easy care. Should imagine being similar to lab and golden puppies but they take a long time to grow up. Very happy and joyous dogs that enjoy life, such fun and very outgoing.

[Golden Rules]

He loves to lick lick lick and more lick lick lick.

That is definitely a Flatcoat trait!! Every Flatcoat I have ever met wants to LICK LICK LICK!! And that includes ILFC's Grover!

[ILFC]

He loves to lick lick lick and more lick lick lick.

That is definitely a Flatcoat trait!! Every Flatcoat I have ever met wants to LICK LICK LICK!! And that includes ILFC's Grover!

oh yeah!!! ;) I would call them licky, lick dogs!

[Guest sharynriding]

As an owner and occasional exhibitor of a flatcoat, they are definitely a licky breed of dog. However, I don't let mine lick me and he doesn't try with me, he is 5 years old. They are renowned as being the Peter Pan of the dog world and are very slow maturing in terms of their "brain". Having said that, they are intelligent and responsive dogs. No harsh training methods required.

The ears, feet and neck need a good trim for the show ring and the coat is easier to keep than a golden retriever, I have one of them too. They are not as feathered as the golden. The cancer issue is true to a degree, they are investigating why in the UK but I don't believe have come up with a definitive answer as yet. Again, there are some long lived flatcoats around Australia. As with everything, some good breeders and some not so good breeders. I would suggest having a look at the show kennels that are consistently out there each weekend representing their breed and ring and chat with them. They are a loving devoted dog, definitely has to be part of the family and not left in the backyard. Good luck in your search.

[YOLO]

We have owned 3 beautiful Flat Coats, and I am very keen to get another. We still have a 3yr old male, Jasper, who we rescued from a pound.

Whilst physically they grow quickly to near full size, they retain puppy-like behavioural characteristics well into middle age.

They are highly intelligent and training is easy, however it is difficult to do group obedience training, as all they want to do is socialise.

They are obsessively food focussed, which can make some aspects of reward based training easier, but if you don’t watch their diet and exercise they can easily put on weight.

They are brilliant with children, and with their blunt teeth and soft mouths couldn’t hurt someone even if they wanted to.

As pups, they do tend to mouth a lot, but they grow out of this.

They are more “alert” than Goldies, and so make a good watch dog, as they will bark at strangers or strange cars.

Their coat is actually very manageable. The feathers under their ears tend to knot if not brushed regularly, but generally once a week will suffice for a pet. There is a marked difference in coats between different breeders/ bloodlines/ imports, and this is the cause of much debate.

The ‘e’ chromosomes have mostly been bred out of Flatties, so most will carry only ‘EE’. Black is the dominant colour, and a “bb” will be "Liver" (As per the standard) (or sometimes chocolate.) Tradional bloodlines still contain A and C alleles that cause Red colouration, which can cause the “Liver” colour, and some of the Blacks to have red tinges to their tail and feathers. However some breeders have reduced this, leading to the chocolat brown colouring (and further debate.)

In my search for another flattie, I have come across two WA youngsters who both showed aggression, which I regard as being completely out of character for this breed.

If anyone can recommend a good breeder in WA, I would be most interested.

Alternatively, if anyone knows of an older or rescue bitch available, please let me know.

Edited September 18, 2010 by Big D

[flatchat]

Coat colour inheritance in flatcoats is the same as in labradors. Fewer yellows are seen because it is not a recognised colour and yellow flatcoats are not usually bred with as they cannot be on the main register.

The liver colour is meant to be a dark liver. A wishy washy liver colour is not what the standard requires. Sunlight can however lighten liver coats especially their ears and furnishings.

[YOLO]

Coat colour inheritance in flatcoats is the same as in labradors. Fewer yellows are seen because it is not a recognised colour and yellow flatcoats are not usually bred with as they cannot be on the main register.

The liver colour is meant to be a dark liver. A wishy washy liver colour is not what the standard requires. Sunlight can however lighten liver coats especially their ears and furnishings.

In principle it is the same set of chromosomes, but whereas Labradors can carry either E or e, flatties are predominately EE whilst Goldies are always ee.

Also, from what I have seen, the red tinge is less common in Australian dark Labradors

Is it just me, or has the interpretation/ acceptance of “Liver” changed over time?

30 years ago, (when the imports were mostly coming from the UK) the Liver dogs I saw had a pronounced redness (almost plumlike.) My first flattie was from a Liver bitch and he had vivid red flashes.

Whereas today, as you say, the Liver is a dark liver, and in some cases is close to being (and hence is called) a Chocolate.

[flatchat]

Sorry to keep harping on but no flatcoat breeder that I know refers to their liver puppies as chocolate. The breed standard calls them liver and that is what they are.

[Livertreats]

Sorry to keep harping on but no flatcoat breeder that I know refers to their liver puppies as chocolate. The breed standard calls them liver and that is what they are.

You are 100% correct Flatchat, I have 3 LIVER flatcoats they sure are not chocolate. A very nice dark LIVER just the way I love them.

[skyehaven]

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

owned since 1990, breeding since 1999

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

in UK to retrieve game

3. How common is it in Australia?

No too common, just the way we like it, may have to wait a while for a well bred/good quality one.

4. What is the average lifespan?

listed mostly as 10 years, but mine are all going to 11-13years

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

A well bred Flat Coat gets along with all dogs, animals and people, they are known as the canine Peter Pan (never grow up), they are known for their constant wagging tail and licking.

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

They don't need huge amounts of exercise, but a good hour walk once a day, would be a good idea, they enjoy swimming and retrieving, they less time spent with them, the more exercise they should have, as they want to be with you.

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

Depends on the person, Flat coats don't grow up, have a great sense of humour and love everyone, great temperments, but too much for some people.

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

They are happier with company, but if good exercise and time is spent with them when home and things to do are left with them they can cope, if not they will enterain themselves, by being destructive (as most dogs)

9. How much grooming is required?

a brush once a week, and tidying of ears and feet.

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

If not trained, yes, need early training as they can knock over small children with their enthusiasm.

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

Cancer can be a problem, hips and elbows are not a big problem but need to be monitored and can occationally occure, also Gloucoma, all parents of puppies in Australia now have to have hips and elbows scored and be clear of Gloucoma to be able to register the puppies. They also are prone to Bloat.

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be).

Hip and Elbow scores, hips should be under 10, elbows should be O, need to be gloucoma free. I would not buy from any breeder that doesn't either work or show there dogs, or that has more than 2 or 3 litters in one year.

Edited October 12, 2010 by skyehaven

[aussielover]

We have owned 3 beautiful Flat Coats, and I am very keen to get another. We still have a 3yr old male, Jasper, who we rescued from a pound.

Whilst physically they grow quickly to near full size, they retain puppy-like behavioural characteristics well into middle age.

They are highly intelligent and training is easy, however it is difficult to do group obedience training, as all they want to do is socialise.

They are obsessively food focussed, which can make some aspects of reward based training easier, but if you don’t watch their diet and exercise they can easily put on weight.

They are brilliant with children, and with their blunt teeth and soft mouths couldn’t hurt someone even if they wanted to.

As pups, they do tend to mouth a lot, but they grow out of this.

They are more “alert” than Goldies, and so make a good watch dog, as they will bark at strangers or strange cars.

Their coat is actually very manageable. The feathers under their ears tend to knot if not brushed regularly, but generally once a week will suffice for a pet. There is a marked difference in coats between different breeders/ bloodlines/ imports, and this is the cause of much debate.

The ‘e’ chromosomes have mostly been bred out of Flatties, so most will carry only ‘EE’. Black is the dominant colour, and a “bb” will be "Liver" (As per the standard) (or sometimes chocolate.) Tradional bloodlines still contain A and C alleles that cause Red colouration, which can cause the “Liver” colour, and some of the Blacks to have red tinges to their tail and feathers. However some breeders have reduced this, leading to the chocolat brown colouring (and further debate.)

In my search for another flattie, I have come across two WA youngsters who both showed aggression, which I regard as being completely out of character for this breed.

If anyone can recommend a good breeder in WA, I would be most interested.

Alternatively, if anyone knows of an older or rescue bitch available, please let me know.

I think this statement is inaccurate for any breed.

Flatties do not have blunter teeth than any other breed, unless you file them down yourself.

A "soft mouth" is the result of bite inhibition which needs to be taught from socialisation with other dogs as welll as training at home.

A well socialised and trained flattie is a joy to be around and unlikely to hurt someone (like any well socialsed and trained dog), don't get me wrong but I think it is misleading to say that a certain breed of dog could not hurt someone due to special anatomical features as all dogs have basically the same skull and jaw conformation. ANY dog can and will bite and inflict serious ionjuries IF THEY WANT TO.

[skyehaven]

We have owned 3 beautiful Flat Coats, and I am very keen to get another. We still have a 3yr old male, Jasper, who we rescued from a pound.

Whilst physically they grow quickly to near full size, they retain puppy-like behavioural characteristics well into middle age.

They are highly intelligent and training is easy, however it is difficult to do group obedience training, as all they want to do is socialise.

They are obsessively food focussed, which can make some aspects of reward based training easier, but if you don’t watch their diet and exercise they can easily put on weight.

They are brilliant with children, and with their blunt teeth and soft mouths couldn’t hurt someone even if they wanted to.

As pups, they do tend to mouth a lot, but they grow out of this.

They are more “alert” than Goldies, and so make a good watch dog, as they will bark at strangers or strange cars.

Their coat is actually very manageable. The feathers under their ears tend to knot if not brushed regularly, but generally once a week will suffice for a pet. There is a marked difference in coats between different breeders/ bloodlines/ imports, and this is the cause of much debate.

The ‘e’ chromosomes have mostly been bred out of Flatties, so most will carry only ‘EE’. Black is the dominant colour, and a “bb” will be "Liver" (As per the standard) (or sometimes chocolate.) Tradional bloodlines still contain A and C alleles that cause Red colouration, which can cause the “Liver” colour, and some of the Blacks to have red tinges to their tail and feathers. However some breeders have reduced this, leading to the chocolat brown colouring (and further debate.)

In my search for another flattie, I have come across two WA youngsters who both showed aggression, which I regard as being completely out of character for this breed.

If anyone can recommend a good breeder in WA, I would be most interested.

Alternatively, if anyone knows of an older or rescue bitch available, please let me know.

I think this statement is inaccurate for any breed.

Flatties do not have blunter teeth than any other breed, unless you file them down yourself.

A "soft mouth" is the result of bite inhibition which needs to be taught from socialisation with other dogs as welll as training at home.

A well socialised and trained flattie is a joy to be around and unlikely to hurt someone (like any well socialsed and trained dog), don't get me wrong but I think it is misleading to say that a certain breed of dog could not hurt someone due to special anatomical features as all dogs have basically the same skull and jaw conformation. ANY dog can and will bite and inflict serious ionjuries IF THEY WANT TO.

agree with you aussieshepherd , blunt teeth, never heard that one! My dogs don't have blunt teeth, if they wanted to bite (which they don't) the would bite as well as any breed, teeth and jaws are as capable as any, a true Flat Coat temperment wouldn't however, but not all breeders are breeding good temperments, so as with any breed do your research on breeders. As for WA breeders, I only recommend one, and they have only had 1 litter, and can't see another litter coming any time soon, as because all good Flat Coat breeders, they will only breed when they need something for themselves to continue there lines, not just to sell puppies.

[RallyValley]

Quick question, has a liver FCR ever attained a Gr. Ch?