Flat-Coated Retriever
Other names: Flatcoat, Flattie

The Flat-coated Retriever is an outgoing and affectionate dog belonging to the Retriever Group. Originally bred in Victorian England as a gundog it became the popular choice of companion for gamekeepers of the large sprawling estates of the Upper Class. A Retriever by name and nature, this agile dog moves powerfully and without lumber. Although still used by some huntsmen and women for retrieval of bagged game the Flattie is more widely known to be an amiable addition to the modern family home.
Key facts about the Flat-Coated Retriever
Origins and history
The ancestor of the Flat-coat breed was created in the middle of the 1800s; successive inbreeding with the North American water dog, native collies and the Newfoundland dog is thought to have given rise to the Flat-coated Retriever familiar to us today. The pedigree was finally established in 1880. The hereditary of this dog is believed to be the cause of its predisposition to the cancers listed above.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 8 - Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs
Section
Section 1 : Retrievers
Physical characteristics of the Flat-Coated Retriever
Adult size
Female : Between 22 and 23 in
Male : Between 23 and 24 in
Weight
Female : Between 55 and 71 lb
Male : Between 60 and 79 lb
Coat colour
Black, liver (dark brown); solid colour throughout.
Type of coat
The hair length is medium.
A flat, dense coat of fine texture and shine. The legs and tail are especially well-furnished.
Eye colour
Dark brown or hazel.
Description
The muzzle of the Flattie is strong and muscular; the top-line from the point of its nose to the back of its head is relatively smooth. From the nape of the dog’s head the top-line then descends gracefully, strong and straight until ending at the croup above the tail. The tail itself is well-feathered and moderately long, held almost horizontally from the set. Ears are relatively small and hang close to the side of the head. Overall, the body of the Flattie should be light and agile.
Good to know
This dog is eager and quick to learn but will do so at its own pace and only if the reward for learning is worthy. Keep training sessions short and varied otherwise the attention of the dog will be lost. If the Flattie thinks it can get the better of its owner it will.