Athletic, Joyful, Loving—Meet the Flat-Coated Retriever

By Kelly Caldwell

When you first glance at a Flat-coated Retriever, you might think you’ve spotted yourself a black or brown Golden Retriever. To be sure, his similarities to other Retrievers are obvious; however, make no mistake about it: the Flat-coat is his own, unique breed.

At the time the Flat-coat was developed, a “Retriever” referenced a particular function—that of flushing and retrieving birds—not specific breeds. Gun dogs, as they were called, included any number of setters, spaniels, mixes, and what today we call Labrador Retrievers.

Today’s Flat-coated Retrievers were developed in Britain primarily by members of the upper class. Exact records don’t exist to detail the variety of breeds that were used to create the Flat-coat, but Collies, Newfoundland Dogs, Labrador Retrievers, and various setters and spaniels all seem to have been a part of the mix in the early years. By the middle of the 19th century, distinct types of Retrievers were established. Fanciers were striving to breed to type, which by then included a Wavy-coated Retriever who would ultimately become today’s Flat-coat.

The Wavy-coats were bred for intelligence, scenting ability, a soft mouth, obedience, bravery, and a gentle spirit with a desire to please. For practical reasons, size was factored in, as it was clear to many that the larger Newfoundland-type dogs were more difficult to transport and required considerably more food.

The early Wavy-coated Retrievers were bred with black Retrievers in an effort to flatten out the coat and soften it from its original, more wiry texture. There was some resistance to this. Hunters argued that while the soft, flowing coat looked pretty in the show ring, the wavy, coarse coats were actually more resistant to water and brush. There was a strong desire, from these early days, to ensure that the function of this hunting dog didn’t get sacrificed to the whims of those whose focus was more on creating a pretty dog. They succeeded, however, in managing both, creating over time a working breed that can transition from the show ring to the field in no time flat. This is an important and proud aspect of the breed’s early and continued development.

That soft, luxurious coat was a show-stopper—and for whatever reason in those early days, it was the black variety Wavy-coats that caught the eyes of dog show judges. As a result, the black-and-tan or more golden versions of the breed were bred out over time. Black and liver-coloured Flat-coats are all that remain today.

So, with its beauty, winning personality, and ability in the fields, why isn’t the Flat-coat more common? The answer is multi-fold. Along came the Labrador Retriever, which was recognized by The Kennel Club (TKC) in 1903 and by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1915. The Labrador Retriever’s popularity soared, along with the Golden Retriever, and eclipsed the Flat-coats to a considerable degree. On top of this loss of public interest, both World Wars had a devastating impact. As with so many breeds, the Flat-coated Retriever emerged from World War II close to extinct, and it came down to the concerted efforts of a handful of dedicated fanciers who worked diligently to preserve and advance the breed.

The AKC accepts the Flat-coated Retriever in either solid black or liver coloured coats. Size ranges from 23 to 24 ½ at the withers for males and 22 to 23 ½ for females. In conformation, excess weight is a no-no. These dogs should weigh 55 to 8o pounds, with the males on the higher end of the scale. This is a dog that should be able to leave the show ring and head straight to the fields—and he does. The head of this breed is distinctive. Described by the AKC as a “one-piece head,” it has minimal stop, meaning the bridge of the nose (the indent between nose and forehead) is almost non-existent. The overall effect is that the Flat-coat’s skull looks seamless as it transitions from the muzzle to the back of the skull. There is nothing unnatural or exaggerated in his head, which is set back into a relatively long neck. All in all, it’s just another thing that sets him apart from the Retriever crowd. Having spent a lot of time with a lot of puppies, I must admit a bias. I think the Flat-coated Retriever puppies may be among the cutest, if not *the* cutest, in dogdom. I have gotten lost in those soft, soulful eyes a few times. And temperament? A dream. Yes, of course there is a lot of ‘dog’ in this Retriever. He’s an athlete, a hunter, a tough dog through and through. But outshining all of those traits is this: his sweetness. These dogs are smart and obedient, loyal and brave—but they are sensitive and loving, too.  Most Popular Dogs in the U.S. According to the most recent AKC registration statistics [1] Labrador Retriever [2] German Shepherd Dog [3] Golden Retriever [4] French Bulldog [5] Bulldog [6] Beagle [7] Poodle [8] Rottweiler [9] Yorkshire Terrier [10] Pointers [91] Flat Coated Retriever

Size: Large.

Male height ranges from 23 to 24 ½ at the wither; 22 to 23 ½ for females. Weight range is from 55 to 80 pounds.

Activity level:

He’s a working dog and needs a walk, run, or swim every day, along with play time and hopefully a sporting activity. That said, he can turn off that energy and play the couch potato at home as well.

Grooming:

That glorious coat doesn’t require a vast amount of work. The occasional bath and regular brushing will keep him looking dapper.

Heritage:

He’s a dual-purpose hunting dog, created by the British gentry in the 1900s, and used to retrieve game both on land and in water.

For more information on Flat-coat rescue in the U.S. and Canada, visit facebook.com/FCRSARescue.

If you like the Flat-coated Retriever, you might also consider the:

Classic people-pleasers, they thrive on praise, positive reinforcement, and affection. They crave time with their people. There is more than a little bit of the goofball in every Flat-coat—a sense of puppy-like wonder and joy to be found in, well, pretty much everything. From my experience, this seems to last with them through the years. Flat-coated Retrievers are a truly forever-young breed, which explains why countless sources refer to this as the “Peter Pan” of dogs.

What’s he like to live with? Let’s start with his versatility. Yes, he’s a pretty dog, but he’s a hard worker by nature. The Flat-coat is an up-for-anything breed, game to try new things. With his smarts and obedient nature, he can master any number of activities that you throw at him.

Speaking of which, basic obedience training is advised for this and every other dog. The good news is that this is a smart breed, very keen to “get it right” and please his people.

As far as activity level goes, he needs long, brisk daily walks at a minimum. Any sporting activities are worth a look, because he’s got game and he’ll be so happy to spend time with you and seek your approval that he’s bound to excel in just about anything you throw at him. Play-time with this fun-loving breed is also important. And water? Well, if you give him a chance to swim, he’ll dazzle you with his skills and most likely will thank you forever. Hearty and athletic though he may be, bear in mind this is a family dog. He’ll always love the outdoors, but he’s meant to live indoors.

When he’s not working, swimming, running, or just goofing around to burn off steam, he’ll shift to his secondary role: couch potato. The Flat-coat is fairly quiet in the home, and quite content to just “be” with the person he loves. Yes, he’s a wonderful family companion, especially if you’ve got a good sense of humour. The breed is slow to mature, and his puppy-like exuberance and general goofballery never entirely go away.

Health-wise, the Flat-coated Retriever is a hearty breed, but as with all purebreds some inherited genetic conditions could crop up. As with any breed, if you’re getting a puppy from a breeder, it’s important to work with someone who is committed to the wellness and longevity of the breed, and who tests their foundation stock for diseases.

Technically, this is a rather rare breed. In 2018, the Flatcoated Retriever ranked 91 out of 192 registered breeds. His cousin, the Labrador Retriever? Number one!

So, there you have it. He’s one of the best-kept secrets of the entire Retriever family—a fact that fanciers are fine with, by the way. He’s too special, really, to be higher up on that list. While he may be most well known for that glorious, silky coat, and his rather distinctive head shape, in reality it’s his heart that sets him apart. Sensitive and loving, this one is a bit of a Velcro dog—wherever you go, there he is. And lucky you are to be in the company of this sweet soul. 

Golden Retriever

Curly-coated Retriever

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Smitten with the Flat-Coated Retriever? Show your breed love with this beautiful solid gold pendant necklace from Siberian Art Jewelry. Tons of breeds are available—Pumi, Tibetan Terrier…you name it, chances are they’ve got it—in an array of gorgeous styles.

Photographed by Vanessa Brack

When Nita Pickering received a photo of an ailing Bulldog puppy, she was all in. “It was love at first sight,” recalls the Yuma, Arizona resident.

There was just one problem. Spanky had fading puppy syndrome. With this condition, neonatal pups fail to thrive within the first two weeks of life, often resulting in death. Contributing factors include lack of mothering, inadequate nursing or milk consumption, congenital defects which may not be immediately apparent, low birth weight, and infectious causes, says VCA Hospital.

At just five days old, it wasn’t looking good for Spanky. His littermates hadn’t survived, and he had been surrendered by his owners to the rescue group Josh and his Critters. Still, rescue founder Tina Lythgoe held out hope for the little pup they called Spanky. She sent a photo to Nita, saying she had the “perfect puppy” for her.

Tina is known for taking on the most challenging cases, accepting last-leg dogs from individuals who are unable 

Spanky and Nita Pickering

(or sometimes unwilling) to help their dogs, or plucking the dogs no one else will take from shelters. She’s not one to go down without a fight.

Spanky required tube feedings every two hours around the clock. Under Tina’s watch, he also received veterinary care, including an injection of plasma along with subcutaneous fluids, says Nita. An incubator, antibiotics, and prayers were also employed.

It worked. By eight weeks of age, the failing pup was healthy and ready to go to his new home.

“When we went to pick up Spanky, I was over the top with excitement,” says Nita. “Getting a rescue from Josh and His Critters was the best thing ever! Knowing the hard work Tina put into Spanky to save his life—I am forever grateful for her.”

Spanky is now the picture of health and doesn’t require any special care aside from the consideration all Bulldogs need. As Nita notes, the breed is not for everyone.

“Adopting a Bulldog does take special care,” says Nita. “Their skin can be sensitive. They can also have allergies—every Bulldog is different. After bathing you need to dry their folds in their face and tail pocket. I also apply ‘wrinkle’ cream to his nose folds. Some Bulldogs can develop ‘cherry eye’ and require surgery.”

For his part, Spanky developed entropion (when the lower lashes roll into the eye and cause irritation) and had to have eye surgery. To Nita, it was a small price to pay. “Bulldogs are an expensive breed to own but so worth every penny!”

A rescue advocate, she definitely thinks you should take a chance on a second-hand dog too. “All dogs need to know love even if they are not ‘perfect’,” she says. “They give you back more love as they know you gave them a second chance in life!” 

Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy By Zazie Todd Zazie Todd, PhD, an anthrozoologist, respected dog trainer, and awardwinning blogger, interweaves the latest science, her own experiences, and expert interviews with vets, psychologists, and more, to create this must-have guide to improving your dog’s life. You’ll find enrichment exercises, how to properly socialize your puppy, tips for reducing fear and anxiety, check lists for a happy dog, and more. Do yourself and your dog a favour and get your paws on a copy of this very enjoyable read filled with actionable advice to improve your relationship with your dog.

DAWGS: A True Story of Lost Animals and the Kids Who Rescued Them By Diane Trull We can all make a difference. With its moving message, this deeply inspiring story of second chances had us teary eyed from the get-go. Elementary-school teacher Diane Trull’s fourth-grade class saw a photo of a cardboard box overflowing with homeless puppies, and Diana couldn’t bear to tell them that these pups, and many other healthy dogs like them, faced euthanasia. Her young students desperately wanted to save the pups, and in that defining moment, the Dalhart Animal Wellness Group and Sanctuary—or DAWGS for short—was begun. Marrying determination with compassion and a hopeful heart, this galvanizing story shares how Diana and her fourth graders started their very own animal shelter. We’re with New York Times bestselling author Susan Wilson (One Good Dog) when she says, “I'm blown away. I hope this story reaches thousands of readers.”

Connie’s Book Club EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CONNIE WILSON’S SELECTION OF THIS SPRING'S MUST-READS. Curl up with a good dog and a good book

The Celebrated Pet: How Americans Memorialize Their Animal Friends By Gay Balliet-Perkins You’ll fall in love with the quirky, wonderful animals memorialized in this book. As so many of us know, a beloved pet’s passing is devastating. For some of us, it’s as sad as the passing of a human family member; not many occupy a more privileged and intimate role in our lives. Gay Balliet-Perkins brilliantly illustrates the deep bond between the pets and their people and the different ways of remembering a pet to bring comfort and closure.

Murder Can Confuse Your Chihuahua By Rose Pressey This delightful mystery, filled with intriguing twists and quirky charm, is the second installment in bestselling author Rose Pressey’s Haunted Craft Fair Mystery series. Artist Celeste Cabot has a talent not only for painting but for the paranormal as well. When Celeste arrives at a big craft fair in North Carolina—only to get her 1947-vinatge pink Ford F-100 truck stuck in the mud—her tiny white rescue Chihuahua Vincent van Gogh leads her to the unexpected: a body on the riverbank. With the help of her opinionated pup and a handsome fellow artist, Celeste must navigate a suspected love triangle, unearth an accident from the past, and consult with a medium and a spirit to try and paint the killer into a corner. Great fun.

They make time for doggie dates. Selena Gomez has a matcha date with her adorable dog Winnie in Los Angeles.

They take their dogs to the pet store. Twilight star Ashley Greene takes her rescue dog Rosie to Healthy Spot pet store in Studio City, CA.

those paws!

too real!

They go for walks with the whole fam! Reese Witherspoon strolls through Brentwood Country Market in Los Angeles with her sevenyear-old son Tennesee and Bulldog Pepper.

They don’t want to go anywhere without their dogs! “If I Can't Bring My Dog Then I'm Not Going!” Model Kate Upton’s shirt says it all as she leaves Bruno's gym in Beverly Hills, CA, with her Boxer Harley. Harley often accompanies the model to the gym and relaxes on a mat while she works out.