Flat Coated Retrievers
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Before the mid-1800's, any dog that retrieved was called a retriever. Around this time, individuals in the British Isles began to really look at developing a dog who would retrieve consistently. The flat-coat retriever likely descended from the St. John’s Newfoundland, a dog smaller than the Newfoundland of today and similar in make and shape of early retriever-type dogs found in Newfoundland and Canada. This dog was a natural water dog and had a reputation for exceptional retrieving ability and remarkable intelligence. Through the trade between England and Newfoundland, sailors likely brought the Newfoundland dogs to England. These Newfoundlands were crossed with various sporting dogs, such as setters, to refine the type and improve the scenting power. The original founders were pleased with the dog they created, but felt that this dog was a tad too large to work well in the fields and forests. They chose to add a "Tweed" Setter to the mix. Through years of selective breeding, we now have a Flat Coated Retriever - a thinner, racier looking dog than other retrievers, with an extremely strong hunting ability and a high energy level. The flat-coat retriever is reported to have been stabilized around 1880 by S. E. Shirley and is felt to be the oldest of the modern retrievers.
These flat-coats were used as personal hunting dogs and brought in game to be the family’s sustenance. These dogs “did not put in long days, nor did they work under extreme conditions.” They were expected to hunt and return home to function as the family pet. Thus, even today, they do not do well as "kennel" dogs. They were bred for their cheerfulness and willingness to work. Therefore, the breed is prone to having fun, which can be exasperating to a novice handler. They are referred to as Peter Pan dogs, for their youthful behavior which stays with them throughout their life.
Flat-coats are intelligent, high-energy, and creative dogs. They require sufficient activities to challenge their intelligence, or they will find ways to amuse themselves. They can become destructive (digging, chewing, barking) to relieve their boredom. They are very loyal and extremely affectionate. Flatcoats require a great deal of interaction with humans, and can become excitable, frustrated, noisy or destructive. They can even injure themselves if relegated to kennels for extreme periods of time.
They are very strong and exuberant - this exuberance can result in knocking down kids and elderly folks. Therefore, a responsible flatcoat owner will insure the dog is well trained. Breeders often do not recommend flat-coated retrievers to families with either young children or elderly adults. The flat-coat was bred to carry game in their mouths, and can be very mouthy (having to have something in their mouths at all times). An owner must be very careful as this behavior can result in surgery to remove swallowed objects.
It is important to note that this breed has not broken down into show vs. field lines as many of the retrievers have. Flat coats love the water and keeping them out of the water can be difficult. They also love to retrieve and will retrieve most anything including laundry and library books.
Flat-coats are highly intelligent and have a strong desire to please. They are quick learners, but can be a challenge to train, as they are easily distracted and bored. If they become bored, you can be assured that they will look for things to amuse themselves. A flat-coat will not often entertain themselves in a manner that is acceptable to their owners. This is important to remember, as this is not a breed that does well with tasks requiring a great deal of repetition.
They are also soft in nature. They respond best to positive training methods, and can become fearful and shut down if harsh methods are used. These dogs have an innate sense of fun, and while what may be fun for them is not at all fun for the handler. Thus these dogs can be challenging to train for a novice handler. These are extremely goofy dogs; they need to be active and thinking or they will find things to think about and things to do and those things are usually not things that humans appreciate. Cuinn has dug under three fences to escape into the yard, only to sit on the front step and wait for me to let him into the house. Meghan, my older Flat Coat bitch, has devastated my shoe supply and has taken to chasing the cats around the house. These are not dogs that can sit on the couch all day or be confined in a crate for long periods of time. They must be working and learning. A flat-coat without training and something to do is a flat-coat looking for trouble and a flat-coat on its way to rescue.
Common motivators include food and toys. Generally verbal praise or affection (i.e. being petted) is not motivating to this breed during a training session. Many of these dogs will actually back away from the person going to pet them as praise for an accomplished task. They want the treat or toy; you can keep your pats. Again, flat-coats are soft and harsh methods should not be used.
Tasks easy for the flat-coat to perform are those that require thought and movement such as fieldwork and hunting (both actual and sanctioned tests), tracking tests, agility competition, and flyball.
Tasks, which are difficult for the flat-coat to perform, are those that require sustained attention such as long stays in obedience competition. One breeder has stated “It is very difficult to get a ‘no matter what’ stay from a flat coat” as they are distractible and will go and investigate whatever distracts them at the time. They want to get on to the next exciting thing.
While the
flat coat can achieve obedience title, they are quite distractible and training
can be more difficult than more 'traditional' obedience breeds. It has also
been said that “a flat coat has never met a person they didn't know and
like.” Thus, it may be difficult to get a flat coat to concentrate when there
are many people milling about as occurs at an obedience trial/match. So, while
the dog may be perfectly capable of performing the requisite tasks in a training
situation, the handler may find that their dog is less able to contain
themselves at trials and shows where there is a great deal of activity and new
people.
Flat-coats are very stoic and do not show when they are in pain. They often will be up and around too soon after an injury. You also need to watch for signs of fatigue as they will continue to work, swim, etc. when they are exhausted. Early training is important for this breed, as they can become very unruly adolescent brats if they are not trained in obedience at an early age.
Flat-coats
are generally a sound and healthy breed. While this breed has a lower than
average incidence of problems such as hip dysplasia and luxating patellas, these
still should be checked and cleared by anyone considering breeding their dog.
Other health issues include glaucoma, elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, cataracts, OCD
(obsessive-compulsive disorder), and allergies. However, the greatest concerns
amongst flat-coat fanciers are hemangiosarcomas, osteosarcomas, and
hystiocytosis. Unfortunately, because of cancer, the average life span of a
flat coat is not very long. Many flatcoat dogs succumb to cancer at quite
a young age.
(A very distinctive flat-coated retriever head)
Finding a breeder of flat-coats can be difficult, these are not popular dogs and there are not breeders around every corner. You are not going to find ads in the paper for flat-coat puppies. The easiest way to connect with a breeder is to contact the National Club's breeder-referral representative. She will have a list of current flat-coat breeders in various parts of the country. Keep in mind that you will likely have to wait for a puppy. Most breeders have prospective homes for their puppies before the litter is even conceived. If a flat-coat is the dog that you think you want, be prepared to wait. It is definitely worth it. Also, be prepared to be asked alot of questions. While I love this breed, they can be trying - often too smart for their own good. Flat-coat breeders do their best to make sure that their puppies are placed in homes that will help their puppy fulfill its potential. They are looking for active homes and working homes, and will do their best to follow their puppies throughout their lifetime. Be prepared for a number of questions about your and to have a breeder who will be in touch with you through the life of your dog.