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Flatcoat Retriever

The Flatcoat Retriever is another breed which is thought to have his origins in the north-east coast of the United States.  It is suggested that he was a cross of Newfoundland and Labrador with Irish and Gordon Setter blood introduced.  He was first seen in the showring at Birmingham in 1860; there were two classes for retrievers, the curly coat and smooth or wavy coat.  He took the eye of Mr Sewallis Evelyn Shirley, MP, founder of the Kennel Club and its Chairman from 1873 to 1899.  His kennel of Flatcoat Retrievers helped establish type and at one time they were known as Shirleys.

The Flatcoate Retriever has always been known as the Gamekeepers Dog, probably because of his exceptional working abilities combined with great friendliness and love of human company; he is not a dog who takes kindly to being left outside in the kennel.  Unusually for a gundog he will try to escape and re-unite himself with his family, and once inside will prove he is indispensable by overwhelming you with his happiness at seeing you and reward you by being a splendid guard dog.

In height the dogs measure up to 61.5cm, bitches a little less and in good working condition can weigh 80lbs.  However he does not look a heavy dog; he carries his weight well.  As the Breed Standard puts it "showing power without lumber, and raciness without weediness".

In the UK they hit a high level of popularity when Ch Shargleam Blackcap went Best in Show at Crufts in 1981 and found their way into many pet homes who had not been aware of the breed.  He has a lovely, easy to care for coat; the body coat lies flat to the body and there is good feathering on the legs and tail.  Regular grooming with a slicker brush on the body and a pin or bristle brush on the feathers is all that is needed to keep him looking smart.  The addition of boiled linseed oil to his food will bring out the shine in his coat.  The only colours allowed are black or liver; some livers can look very dull, so make sure the parents have a good strong colour.

The Flatcoat Retriever is a very happy breed and a good guard dog, the Flatcoat has a lot going for it, but it must be kept in mind that he is a working dog and will need to be offered plenty of exercise and stimulus.

To read the Kennel Club Breed Standard of the Flatcoat Retriever click here. 

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Flatcoat Retriever Breeders

• Tanglebriar
• Mossdew

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Selected Books

The time to make sure that this is the right breed for you is before you bring him home; if you and your Flatcoat are to be happy together there is plenty of research to be done.  Even if you do not intend to work him, having an appreciation of Gundog Training will help you understand why he behaves as he does. 

In addition to learning what kind of behaviour is specific to Gundogs, understanding your dog, and what his motivations are on a more general level can save a lot of confusion and misunderstandings for both you and him. Many mistakes can be avoided, and quick solutions reached if you have the basics of puppy training to guide you through all the early settling in difficulties.  It helps, too, to have some idea of basic healthcare so you can make informed judgements about whether a visit to the vet is necessary or if there is a simple remedy.  For example, many cases of upset tummies are best cured by 24 hour starvation.  The books we have chosen will be able to guide you as to whether your dog can be treated at home, or a visit to the surgery is necessary.

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Flatcoat Retriever Breed Clubs

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Flatcoat Retriever Rescue and Rehoming

Contact the Breed Club. They should be able to give you information about hounds requiring homes and procedures for re-homing; if you are in the unfortunate position of having to re-home your own retriever, please go through breed rescue. They will not be judgmental and are best able to find the right permanent home for your dog.

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If you are looking for a puppy contact the Breed Clubs and the Breeders listed and visit the puppyfinder website where there is a great deal of information on hereditary conditions.  If you are a Breeder and wish to advertise your puppies puppyfinder is an excellent showcase.