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Understanding and Training a Flat Coated Retriever

This is a willing, playful and active breed that is very biddable to training and adapting to an equally active owner's lifestyle.

This is also a "needy" breed that thrives in owner [and other such social] companionship. Therefore, to thoroughly appreciate all the characteristics that the Flat-coated Retriever has to offer, exercise energetically and incorporate obedience into as many events as possible, including walks, games, play and day-to-day living situations.

As with most gundogs and other working breeds, obedience is very necessary to help channel energy, but great care must be taken through calm and persistent training. Never be harsh with this affectionate, friendly, yet gentle and sensitive dog.

The Flat-coated Retriever will likely find interest and reward in almost anything - use these natural characteristics to help reinforce recall through retrieving-type games and consider using activities such a swimming as rewards in training.

Breed Profile

Breed Name: Flat Coated Retriever

Domestic Dog Group:

Brief Description:

General Size: 60 - 70lbs (27 - 32kg); 56 - 58cm
General Temperament: Attentive & Friendly
General Description: Friendly, willing and very biddable this breed has all the makings of an ideal companion for the active owner who chooses to integrate their dog into their lifestyle.

Breed’s Key Traits

High Med-High Medium Med-Low Low

Requires Experience x

Good Family Dog x

Exercise Required x

Activity Indoors x

Ease of Training x

Sociability with Strangers x

Grooming Requirements x

Brief History

Developed in England for retrieving game on land and water, the bloodlines of the Flat-coated are actually derived from two Canadian breeds, the Labrador and the Newfoundland. With similar characteristics to the Labrador and the Golden Retriever, the Flat-coated version is lesser known than its relatives most likely and simply due to the over-powering popularity of the former breeds.