Flat-Coated Retriever

Calculated crossbreeding in Great Britain in early 1800s -- a mix of Irish Setter, Newfoundland, English Pointer, Labrador (not to mention some kind of sheepdog and some spaniel-like water dog) made the Flat-Coated Retriever you see today. Besides retrieving, we can also flush game, help fishermen on the boats, and serve as utility dogs in time of war. The Flat-Coated Retriever was recognized by the AKC, as a hunting dog, in 1915 and placed in the kennel club's Sporting Group.

• Affectionate, devoted family friend
• Agile and active
• Born to run
• Busy is better than bored
• Courageous canine
• Even-tempered, good-natured
• Hardy hunter

• Independent thinker
• Intelligent and ready to learn
• Loves kids and vice versa
• Outdoor enthusiast
• Outgoing extrovert
• Perfect protector
• Pleased to please
• Caters to the country
• Training and socialization must start early
• Steadfast and strong
• Stubborn streak
• Sweet disposition
• Training must be firm but gentle, patient and consistent
• Willing watchdog

Before you take me home, I need you to know four things about the Flat-Coated Retriever. 1. We're quite demanding of attention from the owners we adopt. 2. We hate to be left alone a long time. 3. We have a loud, deep bark. And 4. we don't always outgrow our puppy ways for several years. These points should tell you that if I'm lonely (separation anxiety is the dog shrink's term) then your neighbors will hear about it (loudly) and when you do come home, things might look a little different (my way of getting attention). This might go on for a long, long time. So my question is: Will your still need me, will you still feed me, when I'm 64 (in dog years)? Great! You make arrangements for obedience training, and let's get started.

Possible hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, glaucoma, epilepsy, diabetes insipidus, and mega-esophagus.