Is a Flat Coated Retriever Right for You?
FCR’s are intelligent and trainable, with a playful nature that can bring joy to any household. The Flat-Coated Retriever is also known for their boundless energy and love of outdoor activities, so they thrive in active homes where they can get plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
Origin and History
Developed in England as a water and land retriever in the mid-to-late 1800s, the Flat-Coated Retriever was originally known as the Wavy-Coated Retriever. Bred as a dual-purpose retriever, this athletic and intelligent dog was designed to work on both land and water, retrieving game for hunters. Their lineage is a blend of Labrador Retrievers, Setters, Spaniels, and Water Dogs, contributing to their versatile skills and friendly temperament. While primarily valued as a hunter’s companion, the Flat-Coated Retriever’s loyalty and affectionate nature has earned them a place as a fantastic family dog.
Flat Coated Retriever Popularity
The Flat-Coated Retriever breed experienced a surge in popularity during the late 1800s and early 1900s, only to face a significant decline in the mid-20th century as other retriever breeds, such as the Golden Retriever (which was partially bred from the Flat-Coated Retriever), gained more favor. By the late 1950s, there were fewer than 10 Flat-Coated Retrievers left in the United States, putting the breed at the risk of extinction. The breeds survival is largely thanks to the dedication of breeders like Homer Downing and Stanley O’Neill in the mid-20th century. They imported dogs from England to breed with the healthiest remaining American dogs. This strengthened the gene pool and saved the breed.
Flat Coated Retriever Recognition and Classification
The Flat Coated Retriever has a history dating back to the early 1900s, with the establishment of the first Flatcoat breed club, the Flat Coated Retriever Association, in 1923. The club played a pivotal role in defining the breed standard, which remains largely unchanged to this day and was adopted by the Kennel Club. This versatile retriever gained immense popularity in England and received official recognition from both the Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club in 1915.
Flat Coated Retriever’s Closest DNA Relatives
In Landmark Research on Modern Dog Breed development, the Flat Coated Retriever has been shown to share the most common DNA with an ancestor of the following breeds:
Golden Retriever
Labrador Retriever
Newfoundland
Flat Coated Retriever Physical Characteristics
FCR’s can reach about 25 inches in height and weigh up to 70 pounds with a moderate, athletic build (not too heavy like a Labrador). Their medium length coat can be straight or slightly wavy but never curly. As per American Kennel Club (AKC) breed standard, their coat colors are limited to solid black and solid liver.
“Golden” Flat Coated Retrievers?
Flat Coated Retrievers were highly sought after as show dogs in England during the late 1800s. While they occasionally exhibited tan and brindle markings, breeders aimed to refine the standard, focusing solely on black-coated dogs due to their higher chances of winning competitions. Interestingly, even when both parents were black, they could produce golden puppies. These “golden” dogs were initially disqualified from Flat-Coat shows but caught the attention of breeders like Lord Tweedmouth (Dudley Marjoribanks), who began to breed them in Scotland. By 1911, the Golden Retriever was officially recognized as a separate breed by the UK Kennel Club.
How Fast Can a Flat Coated Retriever Run?
The AKC Conducts Dog Racing Trials each December in Orlando, FL. called the Fast CAT Invitational. This is a 100 yard race where dogs run individually chasing a lure. The average running speed by FCR’s is about 24.4 mph. The fastest recorded speed by a dog named Blacfriar Spirit Of Zen Rayna Moss at 29.10 mph!
Flat Coated Retriever Temperament
The CBARQ Dog Temperament Research study, conducted at the University of Pennsylvania, is a giant study of over 300 dog breeds and 60,000 individual dogs. In this study, the Flat Coated retriever ranks 24 out of 124 breeds in energy level. A dog with a high energy level can stay on task for long periods of time and does not tire easily. Owners will need to find good outlets for for physical stimulation to meet their Flat coat’s energy levels!
Is the Flat Coated Retriever Aggressive?
the Flat coat ranks very low in displaying aggression towards strangers. They come in at number 115 out of 124 breeds. They make not make the best guard dogs but they do make excellent loyal and affectionate companions. They are an intelligent yet gentle breed.
Flat Coated Retriever Humor!
Flat Coated Retriever Intelligence
In the Landmark Book entitled, “The Intelligence of Dogs”, professor Stanley Coren researched and documented the intelligence of over 130 different dog breeds. In his book, the Flat Coated retriever ranks 18th out of 138 breeds in working/obedience intelligence. Essentially this means they will learn new commands in 5 to 15 repetitions and obey first commands 85% of the time or better. This puts them in the “excellent working and obedience intelligence” category. In contrast, the least intelligent breeds will learn the same commands in 80-100 repetitions!
Flat Coated Retriever Health and Lifespan
Flat-Coated Retrievers are loved for their friendly and energetic personalities, but unfortunately, they have a relatively short average lifespan of 8–10 years. They are also prone to several serious health conditions, including:
Malignant Histiocytosis (Histiocytic Sarcoma)
A highly aggressive cancer that originates from histiocytes (immune cells).
Often affects the spleen, liver, lungs, and lymph nodes.
Symptoms include weight loss, lethargy, and difficulty breathing.
Early detection is challenging, and treatment options (chemotherapy/surgery) are often limited.
Hypothyroidism
An underactive thyroid gland, leading to weight gain, lethargy, hair loss, and skin issues.
Diagnosed via blood tests and managed with lifelong thyroid hormone replacement.
Laryngeal Paralysis
A condition where the larynx muscles fail to open properly, causing breathing difficulties.
Symptoms include noisy breathing, exercise intolerance, and coughing.
Severe cases may require surgical intervention (tie-back surgery).
Megaesophagus
A disorder where the esophagus loses muscle tone, preventing proper food passage to the stomach.
Leads to regurgitation, aspiration pneumonia, and weight loss.
Managed with upright feeding (Bailey chair) and special diets.
Check Your Flat Coated Retriever Facts and take a fun FCR Quiz!
Facts About Flat Coated Retrievers-Final Thoughts
Flat-Coated Retrievers, once called Wavy Coated Retrievers are a fantastic dog breed known for their high energy levels and trainability. For active owners looking for a companion that thrives on mental stimulation, outdoor activities and dog sports, the FCR is an excellent choice. Their activity level requires enough exercise to keep them happy and healthy, making regular dog training and/or trick training sessions a great way to channel their energy. Weekly brushing helps maintain their straight to wavy coat while also providing bonding time between pet and owner. With their high energy levels, Flat-Coated Retrievers are sure to keep their owners on their toes, but the rewards of having such a loyal and lively companion make it all worthwhile.
