Flat Coated Retriever Breed description: Character & Co

What is the origin of Flat Coated Retriever?

The Flat Coated Retriever is an old British hunting dog breed. It probably originated from the Saint John's Dog, which was brought to England by sailors during the 18th century. The small Newfoundland dog was crossed with Water Spaniels, Collies and Setters by British breeders. One of the pioneers who promoted the breed was Sewallis Everly Shirley of Ettington Park, who became the first secretary of the English Kennel Club in 1873. But even before that, in 1881, the Flat Coated Retriever was mentioned in "The illustrated book of the dog" by Vera Shaw. The author, animal painter and chairman of the Kennel Club created a graphic and a detailed description of the breed. Before the First World War and during the interwar period the breed was one of the most popular hunting dogs. They were popular because of their versatility: it was common to take the dog to a hunt on one day and show it at a show the next day. After the Second World War only a few breeders remained. The international dog association FCI finally recognised the Flat Coated Retriever as a separate breed in 1954.

What are the breed characteristics of Flat Coated Retriever?

The Flat Coated Retriever is a passionate hunter that needs to be kept busy. They indicate joy or excitement by strongly wagging their tail. Their playful nature sticks with them until old age. As they are particularly talented in retrieving, they bring back every toy tirelessly.