FLATCOATED RETRIEVER

The Flatcoated Retriever originated in England in the 19th century by crossing the Wavycoated Retriever (which was also used to describe the St John's dog at the time) with Setters and collie-like dogs. The influence of the black Irish setter on the flat coat is obvious. Mr.Sewallis Evely Shirley from Ettington Park (1844-1904) is considered the father of the Flatcoated Retriever ("Shirley Retriever"). He was also the first secretary of the Kennel Club in England, founded in 1873. He introduced the stud books and standards and served throughout his life to maintain and refine the new breed.

Before the First and between the two World Wars, the retriever breeds took off on a large scale. Every retriever was worked and it was normal to win a hunting test one day and an exhibition the next day with the same retriever. Equal emphasis was placed on appearance and work facilities in order to meet these requirements. After the Second World War, the Labrador and Golden Retrievers in particular enjoyed a tremendous boom and interests were divided among many. During the Second World War and the post-war period, unfortunately, almost all flatcoated kennels disappeared and only a few breeders (e.g. Dr Nancy Laughton with the Claverdon kennel) who continued under the most difficult conditions, it is thanks to the fact that this breed did not become extinct. As a result, the Flatcoated Retriever was spared the split into working and show dogs until now.

There was a “flat boom” in England in the early 1980s when “CH.Shargleam Blackcap” became “Best in Show” at Cruft's Dog Show. “Shargleam”, from Miss Pat Chapman, who unfortunately died much too early in 1993, was a very successful kennel that always put quality before quantity.

Other significant English kennel names are: Ligwood, Fenrivers (from Mr.Reed Flowers, whose male “CH.Fenrivers Golden Rod” was best of breed at Cruft's in 1967 and 1968 - a dog with the ideal image of the flat par excellence), Collyers from The Honorable Mrs.Amelia Jessel (an excellent dog handler, whose flats were often noticed at field trials), Ryshot, Halstock, Hartshorn, Downstream, Heronsflight (from Mrs.Joan Mason), Rase-Flatcoats, Oakmoss, Wizardwood, Falswift, Gayplume, Llecan, Haweth, Riverflight, Tancourt, Tongreen, Torwood, Vvbos, Braydwinn and Branchalwood as well as Mrs. Brenda Philips' Exclyst kennel, which was established in the 1970s and is still very successful today.

The Flat is the most elegant of the retriever breeds. The physique is powerful with a clearly defined chest. The head and skull are long, the skull rather flat with a slight “stop”. A perfect scissor bite is desirable, the eyes dark or hazel brown. The ears are set relatively high. The hindquarters should be muscular and the angulation should not be excessive. The tail is carried happily, but not far above the back line. A flowing pace is desired. (Details can be found in the breed standard). A typical Flat should be physically capable of doing its job as a retriever, ie strong, but not inelegant. The flat is available in black and liver-colored, sometimes undesirably in yellow (such dogs receive proof of pedigree, but are excluded from breeding from the outset). The coat should be as smooth as possible, dense, fine to medium-thick with a water-repellent undercoat and with good feathering on the tail and legs.

The Flatcoated Retriever is a passionate hunting dog with a tireless will to find and retrieve, always trying to please its owner. His somewhat exuberant temperament places greater demands on the owner's patience, especially in his youth. If, however, the principle of "loving consistency" is always observed, the docile temperament will become a reliable, attentive hunting companion and affectionate family dog that needs constant contact with people. However, it should be noted that if the flat is purely family-run, variety should always be offered through extended walks or retrieval exercises. Its proverbial child-friendliness should not be overstrained. Thanks to its "excellent nose", the Flat is ideally suited for use in disasters as an avalanche and rescue dog, for searching for addicts, as well as for tracking and welding work. His favorite element, however, is water, which he certainly cannot pass without looking for it. Duck hunting is therefore one of his favorite domains, and he will tirelessly fetch from the water until he is exhausted

Just take a flat when you're ready:

  • To make your apartment dog-friendly
  • To swap your “beautiful” clothes for functional and weatherproof clothes
  • to go for walks or hikes in any weather (including rain and snow)
  • always have a dog with you
  • never to leave him alone for long
  • to give him cuddles often
  • accept wet and dirty dogs
  • to do at least basic obedience training with him
  • to have a lively and attentive dog, but not a keen watchdog
  • Keep food and groceries out of the reach of dogs.