Dog class - Non Sporting
Average height - 22 to 24 inches
Average weight - 60 to 70 pounds
Size - Medium to large
Coat - Wavy and requires grooming, sheds
Average life span - 10 to 12 years

Flat-Coated Retrievers are friendly dogs that enjoy being around people, and of course, retrieving. This dog would be much more popular if not for the Labrador and Golden retrievers. This breed has a wavy coat much like a Golden Retriever, but the color is black or liver. The body size and build is similar to that of the Labrador or Golden Retriever. This breed was bred to retrieve birds shot over land or water.

Developed in England as a retriever. This breed has often been overshadowed by the Golden and Labrador retrievers.

This breed loves to retrieve; hunting, hunt tests, Frisbee, and flyball are all good considerations. Conformation, agility, and obedience competitions are also activities that FCR owners participate in. Obedience classes are great as is swimming at the lake on a hot day, just as long as they can be near their people, FCRs will gladly give it a try.

Very friendly to others yet content to be near its owner or family. Makes a good family dog as well as a good flushing or waterfowling dog, not to mention other activities. The FCR, as it is known among enthusiasts, takes well to obedience training and will usually do its best to try and cooperate with its handler.

Patellar luxation, as well as both hip and elbow dysplasia, are problems that all FCRs should be checked for before being used for breeding. Problems with cancer and the thyroid also occur, these problems should all be discussed with the breeder before purchasing a pup.

Might be hard to find a breeder in some areas. Has not been nearly as successful as the Labrador in retriever competitions, which has limited its popularity. This is a nice breed, but it still needs plenty of exercise, attention, and training to keep it under control. Some individuals eat their own feces.

Yellow FCRs should never be used for breeding, as this color is rare as is considered a fault.

Further Flat Coated Retriever Dog Resources