— Flat Coated Retrievers —
"Do not you care to ask whether you are right or wrong; he does not care if you have luck or not, whether you are rich or poor, educated or uneducated, saint or sinner. You are his partner and that is enough for him. He will be a next to you to comfort yourselves, protect you and give, if necessary, for you, his life."
J.K. Jerome.
The Flat Coated Retriever is a dog that matures very slowly, which is why he retains his puppy-like qualities for a long time. He is outgoing, always cheerful, and eager to please. He 'kisses' a lot, and is very attached to his owner, he constantly looks for him, which is a characteristic that makes him unsuitable to stay alone for too many hours (if you don't train him from a very early age) He is a tireless worker and a great swimmer. His character is sweet and trustful.
Breed Standard
The Standard is the guideline that describes ideal characteristics, temperament, color and ensures functions suitable for the breed.
General Appearance
A bright, active dog of medium size with an intelligent expression, showing power without lumber, and raciness without weediness.
Characteristics
Generously endowed with natural gundog ability, optimism and friendliness demonstrated by enthusiastic tail action.
Temperament
Confident and kindly.
Head and Skull
Head, long and nicely moulded. Skull, flat and moderately broad with a slight stop between eyes, in no way accentuated, avoiding a down or dish-faced appearance. Nose of good size, with open nostrils. Jaws long and strong, capable of carrying a hare or pheasant.
Eyes
Medium size, dark brown or hazel, with a very intelligent expression (a round prominent eye highly undesirable). Not obliquely placed.
Ears
Small and well set on, close to side of head.
Mouth
Jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. Teeth sound and strong.
Neck
Head well set in neck, the latter reasonably long and free from throatiness, symmetrically set and obliquely placed in shoulders, running well into the back to allow for easy seeking of trail.
Forequarters
Chest deep and fairly broad, with well-defined brisket, on which elbows should move cleanly and evenly. Forelegs straight, with bone of good quality throughout.
Body
Foreribs fairly flat. Body well ribbed up showing a gradual spring and well arched in centre but rather lighter towards quarters. Loin short and square. Open couplings highly undesirable.
Hindquarters
Muscular. Moderate bend of stifle and hock, latter well let down. Should stand true all round. Cowhocks highly undesirable.
Feet
Round and strong with toes close and well arched. Soles thick and strong.
Tail
Short, straight and well set on, gaily carried, but never much above level of back.
Movement
Free and flowing, straight and true as seen from front and rear.
Coat
Dense, of fine to medium texture and good quality, as flat as possible. Legs and tail well feathered. Full furnishings on maturity complete the elegance of a good dog.
Size
-UK Standard
Height Males: 58-61 cm; Bitches: 56-58 cm.
Weight Males: 27-36 kg; Bitches: 25-32 kg.
-FCI Standard
Height Males: 59 - 61,5 cm; Bitches: 56,5 - 59 cm.
Colour
Black or liver only.
Through the genetic test performed on blood by accredited laboratories such as LaboKlin, Vetogene, etc., it is possible to be sure about the knowledge of the color alleles that the tested subject can carry.
BB / EE Only Black
Bb / EE Black carrier Liver
bb / EE Only Liver
Health
The health checks highly recommended for this breed by the English KennelClub are:
- BONE PATHOLOGIES: - Hip Dysplasia HD - Ellbow Dysplasia ED - Patella Luxation PL
- EYE PATHOLOGIES: Annual eye examination and Gonioscopy every 3 years.
- DNA TESTS: Colour Test.