Introduction & History

Developed in the 19th century in response to the increase popularity of shooting birds for sport and the need to have those birds retrieved once they hit the ground. St. John’s water dogs from Newfoundland, water spaniels and possible collies were all used to develop the flat coated retriever. They also had skills in flushing game from cover and hunting game in upland areas. The breed was established by Mr J Hull who began breeding them in 1864 and they came to be common across estates in Great Britain.

In the 20th century, the numbers of this breed began to decline and after World War II their numbers plummeted drastically and remains relatively low even though they were re-established by the mid-1960s. This low demand for this breed in turn became an advantage as this has prevented commercial exploitation and their soundness, type and working ability has been retained.

Appearance and Personality

Flat coated retrievers generally mature more slowly than other dogs and maintain their puppy like exuberance for years. Dogs will measure between 58-61cms and weigh in between 25-35kgs. The females will be slightly smaller at 56-59cms in height and weight between 25-34kgs. They have a medium long coat length, and their coat is commonly a solid black or solid sliver in colour. Their life expectancy ranges from 10-14 years.

Flat coated retrievers are wonderful family dogs and they are loving toward children. They are very  friendly, sociable and thrive on the attention and affection given towards them.

Flat coated retrievers love to carry things in their mouths, but they are not known to chew excessively. They are quite intelligent and sensitive and they will respond well to positive, non-coercive training methods. The flat coated retriever is an active breed and requires ample exercise each day for physical and mental well-being. This can be in the form of long walks or play sessions with their owner. They are great when it comes to obedience, tracking, agility and other activities. They are excellent water dogs and natural swimmers and whilst they love to exercise, for their first year specifically it is best to avoid excessive exercise to help prevent bone and joint problems.

Common Health Concerns

The five most common reasons for a flat coated retriever to visit the vet (excluding routine care visits) according to PetSure data from the 2022 calendar year include:

Rank Condition Average cost for treatment of the condition* Highest cost for treatment of the condition*
1 Otitis Externa $326 $1,496
2 Hypersensitivity (Allergic) Skin Disorder $434 $2,890
3 Osteoarthritis (Degenerative Joint Disease) $478 $1,416
4 Mass Lesion – Skin (Cutaneous) $683 $2,037
5 Gait Abnormality – Lameness – Presenting Complaint $493 $1,268

 

Disclaimer: Reimbursement for these claims would be subject to limits, such as annual benefit limits or sub-limits, benefit percentage, applicable waiting periods and any applicable excess. Cover is subject to the policy terms and conditions. You should consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement or policy wording available from the relevant provider.

* Please note that the values calculated are based on all claims for that condition and medically related conditions in each calendar year.

For the same period (2022 calendar year), the top five highest vet treatments for from PetSure data were:

Rank Condition Highest Cost of treatment for condition 
(average* pet insurance claim amount)
1 Thymoma $23,210
2 Neoplasm – Hepatic (Liver) $14,720
3 Seizure(s) $11,975
4 Patella Luxation $9,604
5 Laryngeal Paralysis $6,964

 

Disclaimer: Reimbursement for these claims would be subject to limits, such as annual benefit limits or sub-limits, benefit percentage, applicable waiting periods and any applicable excess. Cover is subject to the policy terms and conditions. You should consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement or policy wording available from the relevant provider.

*Please note that the values calculated are based on all claims for that condition and medically related conditions in each calendar year.

 Most popular Flat Coated Retriever names from PetSure 2022 calendar year data:

Most popular names

  1. Murphy
  2. Baxter
  3. Fergus
  4. Hugo
  5. Lenny
  6. Mabel
  7. Sunny

Most popular female names

  1. Mabel

Most popular male names:

  1. Murphy
  2. Baxter
  3. Fergus
  4. Hugo
  5. Lenny
  6. Sunny

Did you know?

Flat coats are often called the “Peter Pan’ of retrievers.

References

  1. Dogs NSW, Flat Coated Retriever, accessed on 11 May 2022 and available from: https://www.dogsnsw.org.au/Breeds/browse-all-breeds/26/Flat-Coated-Retriever/
  2. Hills Pet Nutrition, Flat Coated Retriever, accessed on 11 May 2022 and available from: https://www.hillspet.com.au/dog-care/dog-breeds/flat-coated-retriever
  3. Purina, Flat Coated Retriever, accessed on 11 May 2022 and available from: https://www.purina.com.au/dogs/breeds/flat-coated-retriever#.YnsqmugzaUk
  4. American Kennel Club, Flat Coated Retriever, accessed on 11 May 2022 and available from: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/flat-coated-retriever/