2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21
A breed called the Flat-Coated Retriever belongs to the hunting group. But thanks to their endurance, unpretentiousness and very friendly and cheerful disposition, these dogs feel great in urban environments.
Description of the breed
Standard measurements for Flat Coated Retrievers are between 56 and 62 cm at the withers and weigh between 27 and 30 kg. The physique is dense, without excessive bulkiness. Characteristic features are a wide chest, a straight back, a graceful neck and a peculiar type of head. The ears are small, the straight tail is kept at the level of the back.
The Flat-Coated Retriever is the owner of a luxurious coat. It is quite thick, shiny, on the neck of males it is longer, forming a kind of mane. A straight, smooth coat is one of the hallmarks of the breed, with only a slight waviness allowed. Color can be pure black or liver.
Despite their elegant and aristocratic appearance, these dogs have always been valued as working dogs. They were used in the English estates in the service as assistant gamekeepers. Combininghigh intelligence with hunting instinct and endurance, the flat-coated flat-coated retriever is today a versatile breed. From it you can bring up an excellent service dog (guide dog, rescuer, etc.), a hunter and just a great companion.
Origin
The history of the breed, which, according to experts, combines the blood of different types of dogs (Scottish collies and setters, spaniels and others), began with the island of Newfoundland. But its final formation took place in England. The first representative of the flat-coated retriever was presented at an exhibition in 1860. Further selection led to changes in the coat, which became thicker and more waterproof. At the beginning of the last century, the number of purebred dogs exceeded one hundred.
Becoming extremely popular in the hunting environment, the breed held its position for a long time. And only at the beginning of the twentieth century, golden retrievers and Labradors began to displace it. Today, interest in the Flat-Coated Retriever breed (photos are presented in this article) has begun to increase again.
Character
These dogs are distinguished by extraordinary intelligence and discipline. They remain cheerful and very energetic for a long time, but as they grow older they become more balanced and self-possessed. Although this does not prevent them from being constantly ready to play and hunt. The combination of a strong nervous system with high intelligence provides a good learning ability for flats. They learn commands quickly and do everything with pleasure.owner instructions.
The flat-coated retriever's friendly nature makes it suitable for families with small children. Quite calmly, he also treats pets living next to him.
Content Features
This breed is perfectly adapted to living in urban environments. Due to their unpretentiousness, dogs do not require any special care. It should only be taken into account when starting a retriever in an apartment that he needs regular long walks. It is good if there is an opportunity to give physical activity, including the retrieval of objects thrown into the water.
The thick and dense coat of the dog allows you to walk with it at any time of the year. The Flat-Coated Retriever breed is very suitable for those people who lead an active lifestyle, prefer long walks in the fresh air. It is recommended to start such dogs if the owner can pay enough attention to them and provide physical activity. In addition to regular walks, the retriever must be periodically taken out of town, where he can fully show his hunting instincts.
Grooming
The beautiful shiny coat, which is a real decoration of these dogs, is the result of proper care. It is necessary to comb it with regularity 1-2 times a week, and during the molting period almost daily. For this procedure, a double-sided comb with teeth of different frequencies is used. Particular attention should be paidhard-to-reach places to prevent the formation of tangles. If they do appear, they are carefully combed out or cut off.
You should bathe your dog only when necessary. They do this using a special shampoo designed for animals.
Food
The Flat-Coated Retriever can eat both special balanced food sold in pet stores and natural food. In the second case, meat soups, vegetables, cereals, raw meat must be present in the diet. With a mixed diet, only one type of food is given to the dog in one feeding, for example, in the morning - chicken, and in the evening - dry food.
It is strictly forbidden to give tubular bones, sweets, milk, pasta, potatoes, as well as fatty and smoked foods.
Adult dogs are fed 2 times a day - in the morning and in the evening, puppies - depending on age. Babies who are 1-2 months old need to eat at least 5 times a day, gradually the number of feedings is reduced and reaches 3 times a day by six months.
Determining whether an animal has enough nutrients and trace elements is very simple - you should pay attention to how your dog looks. A well-fed flat-coated retriever has a smooth, shiny coat, does not suffer from allergies, and is in good physical condition.
How to choose a puppy
First of all, it is recommended to visit any exhibition with the participation of flat dogs to see how your pet will look like in the future, whichthere are breed lines, etc. There you can also talk with breeders and learn about some of the features of the breed. When it comes to choosing a family friend, choosing a puppy is simply a matter of personal taste.
But if you plan to make an exhibition career in the future, a puppy must be selected with great responsibility. Therefore, if there is no relevant knowledge and experience, you should seek the help of a specialist who knows well what to look for when choosing a puppy of a breed such as a flat-coated retriever. The nursery where you have to choose a puppy should be verified and have good recommendations. Be sure to look at the parents of the future pet, because good genetics is the basis for successful development.
Absolutely regardless of the purpose for which a puppy is purchased (for the soul or for participation in exhibitions), it is necessary to assess its condition on a number of grounds. The nose should be wet, cold, the eyes should be clean, without pus, the coat should be shiny.
The breeder needs to find out what vaccinations were done, whether they were treated for parasites. Experts recommend choosing the most cheerful and active puppy, which does not show signs of cowardice or aggression.
Education and training
The Flat-Coated Retriever is a very smart, obedient breed. These dogs are smart and great at learning and training. Conducted activities with the retriever should be interesting, but short in time, so as not to overwork the animal. This breedquickly get bored with repetitive tasks. As a reward and encouragement, you can use food, as well as toys or just praise. Retrievers love to retrieve, take part in agility and flyball.
It is important to remember that dogs of this breed are extremely sensitive and need constant attention and care. With all their behavior, they strive to earn approval, to please the owner. In no case should you shout at the dog during training, even raise your voice. Especially flat-coated retriever puppies require maximum patience and delicacy on the part of the owner.
Flat is a companion dog that has an extraordinary affection for humans. Even a short-term separation from the owner, representatives of this breed are going through very hard. The Flat Coated Retriever is one of the most loyal and reliable dogs.
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