Flat-Coated Retriever E-Book

John Wakefield

• Herausgeber: CompanionHouse Books
• Kategorie: Lebensstil
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 245

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2005

Beschreibung

Friendly, optimistic, and good-natured, the Flat-Coated Retriever may be one of the dog world's best kept secrets. Elegant as a show dog, easygoing as a family companion, and enthusiastic as a hunting dog, the Flat-Coated Retriever is named for his distinctive sleek, flat coat, colored in solid black or solid liver. As this Comprehensive Owner's Guide conveys, this natural beauty can thrive in a family willing to give him plenty of attention, proper training and socialization, and sufficient opportunity to run and play. The history chapter presents a concise overview of how this retrieving dog (originally called the Wavy-Coated Retriever) came into being and how it quickly rose to become one of England's most popular sporting dogs. Author John Wakefield provides much information on the breed's physical attributes, personality, and special abilities in the chapter on characteristics, effectively painting a portrait of this versatile, easily trained, happy companion dog. New owners will welcome the well-prepared chapter on finding a reputable breeder and selecting a healthy, sound puppy. Chapters on puppy-proofing the home and yard, purchasing the right supplies for the puppy as well as house-training, feeding, and grooming are illustrated with photographs of handsome adults and puppies. In all, there are over 135 full-color photographs in this useful and reliable volume. The author's advice on obedience training will help the reader better mold and train into the most well-mannered dog in the neighborhood. The extensive and lavishly illustrated chapter on healthcare provides up-to-date detailed information on selecting a qualified veterinarian, vaccinations, preventing and dealing with parasites, infectious diseases, and more. Sidebars throughout the text offer helpful hints, covering topics as diverse as historical dogs, breeders, or kennels, toxic plants, first aid, crate training, carsickness, fussy eaters, and parasite control. Fully indexed.

Leseprobe

Physical Characteristics of the Flat-Coated Retriever

(from the American Kennel Club breed standard)

Head: Long, clean, well molded.

Skull and Muzzle: Fairly flat skull of moderate breadth and flat, clean cheeks, combined with the long, strong, deep muzzle.

Eyes: Set widely apart. Medium sized, almond shaped, dark brown or hazel.

Stop: Gradual, slight, barely perceptible.

Ears: Relatively small, well set on, lying close to the side of the head.

Neck: Strong and slightly arched for retrieving strength.

Nose: Large open nostrils.

Lips: Fairly tight, firm, clean and dry.

Jaws: Long and strong.

Forechest: Prow prominent and well developed.

Chest: Deep, reaching to the elbow and only moderately broad.

Forequarters: Shoulders long, well laid back shoulder blade with upper arm of approximately equal length. Elbows clean, close to the body and set well back under the withers. Forelegs straight and strong with medium bone of good quality. Pasterns slightly sloping and strong.

Underline: Deep chest tapering to a moderate tuck-up.

Color: Solid black or solid liver.

Topline: Strong and level.

Loin: Strong, well muscled and long enough to allow for agility, freedom of movement and length of stride.

Coat: Of moderate length, density and fullness, with a high luster. The ideal coat is straight and flat lying.

Tail: Fairly straight, well set on, with bone reaching approximately to the hock joint.

Size: Preferred height is 23 to 24.5 inches at the withers for dogs, 22 to 23.5 inches for bitches.

Hindquarters: Powerful with angulation in balance with the front assembly. Upper thighs powerful and well muscled. Good turn of stifle with sound, strong joint. Hock joint strong, well let down.

Feet: Oval or round. Medium sized and tight with well arched toes and thick pads.

Contents

History of the Flat-Coated Retriever

Known from its beginnings as a superior worker who possessed form as well as function, the Flat-Coated Retriever has always been a favorite in the field and in the show ring. Follow the evolution of the breed and learn about the people who were instrumental in its establishment.

Characteristics of the Flat-Coated Retriever

Energetic, puppy-like and gregarious, the Flat-Coated Retriever is always ready for action and to make a new friend. Discover the unique traits that distinguish the Flat-Coat from the other retriever breeds; also learn about its physical characteristics and breed-specific abilities.

Breed Standard for the Flat-Coated Retriever

Learn the requirements of a well-bred Flat-Coated Retriever by studying the description of the breed set forth in the American Kennel Club standard. Both show dogs and pets must possess key characteristics as outlined in the breed standard.

Your Puppy Flat-Coated Retriever

Find out about how to locate a well-bred Flat-Coated Retriever puppy. Discover which questions to ask the breeder and what to expect when visiting the litter. Prepare for your puppy-accessory shopping spree. Also discussed are home safety, the first trip to the vet, socialization and some basic puppy problems.

Proper Care of Your Flat-Coated Retriever

Cover the specifics of taking care of your Flat-Coated Retriever every day: feeding for the puppy, adult and senior dog; grooming, including coat care, ears, eyes, nails and bathing; and exercise needs for your dog. Also discussed are dog ID and boarding.

Training Your Flat-Coated Retriever

Begin with the basics of training the puppy and adult dog. Learn the principles of house-training the Flat-Coated Retriever, including the use of crates and basic scent instincts. Get started by introducing the pup to his collar and leash, and progress to the basic commands. Find out about obedience classes and other activities.

Healthcare of Your Flat-Coated Retriever

By Lowell Ackerman DVM, DACVD

Become your dog’s healthcare advocate and a well-educated canine keeper. Select a skilled and able veterinarian. Discuss pet insurance, vaccinations and infectious diseases, the neuter/spay decision, parasite control and breed-specific health concerns, along with a special section on canine eye disease.

Your Senior Flat-Coated Retriever

Know when to consider your Flat-Coated Retriever a senior and what special needs he will have. Learn to recognize the signs of aging in terms of physical and behavioral traits and what your vet can do to optimize your dog’s golden years. Consider some advice about saying goodbye to your beloved pet.

Showing Your Flat-Coated Retriever

Step into the center ring and find out about the world of showing pure-bred dogs. Here’s how to get started in AKC shows, how they are organized and what’s required for your dog to become a champion. Take a leap into the realms of obedience trials, agility, tracking tests, field trials and hunting events.

KENNEL CLUB BOOKS®FLAT-COATED RETRIEVER

ISBN 13: 978-1-59378-220-7

eISBN 13: 978-1-62187-001-2

Copyright © 2005 • Kennel Club Books® • An Imprint of I-5 Press™ • A Division of I-5 Publishing, LLC™ 3 Burroughs, Irvine, CA 92618 USA Cover Design Patented: US 6,435,559 B2 • Printed in South Korea

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, by photostat, scanner, microfilm, xerography or any other means, or incorporated into any information retrieval system, electronic or mechanical, without the written permission of the copyright owner.

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Photography by Carol Ann Johnson and Alice Roche

with additional photographs by

Paulette Braun, T.J. Calhoun, Isabelle Français, Bill Jonas and Alice van Kempen.

Illustrations by Renée Low and Patricia Peters.

The publisher wishes to thank all of the owners of the dogs featured in this book, including Gillian Impey, Sean McGrath and Margaret Palven.

The Flat-Coated Retriever has always been an all-around favorite—loved for its ability in the field, its beauty and its temperament.

Throughout history, the pairing of the hunter and the hunting dog has evolved according to whatever hunting conditions existed at the time. Prior to the 1800s, the primitive weaponry dictated the type of canine used to locate and pursue game birds and other animals. The introduction of the shotgun changed forever the nature of the human-canine hunting partnership.

With his improved weaponry offering greater distance and advantage in downing large numbers of upland game and waterfowl, the hunter also needed an improved retrieving dog to locate, collect and deliver those shot birds to hand. Use of the shotgun demanded a controllable dog that would locate game within gun range.

During that period, the name “retriever” was used to define the function of any general-purpose hunting dog, rather than to refer to a specific breed of dog. Thus any pointer, spaniel or setter that also retrieved the game shot by its hunting master was considered a retriever. Sportsmen and market hunters used a variety of such hunting dogs to pursue their sport and livelihood, and most dog breedings were planned and accomplished according to the game-finding ability of individual dogs. They simply bred good hunting dogs of any origin to other accomplished dogs in order to produce superior hunting dogs with certain qualities such as scenting ability, courage or water affinity, rather than promote a particular type or breed.

NO YELLOW ALLOWED

Yellow is a disqualifying color in the Flat-Coated Retriever. Many longtime breeders who believe that health problems automatically accompany the color are adamant about keeping yellow out and will insist a yellow Flat-Coated Retriever be spayed or neutered. While the yellow color is rare, it is not valuable and should not command a higher price.

Due to this random selection process and the lack of breeding records, the exact sequence of the development of the retriever breeds is lost in the mist of history. Thus confusion reigns over the exact origin of most retriever breeds. The exception is the Golden Retriever, which was developed by a single individual whose breeding efforts were locked into canine history by his kennel records.

This famous photo from the 1930s shows Fanny, belonging to Mr. J. Smart, carrying his master’s pet ferret. Neither of these family pets seems to mind this unusual method of transport.

Around 1850, as various retriever types were evolving and developing in England, the St. John’s Water Dog from Labrador emerged as an outstanding retrieving dog that possessed exceptional intelligence, stamina and good health. It is commonly believed that crosses to these dogs from Labrador resulted in the establishment of the Labrador Retriever, Curly-Coated Retriever and Wavy-Coated Retriever, which later became the Flat-Coated Retriever.

The Wavy-Coated Retriever became known as a superb working dog that combined working ability with grace and beauty. Such elegance was not lost on those sportsmen who also fancied comely dogs, and within two decades the athletic, racy Flat-Coat type had been “fixed,” producing a dual-purpose dog that performed in the field and had potential in the show ring.

The first Flat-Coated Retrievers were exhibited in 1864 in two classes at a show in Birmingham, England. The winners were Mr. T. Meyrick’s Wyndham and Lord Paget’s Music, the first two Flat-Coats to launch the breed’s ascent in both venues of canine competition.

By the early 1870s, the versatile Flat-Coat had caught the eye of Mr. Sewallis Evelyn Shirley, a prominent breeder and fancier who bred outstanding dual-purpose dogs under the Ettington prefix.

The great Betty of Riverside is a beautiful example of H. Reginald Cooke’s Riverside strain of Flat-Coats. Mr. Cooke was one of the leading breeders and breed authorities of his time.

Mr. Shirley was perhaps best known as the founder of England’s Kennel Club in 1873, where he also served as its first president and chairman. His experience and association with The Kennel Club assured the breed of dual-purpose quality in showing on the bench as well as working ability in the field.

It is thought that Mr. Shirley used the St. John’s Water Dogs, water spaniels and possibly Scotch collies to stabilize and fix the type of the Flat-Coat breed. He also used the Labrador Retriever in some breedings, using available dogs from two major English Labrador kennels, Malmesbury and Buccleuch. Mr. Shirley’s Flat-Coats were primarily black or liver, although other colors were considered acceptable at that time. During that period, Flat-Coats were still referred to as Wavy-Coated Retrievers.

Stainton Spinner was a Flat-Coated Retriever owned by Mr. T. H. Moorby. This type of dog was advertised as being both a field and bench dog.

COLOR GENETICS

The liver color is recessive to black, which means both parents of a liver Flat-Coated Retriever must carry at least one gene for that color, even if both parents are black.

A liver Flat-Coated Retriever carries only liver genes, and two livers can produce only the liver color, never black.

Two other prominent breeders of the late 1800s succeeded Mr. Shirley in his dedication to setting and preserving type in Flat-Coated Retrievers. Mr. Harding Cox followed Mr. Shirley’s example and produced Flat-Coats that were well known for their elegant heads and similarity of type. Another patron of the breed, Colonel Cornwall-Leigh, also was known for considerable contributions to the breed.

Mr. H. Reginald Cooke (1850–1951), was an influential fancier who was well known by his Riverside prefix. He kept Flat-Coats for over 60 years and is regarded as the most notable patron of the breed. Concerned with preserving the hunting ability in the show dog, Mr. Cooke was successful in field trials as well as the show ring, and his efforts helped the breed retain its dual-purpose nature. The spectacular Riverside kennel has produced great numbers of top-winning show and field dogs, with statistics that rival any kennel in any breed.

Mrs. Phizacklea with four of her famed Atherbram Flat-Coated Retrievers, all of which were prize-winning dogs.

Mr. Cooke was a keen competitor, determined to breed and campaign the best-quality dogs possible. He was a formidable handler and exhibitor, and during his career his field trial record included 15 first placements, 10 seconds, 11 Reserves and 21 Certificates of Merit. He also won 349 Challenge Certificates (CCs, the building blocks of British championships) and 130 Reserve CCs, and made up many champions, including Toby of Riverside and Grouse of Riverside, who both became dual champions.

Probably the most famous painting of a Flat-Coated Retriever is this rendition of the well-known Eng. Ch. High Leigh Blarney, owned by Colonel Cornwall-Leigh and then H. Reginald Cooke, both prominent in the breed. The painting was executed by Maud Earl, an outstanding painter of dogs.

Mr. Cooke kept detailed breeding records, which are preserved today as part of Flat-Coat history. Passionate about promoting the best in the breed, he also wrote three small brochures to help educate the novice about the breed.

Mr. Cooke’s, Mr. Cox’s and Colonel Cornwall-Leigh’s dedication to the Flat-Coat helped to establish the breed as a favored choice of pure-bred dog. By the late 1800s, the Flat-Coat was recognized for its beauty and ability as well as for being a breed well fixed in character and quality. Known especially for their graceful movement, sleek good looks and pleasing expressions, Flat-Coats became favorites in both field trials and the show ring.

Colonel Cornwall-Leigh’s High Leigh Blarney was a leading contender during his career. When the Colonel passed away in 1905, his dogs were put up at auction. Mr. Cooke was so greatly impressed with Blarney that he moved forward to purchase him. Mr. Cooke’s agent successfully secured the dog for 200 guineas. That was a grand price in those days, but Mr. Cooke easily recovered his investment in stud fees in just two years.

The old type of Flat-Coated Retriever, as shown here, was thought by some to be too heavy for hunting and retrieving.

Blarney continued his winning ways and remained unbeaten in the show ring until his death at 11 years of age. Used frequently at stud for his superb qualities, he left a lasting imprint on the breed.

Mr. Cooke’s success with Blarney no doubt influenced his future plans, and he went on to pay 200 guineas for Eng. Ch. Black Quilt. Lord Redesdale followed suit and purchased a bitch, Eng. Ch. Black Queen, for 145 guineas. Although the Flat-Coated Retriever was apparently in demand given those steep purchases, the smaller kennels and less wealthy fanciers were unable to compete due to those inflated prices demanded by the larger and more influential breeders of the day.

Kennett Ruth, owned by Major H. L. A. Swann, retrieves game that fell on the wrong side of the road. Roads often caused a bother to the shooters, as people would gather to sightsee.

At the end of the 19th century the Flat-Coat was the top retriever in England and his popularity had spread across the Atlantic to the US, with AKC registration in 1915. However, several factors were about to influence the breed negatively in both countries. First, around this same time, the Labrador and Golden Retrievers were on the rise, with both breeds growing in numbers and popularity in the UK and the US. These breeds soon surpassed the Flat-Coat, which was typically bred in smaller numbers and kept by English gamekeepers rather than bred in larger kennels. Nonetheless, the real decline in Flat-Coat numbers was caused by the two World Wars, which had negative effects on all breeds of pure-bred dog, as much breeding activity dwindled or ceased completely.

By the time World War II had ended, the influence of the war years and the popularity of the Labrador and Golden Retrievers had trampled the Flat-Coat’s popularity. The breed reappeared in England in 1946 at an Open Show in Leeds. The Flat-Coat’s preservation and re-establishment in England is credited to the efforts of several dedicated breeders in the post-war years, one of these being Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Phizacklea, whose Atherbram line produced strong dual-purpose dogs in both liver and black. His breeding program produced the majority of Flat-Coats in England following World War II.

Another notable English breeder whose dedication truly helped to save the breed is Mr. Stanley O’Neill of the Pewcroft Kennel. Mr. O’Neill put much research and study into his breeding, sharing his advice and knowledge with other breeders, fanciers and owners. He produced three litters that would become foundation stock for other kennels in the UK, and was instrumental in the revival of the breed in the US, with his Pewcroft Prefect being among the first post-war exports to the US.

A COAT FOR ALL SEASONS

The Flat-Coated Retriever is a double-coated breed, possessing an outer coat of long silky guard hairs and a soft downy undercoat that insulates the dog from temperature extremes. This is an important characteristic in a dog that must retrieve birds, especially waterfowl, under all weather conditions.

Homer Downing was a major force in the breed in the US at that time, being the recipient of Pewcroft Prefect in 1953. Called “Doc,” this dog became the first dog to earn the UDT title in the Flat-Coat breed. UDT stands for Utility Dog Tracker, meaning that the dog has earned titles at high levels of both obedience and tracking competition. Mr. Downing then in 1955 imported the bitch Atherbram Stella who, two years later, gave birth to the first American-born litter in a decade. A mating of Doc and Stella produced one of the most notable Flat-Coats of his day, Ch. Bramcroft Dandy, UD, owned by Sally Terroux, who also owned some significant UK imports. He was highly successful in the breed ring, winning almost all of the shows that he entered. This dog was a multiple breed winner, multiple Group winner and highly successful obedience dog.

Another of H. Reginald Cooke’s famous dogs, Ch. Worsley Bess, memorialized in a lovely painting by Maud Earl.

From the mid-1950s on, the breed was on firm footing but numbers were low. A sudden surge occurred in the late 1960s and beginning of the 1970s, with a marked increase in registrations and members of the breed entered, and earning titles, in the conformation and obedience rings. Today the Flat-Coat hovers around the 100th-place mark in terms of popularity as measured by AKC registration statistics, with well over 500 Flat-Coats being registered annually. Of course, these numbers don’t begin to compare to the sky-high registration statistics of the Golden and Labrador Retrievers but, then again, the Flat-Coated Retriever is in a class by himself!

Busy Mite, owned by E. W. H. Blagg, is a perfect example of what Flat-Coats looked like in the early 1900s.

The one definitive feature that sets the Flat-Coat apart from other retriever breeds, and continues to distinguish it from all other breeds, is the breeders’ dedication to preserving and promoting Flat-Coat working ability. Unlike the other retriever breeds, the Flat-Coat has not yet split into two different types, bred for either the show ring or ability in the field. The Flat-Coated Retriever should be a tireless, willing and biddable worker that excels in locating fallen game. Only the relentless efforts of those who love the breed will maintain its versatility as a retriever that enjoys and excels at working disciplines in the field, tracking, obedience, agility and flyball. It is important to note that most Flat-Coats shown in conformation were, and still are today, worked in the field or in performance events.

FCRSA

The Flat-Coated Retriever Society of America (FCRSA) was formed in 1960. Membership has increased greatly since the club’s inception, from 15 members to over 800! Two prestigious awards offered by the club are given in honor of the achievements of the well-known Doc and his equally notable owner, Homer Downing: the Bramcroft Obedience Trophy, established in 1972, and the Field Trial Trophy, established in 1975. These two awards are certainly a testament to the club’s commitment to preserving the dual-purpose, all-around abilities of the Flat-Coated Retriever breed.

Flat-Coated Retrievers are as comfortable in the water as they are on land, thanks to their insulating coats.

BE GENTLE AND KIND

Flat-Coated Retrievers are known to be sensitive dogs who learn best with gentle but consistent teaching methods. They thrive on praise and knowing that they have pleased their masters. Harsh training methods and physical abuse will not get you the results you want with your Flat-Coat; such treatment will only teach the dog to be afraid of you. Any corrections given to a Flat-Coat must be fair and never harsh.

The Flat-Coat is perhaps best known for its elegant head and sleek black body. Often mistaken for a “slender black Labrador” or a “black Irish Setter,” the Flat-Coat nevertheless is a most distinguished-looking dog with classic features. He is a graceful but strong dog with a distinctive long head, an intelligent expression and a dense, well-feathered coat. Known for his long, racy body and smooth, ground-covering action, he combines ineffable beauty with unspoiled utility. He is extremely versatile, being a hunting retriever as well as a responsive and congenial family companion who is able to achieve high levels of proficiency in a variety of endeavors.

EXERCISE AND COMPANIONSHIP

An active dog that adapts well to country, suburban or city life, the Flat-Coat requires considerable daily activity and exercise with family members no matter where he lives. This is a clean, energetic and cheerful dog who keeps his youthful outlook on life well into old age. Although he’s a typical retriever who is gentle and affectionate and always ready to play, he has a higher activity level than a Golden or Labrador Retriever. A properly bred Flat-Coat will be highly energetic, but not hyper. His need for exercise is enormous and, without it, he will become destructive and difficult to control. Even with adequate exercise, he will remain exuberant and enthusiastic, always ready to leap into some new activity with you. “Sedate” is not part of his job description!

The Flat-Coat definitely needs to be with people and requires close interaction with members of his family. He will become frustrated if separated from his “pack” and will not thrive if confined to a doghouse in his owner’s back yard. Because of their high energy level, Flat-Coats become bored easily and can become “creatively destructive” if left unsupervised too long without something to occupy their time. Like other retrievers, they are very oral dogs who seem obsessed with always having something in their mouths to carry around.

A luxurious, healthy, shiny coat is the result of good health and attention to grooming.

Being retrievers, Flat-Coats can easily be trained and exercised simultaneously. Pet shops sell retrieving dummies to help train your Flat-Coat; the dog will enjoy the activity.

The Labrador Retriever, shown here, has a shorter coat and a bulkier body, but it is easy to see why the two breeds are often confused.

What a catch! The athletic and agile Flat-Coat has lots of energy to expend, and what better way to do so than by playing retrieving games with his favorite person?

Flat-Coats as a breed make poor watchdogs. Perhaps more of a warning dog than a watchdog, he will bark at a stranger but rarely bite. He is basically a tail-wagging fellow who is inclined to be friendly to everyone, animals as well as people. Although he is good with children, he can be a hazard around small children because of his exuberance and strength. His joyful attitude and wildly wagging tail can unintentionally intimidate or even harm young children, who could be easily injured by 60 or so pounds of canine enthusiasm. A common Flat-Coat greeting is jumping up for a happy hello and nose-to-nose lick in the face, a typical behavior that few adults appreciate or condone.

DON’T WANNA GROW UP!

You should allow plenty of time for your Flat-Coat to grow up. Flat-Coats are very slow to mature and will remain puppy-like well into their third and fourth years.

COAT MANAGEMENT

Although the Flat-Coat carries a double coat and sheds his hair indiscriminately, his coat is smoother and less feathered than the heavy-coated Golden Retriever and thus requires much less grooming. Frequent (with an emphasis on “frequent”) brushing will keep his coat in good condition and keep the shedding to a minimum.

MATURITY AND TRAINING

Most notably, the Flat-Coat is very slow to mature physically and emotionally, and doesn’t outgrow his puppy nature until he’s three or four years of age. Early puppy training is essential and encouraged, although training must be kept brief and happy, because the breed’s sensitive nature will resist heavy-handed tactics. Flat-Coats are bright and eager students who learn quickly and easily, but can also become shy and fearful if they are harshly treated. In training they require a light but firm technique and, above all, an individual approach. Proper behavior should be encouraged and good manners strictly enforced through short, positive, upbeat lessons. Bad habits can be prevented with proper supervision, attention and adequate exercise.

While the Flat-Coat is enthusiastic about working, he also can be equally stubborn, especially if he is treated harshly or unfairly (in his opinion). He requires a good foundation in obedience offered at a very early age in order to become a civilized dog and a well-behaved companion.

The Flat-Coat loves his people and he’s not afraid to show it.

Even when young, the Flat-Coat will show a love of water.

Although a Flat-Coat must be introduced to training early in life to prevent unruliness and for the owner to gain control, training can also present unusual challenges. Because this is a slow-maturing dog who is still a puppy at 12, even 24 months of age, he is not capable of the same high degree of proficiency one would expect in a Border Collie or a Golden Retriever of the same age. Never train for too long or with a stern attitude. Training this breed can easily test the patience and determination of an owner who cannot accept a full-grown dog who continues to act like he’s still a silly pup. But if you are cheerful and enthusiastic, your Flat-Coat will be, too.

TASKS AND ABILITIES

The Flat-Coated Retriever is versatile and can be trained for a multitude of sports and jobs. Many Flat-Coats enjoy success in agility and obedience competition. Of course, the breed’s traditional pursuit is to assist hunters by retrieving on land or in water. Dogs not used in this capacity can develop their instinctive skills through training for field trials and/or hunting events. The Flat-Coat is a talented swimmer and will enjoy the opportunity to get some of his activity in the water if possible. The Flat-Coat’s abilities have proved useful in various types of service as well.

Flat-Coats, because they are slow to mature emotionally, have to be trained in a gentle manner or they will become shy and fearful. Once matured and trained, they are wonderful pets and companions.

GUIDE AND ASSISTANCE DOGS

As a general rule, Flat-Coats are considered too active for work as guide dogs for the blind, hearing dogs for the deaf or service animals for the physically challenged. The most successful results have been with Flat-Coats who have been trained to help their partially sighted owners, people who already know and love their dog.

TRACKING

Flat-Coats, like the other retriever breeds, are known for superior scenting ability. As “super sniffers,” they have nosed their way into most of today’s tracking and scenting adventures. In some countries, the Flat-Coated Retriever participates in regulated tracking events, earning tracking titles in formal competition.

The multi-talented and friendly Flat-Coat easily becomes a true member of his owner’s family.

Flat-Coats accomplished in tracking venues are also used in some countries to track wounded animals such as deer and elk who have been injured in road or hunting accidents. In Norway, for example, it is forbidden by law to hunt deer or elk without the presence of an officially registered tracking dog.

SEARCH AND RESCUE

In several countries Flat-Coats also follow their noses to find lost, injured and buried people. Flat-Coats have been trained for avalanche work and are adept at locating humans buried under huge mounds of snow. Such dogs work under extreme conditions; their ability to work in heavy snow and freezing weather underscores their scenting prowess.

Search and rescue Flat-Coats also assist in locating victims of natural disasters such as earthquakes and of terrorist disasters such as bomb explosion sites.

DRUG DETECTION

Not surprisingly, Flat-Coats have also proven to be outstanding sniffer dogs for drugs. At one time during the 1990s in Norway, Flat-Coated Retrievers totaled one-third of that country’s approved canine drug-detection force. Although the breed in Norway is considered to be hyperactive, that very characteristic is felt to contribute to the breed’s superior working capability.