If you are looking for a great breed of dog that can be both the ideal hunting companion and the perfect family pet, then a flat-haired retriever may be all that you are looking for.
Originally developed from St. John’s Dog, Water Spaniels, Setters, and Labrador Retrievers, this breed has become a favorite of many athletes (or women) looking for a breed to work with in the field.
They are easy to train and have a happy approach to the world around them. They are often referred to as the “Peter Pan” of the dog world and will happily approach their work with the exuberance of a puppy, even in old age.
The good and the bad of having a smooth-haired retriever.
The Flat Coated Retriever is an active breed that is full of life, spirit, and has a good natured temperament. He is the quintessential puppy that enjoys playing at home as much as working in the fields. While this breed is energetic and has been classified as an ideal field dog, it is not for everyone. They have a variety of pros and cons and it’s important to weigh each one before choosing whether a Flat Coated Retriever is the right breed for you.
The good
There are many positives about the Flat Coated Retriever breed and at one time they were the breed of choice for field work and conformation. If you are looking for an energetic hunting dog that enjoys his job and remains the forever puppy, this is definitely the breed for you.
o They are smart and easy to train if you use positive reinforcement.
o They get along well with other pets and do well in multi-dog households.
o They are excellent with children, although they are better suited for older children as they can knock younger children down with their antics.
o They generally love people and are very friendly.
o They work well for retrieving dogs and can work both in thick and sparse foliage and in water.
o They are a versatile breed and do well as both hunting dogs and pets.
o They are sweet-tempered and can be a lot of fun.
The bad
As with all dog breeds, there are a number of disadvantages that must be considered before purchasing a Flat-Coated Retriever. The breed has a number of serious health issues, which are listed in the section below, and they have an active, lively personality that doesn’t work for everyone.
o They are average to heavy movers
o Although they are known for their eager to please personalities, some smooth-haired retrievers can be very stubborn.
o They have high energy levels, making them unsuitable for apartment living.
o They require a large amount of exercise on a daily basis, usually about 90 minutes each day.
o Smooth-haired retrievers are very sensitive and while this can be a wonderful quality in some ways, it can also be difficult when it comes to training and other areas. They are more likely to shut down and refuse to train if any type of training is used except positive reinforcement.
o They are the “Peter Pan” of the canine world and you can expect to have a happy, cheerful and exuberant puppy until your dog reaches old age.
o If left alone for long periods of time, they may suffer from separation anxiety. This can lead to barking problems and destructive behavior.
o They are stupid. This equates to a dog that can bite hands, carry objects, and chew objects around the house.
o They are prone to coprophagia, which eats its own feces.
