Flat-Coated Retriever

The Flat-Coated Retriever is a British gundog breed developed in the mid-1800s for retrieving game from land and water. Created by crossing St. John's Dogs (early Labradors) with setters and possibly collies, producing elegant, enthusiastic retrievers.

Standing 22-24 inches tall and weighing 55-70 pounds, Flat-Coats are elegant, athletic retrievers with moderate bone. Their most distinctive feature is their sleek, flat-lying coat that's moderately long, dense, and lustrous, coming in solid black or liver colors. Flat-Coated Retrievers have refined, well-molded heads described as "one-piece" without abrupt angles, with kind, intelligent expressions.

They have small, well-set ears lying close to heads, dark brown or hazel eyes, and slightly curved tails carried happily but never curled. These retrievers have long, well-arched necks, deep chests, and strong, muscular bodies built for swimming and endurance. Their coats have feathering on chest, backs of legs, and underside of tail.

Flat-Coats are lighter and more elegant than Golden or Labrador Retrievers. They excel in field trials and remain capable working gundogs. The breed nearly became extinct after World War II but dedicated breeders preserved these enthusiastic retrievers.