Flat Coated Retriever / Flatcoat, Flattie Flatte

Breed history:

 Like the other Retrievers this one is also the successor of Saint John's Newfoundland dog. By crossbreeding with the Setter, Shepherd and Water Spaniels this breed was created, a breed that knew a constant decline because of the competition represented by the Labrador Retriever.

Description:

 It is a medium- to large-sized, strong, shapely, athletic dog. It has a wide, flat skull, a smooth stop, a long, trapezoidal muzzle, with a big, brown or black nose, depending on the fur. The eyes are medium-sized, almond-shaped, set apart and dark. The ears are placed high, small, close to the head. The tail is medium-sized, straight and carried high but not much higher than the backline. The hair is soft, thick, smooth, of medium length, black or dark red. The thicker hair forms fringes on the chest, belly, legs, tail and ears.

Personality:

 It is an intelligent, well-balanced, friendly dog, it doesn't bark much, it is active and it likes to work for its master. It is obedient and devoted to its master, playful and loving with children, if they don't tease it. It gets along well with other dogs and other household animals. It announces strangers but without doing anything else.

Grooming:

 This dog's fur will be brushed and combed regularly and more intensely in the areas where it can get tangle during the shedding period. Excess hair between the footpads and in the ears will be removed.

Living conditions:

 This dog has a rather high level of activity, it likes to be busy, to work for its master. It can also adapt to a flat, not only outdoors, but it needs daily exercise. If it is not taken out for a walk, or to different canine sports for more than two-three days, it can become disobedient. First of all, it likes hunting and also canine sports, especially field activities and swimming. It needs training and socialization.

Training:

 This dog is rather easy to train because it understands quite fast what its master wants. The training must be consistent and varied, done in a gentle and friendly voice.

Usefulness:

 It is a good hunting dog in the plain and in the forest and a pleasant companion.