If you’re looking for a great breed of dog that can be both the ideal hunting companion and the perfect family pet, then a Flat-Coated Retriever may be just what you’re looking for.

Originally developed from St. John’s Dogs, Water Spaniels, Setters, and Labrador Retrievers, this breed has become a favorite of many sportsmen (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 their old age.

The good and the bad of having a smooth-haired retriever.

The Flat Coated Retriever is an active breed full of life, spirit and good temperament. They are the quintessential pup that enjoys playing at home as much as they enjoy working in the fields. While this breed is energetic and has been classified as an ideal country dog, it is not for everyone. They have a variety of pros and cons and it is important to weigh each one before choosing if a Flat Coated Retriever is the right breed for you.

The good

There are many good points about the Flat Coated Retriever 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 work and remains the eternal pup, then 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 great with children, although they are better suited to older children as they can knock younger ones down with their antics.
o They generally love people and are very friendly.
o They work well as retrieval dogs and can work in both thin and heavy foliage and in water.
o They are a versatile breed and do well both as hunting dogs and as 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 drawbacks that need to be considered before purchasing a Flat-Coated Retriever. The breed has a number of serious health issues, listed in the section below, and they have an active, lively personality that doesn’t work for everyone.

o They are average to heavy shedders
o Although they are known for their eager-to-please personalities, some Flat-Coated Retrievers can be very stubborn.
o They have high energy levels, making them unsuitable for apartment living.
o They require large amounts of exercise on a daily basis, usually around 90 minutes per day.
o Flat Coated 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, lively and exuberant pup until your dog reaches old age.
o If they are 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 loudmouths. This is equivalent to a dog that can bite hands, take objects and chew items in the house.
o They are prone to Coprophagia, which is eating their own feces.

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