| The Flat-Coated Retriever is not suited to an | | | | week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed |
| apartment. She needs at the least, a properly | | | | for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of |
| fenced in space to exercise in. She expects to | | | | plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) |
| live indoors with her human family. She generally | | | | and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease |
| does very well with other pets and loves children. | | | | can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and |
| As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised | | | | other serious disease. |
| with any puppy or dog. She makes a good watch | | | | Her toenails may need to be examined for |
| dog but may try to make friends with a prowler | | | | growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the |
| once she announces him. | | | | rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the |
| *Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult | | | | front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is |
| size (two years old or older) of the Flat-Coated | | | | the best for this chore and competent |
| Retriever is 22 to 23 inches to the withers | | | | instructions to accomplish this can be found on |
| (highest point of the shoulder) and 60 to 70 | | | | the net. |
| pounds. The female is smaller than the male. | | | | *Life Span. The Flat-Coated Retriever can live |
| *Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds | | | | between 10 and 12 years with proper nutrition, |
| have certain inherited health problems associated | | | | medical care and excellent living conditions. |
| with that specific breed and the Flat-Coated | | | | *History. The Flat-Coated Retriever was |
| Retriever is no exception. Be on the look out for | | | | developed in Great Britain. They were probably |
| Cancer (common for this breed), Canine Hip | | | | developed from a cross between the Labrador, |
| Dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint | | | | Water Dog, Irish Setter, Newfoundland, Collie and |
| that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness), | | | | some type of setter. They were first registered |
| Patella Luxation (congenital condition in which the | | | | by the American Kennel Association in 1915. |
| kneecap dislocates), epilepsy, diabetes, and | | | | Some Registries: |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy (inherited disease of | | | | *UKC United Kennel Club |
| the retina that can cause vision loss and | | | | *NKC National Kennel Club |
| blindness).This disease list is an informative | | | | *CKC Continental Kennel Club |
| guideline only. Other diseases may also be | | | | *APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc. |
| significant threats, please contact your | | | | *AKC American Kennel Club |
| veterinarian for a complete list. | | | | *FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale |
| She should visit the veterinarian several times in | | | | *NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club |
| the first year for shots, boosters and check up. | | | | *KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain |
| Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian | | | | *ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club |
| yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, | | | | *ACR = American Canine Registry |
| six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian | | | | Litter Size: 6 to 9 Flat-Coated Retriever puppies |
| twice a year for check ups and shots. | | | | Category: Gun Dog, Sporting |
| Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets. | | | | Terms To Describe: Intelligent, friendly, happy, |
| *Grooming. The Flat-Coated Retriever has a | | | | active, affectionate, light hearted, sensible, |
| straight, flat coat with some waviness possible. | | | | optimist |
| Her coat is of moderate length with good luster. | | | | *SPECIAL GOOD POINTS |
| She is an average shedder and should be brushed | | | | Trains well. |
| regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and | | | | Good watch dog. |
| healthy coat, avoid mats and help you keep a | | | | Good with children. |
| closer eye on her health and strengthen your | | | | Very stable personality. |
| emotional bond with her. | | | | Makes a very good family dog. |
| Her ears should be checked once a week and be | | | | Loves to wag her tail. |
| kept clean. If you have her professionally | | | | Good obedience. |
| groomed, make sure ear cleaning and inspection is | | | | *SPECIAL BAD POINTS |
| part of the package. No water or excess fluid | | | | Poor guard dog. |
| should get in the dogs ears, and do not try to | | | | She needs a lot of human social interaction. |
| irrigate the ears. Ear cleaning is too complicated | | | | *Other Names Known By: Wavy-Coated |
| and critical to instruct here. Look for hair growing | | | | Retriever, |
| in the ear canal, excess wax, or moisture. If her | | | | *Every dog is an individual so not everything in |
| ears have a discharge, foul odor or she seems to | | | | this information may be correct for your dog. |
| be in distress and you suspect an infection, or | | | | This information is meant as a good faith guideline |
| tumor, consult your veterinarian. | | | | only. |
| Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a | | | | |