The breed called Flat-Coated Retriever belongs to the group of hunting. But due to their endurance, unpretentiousness and a very friendly and cheerful disposition, these dogs feel great in urban conditions.
Breed description
The standard dimensions of the straight-haired retriever are the height at the withers from 56 to 62 cm and weight 27-30 kg. The physique is dense, without being too bulky. Characteristic features are a wide chest, a straight back, a graceful neck and a peculiar type of head. The ears are small, the straight tail is kept at the level of the back.
Flat Coated Retriever - owner of luxurious wool. She is quite thick, shiny, on the neck of the dogs is longer, forming the likeness of a mane. Straight smooth hair is one of the signs of the breed, only a slight waviness is allowed. Color can be pure black or liver.
Despite their elegant and aristocratic appearance, these dogs have always been appreciated as workers. They were used in English estates in the service as assistants to rangers. Combining high intelligence with a hunting instinct and stamina, a flat-haired flat retriever is today a universal breed. From it you can raise an excellent service dog (guide, lifeguard, etc.), a hunter and just a great companion.
Origin
The history of the breed, which, according to experts, combines the blood of various types of dogs (Scottish collies and setters, spaniels and others), began with the island of Newfoundland. But its final formation took place in England. The first representative of the Flat Coated Retriever was presented at the exhibition in 1860. Further selection led to changes in the coat, which became more dense and waterproof. At the beginning of the last century, the number of purebred dogs exceeded one hundred.
The breed, which became extremely popular in the hunting environment, held its position for a long time. And only at the beginning of the twentieth century it began to be replaced by golden retrievers and Labradors. Today, interest in the breed is a straight-haired retriever (photos are presented in this article) began to increase again.
Character
These dogs are distinguished by their extraordinary intelligence and discipline. They remain cheerful and very energetic for a long time, but as they grow older they become more balanced and steady. Although this does not at all prevent them from showing constant readiness for the game and hunting. The combination of a strong nervous system with high intelligence provides a good learning flat. They quickly learn commands and with pleasure carry out all the instructions of the owner.
The friendly nature of the straight-haired retriever allows you to keep it in a family with small children. Quite calmly, he applies to pets living next to him.
Content Features
This breed is perfectly adapted for living in urban environments. Due to their unpretentiousness, dogs do not require any special care. It should only be taken into account when starting a retriever in the apartment that he needs regular long walks. It is good if it is possible to give physical exertion, including the apportion of objects thrown into the water.
Thick and dense dog hair allows you to walk with her at any time of the year. The breed of straight-haired retriever is very suitable for those people who lead an active lifestyle, prefer long walks in the fresh air. It is recommended to start such dogs if the owner can pay enough attention to them and provide physical activity. In addition to regular walks, the retriever needs to be periodically taken out of town, where he will be able to fully display his hunting instincts.
Hair care
The beautiful shiny coat, which is a real decoration for these dogs, is the result of proper care. It is necessary to comb it with a regularity 1-2 times a week, and during molting almost daily. For this procedure, use a two-sided comb with teeth of different frequencies. Particular attention should be given to inaccessible places to prevent the formation of warlocks. If they did appear, they are carefully combed or cut.
You need to bathe the dog only if necessary. Do this using a special shampoo intended for animals.
Nutrition
The straight-haired retriever can eat both a special balanced food sold in pet stores and natural food. In the second case, meat soups, vegetables, cereals, raw meat must be present in the diet. With mixed nutrition in one feeding, the dog is given only one type of food, for example, in the morning - chicken, and in the evening - dry food.
It is strictly forbidden to give tubular bones, sweets, milk, pasta, potatoes, as well as fatty and smoked foods.
Adult dogs are fed 2 times a day - in the morning and in the evening, puppies - depending on age. Babies who are 1-2 months old are required to eat food at least 5 times a day, gradually the number of feeds is reduced and by six months it reaches 3 times a day.
It is very simple to determine whether there are enough nutrients and minerals for an animal - it is worth paying attention to how your dog looks. The straight-haired retriever, receiving high-quality nutrition, has a smooth, shiny coat, does not suffer from allergies, is in good physical shape.
How to choose a puppy
First of all, it is recommended to visit any exhibition with the participation of flat dogs in order to see how your pet will look in the future, what breed lines exist, etc. There you can talk with breeders and learn about some of the features of the breed. If it comes to choosing a family friend, then in choosing a puppy it is enough just to rely on your own taste.
But if you plan to make an exhibition career in the future, you need to choose a puppy with great responsibility. Therefore, if there is no relevant knowledge and experience, you should seek help from a specialist who knows very well what to look for when choosing a puppy of such breed as a straight-haired retriever. The kennel in which you have to choose a puppy should be checked, have good recommendations. Be sure to look at the parents of the future pet, because good genetics is the basis of successful development.
Completely regardless of the purpose for which the puppy is acquired (for the soul or for participating in exhibitions), it is necessary to evaluate its condition by a number of signs. The nose should be wet, cold, eyes are clean, without pus, hair is shiny.
The breeder needs to find out what vaccinations were given, whether treatment was carried out against parasites. Experts recommend choosing the most cheerful and active puppy, which has no signs of cowardice or aggression.
Parenting and training
Flat Coated Retriever is a very smart breed, obedient. These dogs are quick-witted and superbly trained and trained. Classes with the retriever should be interesting, but short in time so as not to overwork the animal. This breed is quickly bored with repetitive repetitive tasks. As a reward and rewards, you can use food, as well as toys or just praise. Retrievers are happy to do apportioning, take part in agility and flyball.
It is important to remember that dogs of this breed are extremely sensitive and need constant attention and care. With all their behavior, they strive to earn approval, to please the owner. In no case should you shout at the dog during training, even raise your voice. Especially right-handed retriever puppies require maximum patience and delicacy on the part of the owner.
Flat is a companion dog that has an unusual affection for a person. Representatives of this breed are experiencing very difficult even a short separation from the owner. Flat Coated Retriever is one of the most faithful and reliable dogs.