The Flat Coated Retriever was developed in the late 18th Century. Due to the advancement and efficiency of shotguns, hunters found they had a need for an efficient retrieving dog to retrieve their game. To develop a dog to meet their requirements they experimented with the crossing of different breeds. Sheepdogs were used for their trainability, Spaniels for hunting skills, Water dogs for retrieving wildfowl and Setters for their keen nose.

The founder of the modern Flat Coat, Mr. S. E. Shirley, (born in 1844 and founder of the Kennel Club of England) used a proportion of these with the St. Johns water dog, also known as the Lesser Labrador or the small Newfoundland. The Curly Coat Retriever appeared to branch off at about this time, leaving what were then called Wavy-coats as a more or less pure breed. The Wavy-coat, however, was a reference used rather loosely, as for a time it appeared to cover several different types.

AVERAGE LIFESPAN

Flat Coated Retrievers will usually live up to eight years of age, but given a loving home and the right food can live up to 10 years.

BREED PERSONALITY, CHARACTERISTICS & TEMPERAMENT

The Flat Coated Retriever is described as the canine Peter Pan - It never grows up. It is always ready for fun and play even when advanced in years. It is a kind, sociable and loving animal and because of this is totally trustworthy with children. (Supervision should be undertaken with small children, however, as they can hurt a young puppy). Although it will bark if someone is around, it is definitely not a guard dog. It is firstly a companion, always requiring and sometimes demanding to be in the company of its owner.

COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER PETS

Most Flat Coats are compatible with other pets, depending on the pet. Most will live in harmony with cats if they are trained to do so.

CARE REQUIREMENTS

Every Flat Coated Retriever benefits from a daily walk, swim or run, however, it can survive if it only gets out about three times a week, but more often is better. A brush once a week ensures a healthy coat; some minor trimming especially around the feet and ears makes the dog look tidier.

Please take note:
A Flat Coat is not the sort of dog that can be totally happy without human companionship. It is happiest when it is interacting with its owner, as it likes to be part of the action. Normal secure fencing is required for this breed, to keep it safe from traffic.

IDEAL OWNERS

An active person who is prepared to have the dog around, either in the house or garden, to take it for walks, runs and swims. It is well suited to the family with children over seven years as younger children may be knocked over due to its exuberance when a puppy. Most breeders prefer to sell to families with children of an age that can be taught not to harm the puppy.

IN CONCLUSION

If you have decided that the Flat Coated Retriever is the dog for you and you are willing to ensure you have a well-fenced yard to keep it safe from any traffic, then contact one of the groups listed below:

DECISION TIME

Before making a decision on getting a puppy, here are some articles you might find helpful:

• What do we need to consider if we are thinking of buying a puppy?
• How do I determine which breeder to use?
• What should you ask the breeder?
• How do you check if the breeder is reputable?
• What to ask your vet prior to buying a puppy

RECOMMENDED BREEDERS

Breeder Name	Kennel	State
Christine Clarke		TAS	Contact
Ross and Jean Bryant	Sherepoint	SA	Contact
Judy Kennan-Wray	Bushman	VIC	Contact

* We have vetted and approved these independent breeders as meeting, at the time, our criteria for the reliable breeding, feeding, care and sale of suitable quality puppies of this breed. This does not mean that other breeders do not meet these criteria or are not otherwise suitable suppliers. Nor can our vetting and approval guarantee the quality of a breeder or puppy or that you will be happy with them. We disclaim any liability for the quality, acts or omissions of these breeders or their puppies and our approval of breeders is not a substitute for you making all appropriate enquiries and checks (including veterinary checks) before choosing a specific breeder or puppy.

CANINE CLUBS

Australian Capital Territory ACT Canine Association Inc PO Box 815 Dickson, ACT 2602 Tel: 02 6241 4404 Fax: 02 6241 1129 Email: CONTACT Website: www.actca.asn.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		New South Wales Royal New South Wales Canine Council Ltd PO Box 632 St Marys, NSW 1790 Tel: 02 9834 3022 or 1300 728 022 (NSW only) Fax: 02 9834 3872 Email: CONTACT Website: www.rnswcc.org.au (Details current as of 1/08/04)
Northern Territory The North Australian Canine Association Inc PO Box 37521 Winnellie, NT 0821 Tel: 08 8984 3570 Fax: 08 8984 3409 Email: CONTACT Website: www.users.bigpond.com/naca1/ (Details correct as of 6/08/04)		Queensland Canine Control Council (Queensland) PO Box 495 Fortitude Valley, Qld 4006 Tel: 07 3252 2661 Fax: 07 3252 3864 Email: CONTACT Website: www.cccq.org.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)
South Australia South Australian Canine Association Inc PO Box 844 Prospect East, SA 5082 Tel: 08 8349 4797 Fax: 08 8262 5751 Email: CONTACT Website: www.saca.caninenet.com (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		Tasmania Tasmanian Canine Association Inc The Rothman Building PO Box 116 Glenorchy, Tas 7010 Tel: 03 6272 9443 Fax: 03 6273 0844 Email: CONTACT Website: www.tca.freeservers.com (Details correct as of 1/08/04)
Victoria Victorian Canine Association Locked Bag K9 Cranbourne, Vic 3977 Tel: 03 9788 2500 Fax: 03 9788 2599 Email: CONTACT Website: www.vca.org.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		Western Australia Canine Association of Western Australia Inc PO Box 1404 Canning Vale, WA 6970 Tel: 08 9455 1188 Fax: 08 9455 1190 Email: CONTACT Website: www.cawa.asn.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)