The flat-coated retriever is the latest addition to the retriever category, the quintessential gun dogs. Well known in England, it is beginning to make a name for itself here too, thanks to its personality and its stunning coat.
A quintessentially British breed, the flat-coated retriever is becoming popular in our country too. The origins of this friendly and versatile dog are shrouded in mystery: although descent from the Newfoundland and the Irish setter is probable, and perhaps also from the curly-coated retriever and the hugely popular Labrador, the exact crossings that produced it are not known with any certainty. A medium-sized, sturdy and excellent swimmer, the flat-coated retriever is first and foremost a hunting dog. Highly attentive, with an outstanding retrieve and an innate instinct for the search, these qualities mean it is still widely used by the British, above all for marsh hunting.
In Great Britain, flat-coated retrievers are often photographed alongside the Middleton sisters, Pippa and Kate, and their children, testament to the fact that an affinity with the very young is in the DNA of this magnificent breed. In our country it is still not widely known, although in recent times its jovial character, its devotion to its owner, its exuberant liveliness combined with an extraordinary gentleness have been earning it the recognition it deserves and a steadily growing following. It is not unusual to see it taking centre stage at beauty shows, club gatherings, working trials involving retrieves both in water and on land, or agility competitions.
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The exceptional temperament of dogs of this breed makes them truly unique and unrivalled when it comes to adapting to different kinds of daily life. "It is a dog that is easy to train across a range of disciplines and, with intensive application of its training, considerably refines its qualities when called upon to express its full potential," explains Bruno Ferrari, canine educator. "The flat-coated retriever is ideal for hunting (and becomes rather downcast if this passion is stifled) and becomes perfect for competitive sport." Like all retrievers it adores water, an element that is almost natural to it, and it is an animal that needs constant exercise in order to stay in good physical shape.
Thanks to its gentle character, the flat-coated retriever is also employed as a service dog: from guiding the visually impaired and people with disabilities, to searching for drugs and explosives in police operations, or working in search and rescue teams looking for missing persons. All of this is made possible by its natural sociability with human beings in general, its keen sense of smell, and the concentration and attention it brings to the tasks it is given. Among all members of the retriever category, the flat-coated retriever is the one that possesses the greatest measure of a certain "charm": elegance, dynamism (it is a very active dog even in adulthood), exuberance, sensitivity, an absence of aggression, adaptability to group living, and liveliness. All of this combined with excellent health and the ability to cope with cold or heat without difficulty.
The flat-coated retriever also stands out for its appearance: its characteristic feathering and the lustre of its coat make it an incredibly pleasing sight. The black coat takes on a glossy tone that gives it a bluish quality, while the liver colour is a beautiful interplay of light and shades identifiable within the range of burnt brown. The flat-coated retriever has a dense coat, light to medium in texture, of good quality, ideally flat, with well-feathered legs and tail. Its coat is water-resistant, a characteristic typical of all retrievers, particularly resistant to cold and water.
Thanks to its unique characteristics, the flat-coated retriever goes by several nicknames that set it apart from other members of the breed: owing to its liveliness, it is also nicknamed wagging tail, for the lively way it carries its tail — bright and enthusiastically never still. For the British it is also Peter Pan, on account of this dog's tendency to remain a puppy at heart even as the years pass, only reaching true behavioural maturity at around 3 to 4 years of age, by which time its build has already taken on the form of a strong, sturdy adult. The flat-coated retriever is also called "the Formula 1 of retrievers" for the speed of its run, the agility of its movements and its tireless retrieving. "It is a sensitive dog that must be educated and trained with gentle methods, combining teaching with regular physical and mental activity to allow it to live a fulfilling and healthy life," Ferrari concludes.
Anyone who thinks it is a dog suited to everyone is mistaken: its growth and maturation require patience and consistency if excellent results are to be achieved. It is not a dog that can be "ignored" or "experienced" superficially; it must always understand its place in the family hierarchy, failing which it will develop behaviours that lead it to become a gentle but dominant dictator. If loved and guided through its growth, it will become a truly irreplaceable companion on every occasion in life, rewarding those around it with its immense contribution of loyalty and devotion.
