Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers are among the most popular breeds kept as family pets but a lesser known member of the Retriever family is the Flat Coated Retriever.

A bright active dog of medium size, showing power without lumber, and raciness without weediness, the

Flat Coated Retriever was at one time very popular with English sportsmen but eventually was overtaken in popularity by the other retriever breeds.

After World War II the breed was fast disappearing in its native England, but due to the efforts of a few devoted fanciers the breed numbers were gradually built up and the breed today has a keen band of followers throughout the world.

The Flat Coated Retriever is named for the dense, fine to medium textured black or liver coloured coat which lies as flat as possible but the legs and tail are fringed with longer hair. The coat requires a amount of grooming for the dog to appear well kept

The Flat Coated Retriever retains its natural working abilities as a gentle retriever of game and is a popular breed with sportsmen, but it also makes a delightful pet, having most of the attributes of its more popular cousins.

The Flat Coated Retriever has a delightful character, always ready to please and easily trained and is an ideal pet for an active owner who enjoys a brisk walk. As a companion it is highly intelligent, generously endowed with optimism and friendliness, retaining its youthful outlook on life into old age, and tail wagging is the hallmark of the breed.

Although the majority of dogs are reliable and loyal family companions it is advised that to avoid accidents, young children should be supervised when in the company of a dog.