Flat Coated Retriever - Description of the Breed and Character of the Dog

The right-handed retriever belongs to the hunting breeds, therefore they go with waterfowl and hares with it. The breed has many other advantages, including love for children, fidelity, and malleability for learning. The puppy is ideal as a family favorite, but you should first consider the characteristics of the breed and draw certain conclusions for yourself. Let's start.

Historical summary

The retriever is a native of Canada. On the island of Newfoundland, the breed was first discovered, after which they began to put all their efforts into its breeding. After a while, the retriever migrated to the United Kingdom, England, where he fully entrenched and adopted certain standards.

According to some versions, the retriever is the result of a cross between Irish setters and water spaniels. But according to the external characteristics, you can also catch some traits from Labradors, Collies and miniature Newfoundlands.

The very first thoroughbred pets could boast curly hair. As a result of an exhibition career, they gained universal recognition and became known as wavy retrievers.

The hunters began to get pets for obvious reasons, but they had one minus. The retriever's undercoat was not dense enough, which did not protect dogs from water. Breeders set to work, as a result of which they managed to get thoroughbred pets with even, not curled hair. So the retriever and gained a new name.

British hunters to this day contain pets to walk together on waterfowl. At the same time, the retriever feels great at home, being an integral part of the family. In our country, it is common, but not as wide as in England. Nevertheless, many breeders still breed retriever for sale, despite their average demand.

Dr. B. Moore and a fan, Mr. Shirley, who created a club of straight-haired retriever, took a great part in popularizing and adopting retriever standards. It was thanks to them that they learned about the breed all over the world.

Breed description

1. The main advantage of pets of this breed is, of course, wool. Glistening in the sun, iridescent, it is difficult to leave such a handsome handsome man without attention. The breed has deep and intelligent eyes, a graceful elongated neck, with all this, the retriever is not gentle, can fend for itself.
2. In simple terms, this breed belongs to the category of “workhorses” that can work for hours and not give a look about fatigue. When they go hunting with them, the dog gives all his best.
3. Retriever is loved for its quick learner and sensitivity to the person. The dog literally understands what they want from her. Can read intonation and gestures. An ideal example for education.
4. The difference between a straight-haired retriever and its relatives is harmony and balance. That is, the pet combines mind, instinct, endurance when in water or on land.
5. Typically, dogs of this breed are bred by residents of southern regions living near water sources. The dog will swim with pleasure, it can not be pulled out of the water.
6. At all exhibitions, judges enjoy watching well-groomed pets, which usually occupy only leading places. Retriever is the best dog as a companion, family member, show animal.
7. Due to the unpretentiousness in the care and maintenance, many people give preference to him. The dog gets along well with children, gets along with other pets, will delight everyone with its playfulness and love for the owner.
8. If you look at a dog in terms of its relationship to a person, it is an ideal friend. Faithful, always there. Retriever has developed not only the sense of smell, but also vision, hearing. During training, you can do without rigidity, because the dogs are easily trained.

Retriever character

1. According to the above description, we can already conclude that the retriever is perfect for keeping in a private house or apartment. All thanks to his good-natured character, cheerful disposition, sensitivity to man and incredible love for the owner.
2. With the retriever, you can frolic at home, go hunting or arrange a joint run. The dog does not know how to say, which is already understandable, but will become a wonderful silent interlocutor. The pet always tries to please the owner, is sad when scolded, tries to correct the situation and learns quickly.
3. It is worthwhile to pay special attention to hunting qualities. If you carry out preparatory measures, teach the dog how to hunt, it will facilitate the task in the future. The dog will raise the bird for you to fire, then bring it or get it out of the water. An excellent hunter for both the upland and waterfowl.
4. Due to their vigor and mobility, retrievers start families who lead an active lifestyle. The dog can run for hours for a stick, play with children, have fun in full. By this she charges, the owners are always mobile and happy.
5. It is worthwhile to understand that if a family has a small child, the retriever will become a nanny. But if he plays out, he can easily knock a baby off his feet.
6. If you plan to start such a breed, carefully analyze your lifestyle. You will need to walk the dog not once a day, but 3-4 times at least. Otherwise, due to her low mobility, she will develop joint diseases and other problems.
7. It is also important to mention that, due to their good nature, retrievers are not allowed for security purposes. They will not be able to capture the attacker, but they will let the owner know about his attack so that he takes timely action.
8. An interesting feature of the breed is considered late maturity. Even an adult can behave like a puppy, be energetic, gentle, overly naive. Many people use this, unfortunately, when the dog falls "in the wrong hands."
9. If you decide to carefully train your dog, you must start the procedure at an early age. The energy of puppies should be directed to the desired, useful channel. If you do not deal with the pet, it will grow, to put it mildly, stupid.
10. If you adhere to the recommendations of experienced owners, then the pet must be trained strictly, but under the gentle guidance. Procedures should be carried out in short sessions. Thus, training is effective. Dogs get bored with long sessions. The pet is very energetic and can not stand it.
11. As for other animals, and in particular cats, retrievers treat them neutrally. Also, proper education in this matter does not play a secondary role. It is enough as a puppy to socialize such a breed and there will be no problems with other pets.
12. It is also worth paying attention to the fact that with any wounds and injuries the dog does not show and stoically endures such troubles. The downside is that if you do not see an abrasion in time, this can lead to infection. Therefore, after walking, always inspect the dog, especially after hunting.

Breed rules

1. Retrievers are hunting breeds of dogs. They are distinguished by a strong physique and stamina. Such a pet is not afraid of Spartan conditions. From the presented breed, an excellent tracker and apporter is obtained. Therefore, the pet is always ready to go.
2. Often, it’s the hunters who get these dogs. In addition, the pet will be a great friend to those who prefer long walks and an active lifestyle.Retriever is very fond of hunting, especially water birds.
3. Among lovers of this breed, there is an opinion that the retriever is the fastest dog. The animal is distinguished from others by an unsurpassed reaction. Therefore, they show themselves well in hunting and similar events.
4. As for care, the pet's hair must be looked after every day. Compliance with hygiene procedures is an integral part. In terms of care, you will not have additional difficulties. It is enough to comb the dog regularly.
5. Also, to maintain the perfect appearance of the wool, it is necessary to resort to small tricks. Comb out the pet at least once a week. During molting, the frequency of procedures should increase significantly.
6. Pay special attention to the ears, they should in no case be contaminated. Also watch your eyes, take care of them if necessary. If you often wander through the forests, be sure to treat the animal with tick remedies.
7. Even if you use formulations directed against insects, carefully inspect your pet after each trip. It is equally important to monitor the claws and teeth. In the first case, if necessary, they need to be cut. Teeth should be cleaned regularly.
8. If you accustom your puppy to systematic hygiene procedures, in the future the dog will only enjoy such a pastime. Without fail, teach your pet to wash its paws after a walk from an early age. With an adult dog, certain difficulties may arise.
9. Forbid after the street the retriever to quickly run into the room and especially jump onto the bed. If the puppy is raised correctly, then in the future he will patiently wait for the hygiene procedure. In this case, the dog will not run into the room with dirty paws.
10. Do not forget to systematically give the animal physical activity. The pet must always be in excellent shape. Given the natural instincts and character, it is recommended to play and run through the forest with the dog often. The breed presented is prone to hard work.

Retriever Disadvantages

1. As for the shortcomings of such a breed, there are practically none. In every sense, the dog can be considered ideal. But still it is worth highlighting something - the pets are extremely emotional (sensitive).
2. Such a feature can even be considered a virtue. If you train an animal, that sensitivity itself can interfere. It will not be very good if you are impatient and explosive.
3. One physical drawback should also be highlighted. The breed in question is predisposed to the development of oncological ailments that are associated with bone tissue. In very rare cases, these dogs may experience hip dysplasia.

It is worth noting that the retriever is a very energetic and cheerful breed of dog. With proper care and upbringing, the pet will become a favorite member of the family. Such an animal is simply impossible not to love. The main thing is that the dog can relax with you or lead an active lifestyle. The pet is very dependent on the owner.

Video: dog breed straight-haired retriever