Characteristics of Retrievers

Several Traditional Purebred Retrievers The Flat-Coated Retriever Flat-Coated Retriever

[Introduction]

The Flat-Coated Retriever is a multi-purpose dog that can be a family companion, a hunting dog, and a retriever, and he's a happy, active dog with an intelligent expression and neat lines. The Flat-Coated Retriever must be, as described in the tradition, "powerful but not bulky, lively but not skinny." The distinguishing and very important feature of the Flat-Coated Retriever is his side profile (both in motion and standing), the smooth, easy movement, the head type, the coat and the features that make the Flat-Coated Retriever's side profile long, strong, neat, and "flaky" in the head, which are unique to the breed. There are no exaggerated stops or cheeks, and the head is well placed, resting on a medium-length neck that blends smoothly into the backward sloping shoulder blades. The dorsal line is horizontal, the pastern (ribs) are deep and long, extending backward, tapering and lifting slightly to form a blunt triangle. The sternum is very well defined, the forechest distinctly prominent, and this effective Retriever is very harmonious, sturdy, but civilized, and must not resemble the Shorthorn, faded too short or with slender limbs. The coat is thick and lies flat, with feathered trimmings on the fades and tail. Proud, reflective and agile posture, wavy tail, overall feeling of great strength, quality, style and proportions make up the typical flat-coated Retriever.

Flat-coated Retrievers are judged more by their movement on a relaxed lead and their natural stance than by their pose. Scars are a sign of honor and are not treated as defects.

[Body Type]

Size: Individuals with a shoulder height error (ideal shoulder height range) of more than 1 inch are not considered typical, as a flat-coated retriever for working purposes. The ideal shoulder height range for males is approximately 23 to 24.5 inches; the ideal shoulder height range for females is approximately 22 to 23.5 inches. Since the Flat-Coated Retriever is used as a working, retrieving retriever in a tough environment, it should appear lean and free of excess weight.

Proportions: the Flat-Coated Retriever should not be built to look like a shorthorn horse. The length of the body (the distance from the shoulder joint to the protrusion of the thigh) is slightly greater than the height of the shoulder. It is better for females to have a slightly longer body length in order to produce puppies.

Body: Moderate. Medium bone mass, with flat or ovoid rather than rounded bones; sturdy but not bulky, rough, weak or slender. This applies to all sexes.