1 of 3

Write now Article Tools

Page 5 of 5

on a human. The ears should also be cleaned after any swimming trip.

An Exuberant Companion

The flat-coated retriever is a good family pet for the active family. Its bouncy enthusiasm for life should make it a wonderful addition to the household. If one is up to the challenge of training such an active and intelligent breed, a flat-coat is certainly worth considering. Most flat-coats love their families. They are usually very gentle with children, although the more enthusiastic young flat coats can knock children when their enthusiastic natures get the better of them. This retriever is a breed that still retains much of its instincts and behavior that made it a good gun dog.

Other than some behavioral drawbacks, one other problem exists in this breed. Flat-coats tend to develop cancer early in their lives, a trait they also share with golden retrievers. Flat-coats are often considered more prone than goldens to bone cancer, and both breeds suffer from many other types of cancer.

Still, the flat-coat remains a hidden secret. Most people think of retrievers as goldens, Labs, and Chesapeakes. However, the flat-coat's loving and trainable nature should lead to some increased popularity among an already retriever-crazed public, which has already fallen in love with the Labrador and the golden. Its livelier nature may be a bit much for some to handle, but it is likely that those who like an old-fashioned, unspoiled retriever will love the flat-coat.

Learn more about this author, Scottie Westfall.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5

Add your voice

Know something about Dog breed: Flat-coated Retriever?
We want to hear your view. Write now!