FlatCoated Retriever Breed Standard

The Breed Standard is a description of the ideal representative of a specific breed of dog and is written by The Kennel Club's standards Committee. Below is their Breed Standard for the Flatcoated Retriever:



General Appearance: An active, bright medium sized dog showing an intelligent expression. Power without lumber and raciness without weediness.

Characteristics: Optimistic and friendly; full of enthusiasm - demonstrated by the tail wagging (the only breed standard to mention this!)



Temperament: Confident and kind.

Head and Skull: A long and nicely rounded head with a flat skull that is broad, but with a slight stop between the eyes. A good-sized nose with open nostrils. Jaws are long and strong.

Eyes: Medium sized round prominent eyes of dark brown/hazel colour with an intelligent expression.

Ears: Close to the side of the head and well set.

Mouth: Strong jaws with perfect, regular and complete scissor bite (upper teeth closely overlap the lower teeth and square to the jaws). Teeth are sound and strong.


Neck: Head is well set in the neck, long and free from throatiness. Symmetrically set and obliquely placed in the shoulders which runs well into the back.









Whilst my four legged companion sat beside me I wrote a book which tells the story of The Drummer Boy. This novel is about the ghost of a Gordon Highlander Drummer Boy from the Battle of Waterloo who haunts a modern day army nurse.


Chapters take place in modern day Aberdeen, at the Noose & Monkey bar and restaurant as well as His Majesty’s Theatre and Garthdee. Other scenes take place at Tidworth and during the Napoleonic War.


Read the first three chapters for free on most devices.


















Flat Coated Retrievers Book






Flat-Coated Retriever (Comprehensive Owner's Guide) is a detailed flat coated retrievers book, published by Kennel Club Books, which will prove useful to any owner. Chapters include the history of the Flat Coat dog, advice on choosing a puppy, health care and training tips.

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If you would like to add your text, image, product, service, website or photo to this flat-coats page then please .






Forequarters: Chest is deep and broad with a well-defined brisket. The elbows should move evenly and cleanly. The forelegs are straight.

Body: Flat foreribs with a body that is well ribbed up showing a gradual spring and well arched in the centre though lighter towards the quarters. Loin is short and square.

Hindquarters: A muscular dog, with a moderate bend of stifle and hock. Should stand true all round.

Feet: Soles should be thick and strong and the feet should be round and strong with close toes that are well arched.

Tail: A gaily-carried tail that is short, straight and well set.



Gait/Movement: Seen from the front and rear the dog should be free and flowing, straight and true.

Coat: A fine to medium dense texture, being as flat as possible. The legs and tailcoat should be feathered.

Colour: Black or liver.

Size:   Male - 58 - 61 cms 23 - 35 kgs
             Female - 56 - 59 cms 25 - 34 kgs


Read about my dog Lucy.







Free UK Delivery on Pet Portraits from photographs at Karla's Creative Capers who did the portrait on the left from a photo of my Lucy. The portraits are ready to hang on the wall and are of a high quality canvas. For full details see www.karlascreativecapers.co.uk