The Flat-Coat: One Breed, Two Nicknames (Both Earned)

Not many breeds have two nicknames, but the Flat-coated Retriever does. They are the “Peter Pan” of dogs because they not only maintain a cheerful happy-go-lucky demeanor throughout their lives, but because some dogs never want to grow up at all. They greet each day, each person, and each experience with optimism and enthusiasm, and often have the “waggiest” tail in a room filled with other dogs. Their silly sense of humor, we’re told, never fades, and a ten-year old Flattie is just as apt to roll in the mud as a youngster. That said, Flatties are smart, and left to invent their own amusement, they’ll think outside the box which most owners would call “getting into trouble,”  just like Peter Pan.

And yet, the breed is also called the perfect “Gentlemen’s Retriever.”  These dogs, as mentioned before, are smart, trainable and, when properly exercised,  fit beautifully into a gentleman’s or gamekeeper’s lifestyle. They can work all day, and then be content to lie at their person’s feet.

Our thanks to the owners who shared their breed knowledge back in 2015 when the Flat-Coat was featured as a Purebred of Interest on our Facebook page.

Image: Flat Coated Retriever by Dottie Dracos
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http://dottiedracos.blogspot.com/

14 thoughts on “The Flat-Coat: One Breed, Two Nicknames (Both Earned)”

  1. Love our flatties! Oh, there is also a third nickname, given their propensity for adoring mud puddles:. ” Swamp Collie”, 😆

  2. I love my flat coats! Although as the “gentleman’s retriever” they may want to lay on the couch as opposed to the floor!!

    • Well, Laurie, what gentleman lays on the floor? You have a proper Flatcoat! (grin)

  3. The best breed. Loved your article. A common “problem” with the breed is that when you take one, you suddenly find you have a house full of flatcoats. These are mine.

    • Anu, your dogs are wonderful! They are indeed a terrific breed!

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