History of the breed
The originin of the Flatcoated Retriever is to be found in the United Kingdom. The breed was developed to carry and fetch wounded and dead animals for gamekeepers. On hunting days many dogs came together, a friendly and social character therefore required of the dogs. The dogs had to enjoy going into the water and to be able to overcome dense undergrowth, such as brambles and nettles. Courage and endurance were needed for a day’s hard work.
The basic elements for the Flatcoat are in all probability the St. John’s Dog, various Spaniël breeds, Pointers and Setters.
Through crossbreeding and selection dogs were developed that loved to swim, carry and fetch and had an incredible scenting ability.
One of these breeds, then known as the “Wavy Coated Retriever, was very popular and together with its cousin the “Curley Coated Retriever , was used throughout the country by gamekeepers as well as the hunting bigwigs.
This “Wavy Coated Retriever” was the predecessor of our Flatcoat. In all probability the Collie breed was interbred around 1890 after which the flat coat was introduced.
Circa 1900 Mr S W Shirley and after that R Cooke further developed the Flatcoat breed. It became a breed with so much qualities that it became the most popular retriever until the 1st World War.
After this period de number of Flatcoats decreased.
The popularity of the Golden and Labrador Retrievers however was a fact.
A number of breeders remained faithful to the breed. The dedication of these people to the Flatcoated Retriever was enormous. Thanks to their efforts we still enjoy the fantastic Retriever that not only looks splendid but also loves to work for and with its master.
