A+Rich the Loving Flat-Coated Retriever's brother, Rags the Playful Flat Coated Retriever (adopted) can also be seen on our website.

Description:
This is Rich. Isn't he beautiful? But even better than that, he has a wonderful personality. All he wants to do is love you. He gives hugs! He will put his head in your lap when you're sitting with him, and try to snuggle under your arm--which has been making it very difficult to type this, I can tell you! He has been very good playing with other dogs his size, including his brother Rags. He walks on the leash, but we can tell he really wants to RUN! We think he would do well in any family where he can have lots of playtime and love!

The office staff loves him and reports : 

Well, he gives great hugs!! It's the cutest thing. He wraps his arms around you. He was playing with Lance, and the two of them were having a blast. We gave him a bath, and after that, he seemed *very* determined that the rest of us should be all wet too: when I sat down, he squeezed himself under the chair arm to get in my lap, and when someone else sat in the other chair, he flopped right across her. He loves playing with toys.


According to www.dogbreedinfo.com, the Flat-Coated Retriever was developed in the 1800's by crossing several already established breeds, including the Irish Setter, Labrador, Water Dog, and the St. John's Newfoundland, though one source also mentions the Collie. The breed was fairly popular until the beginning of the World War, but was then overshadowed by the Labrador and Golden Retriever. The Flat-Coated Retriever deserves more attention, as he is not only an excellent bird dog and swimmer but also an outstanding family dog. These dogs are gifted with a fine intuition and an excellent sense of smell. The Flat-Coated Retriever is used above all for retrieving on plains and in areas thick with trees and bushes. They are good swimmers and also work well in marshy areas. Some of the Flat-Coated Retriever's talents are retrieving, hunting, tracking, watchdogging and agility. The Flat-Coated Retriever is superb with children and a great family dog. It has a very stable temperament. Smart, active and friendly, this breed loves everyone. Some may be too friendly - overwhelming guests with love and attention. This is a sweet, high-spirited dog that loves to play and retrieve. A gentle and playful tail-wagger. They are cheerful, devoted companions with a puppy-like exuberance well into their later years. It is on the go outdoors, but quiet indoors. This very sociable breed needs lots of affection and attention from his family. The Flat-Coated Retriever gets along well with dogs and other pets. This breed is obedient and highly trainable, but easily bored. Keep training sessions short and fun, without excessive repetition. They have a life expectancy of 10 years.