Description: The Flat-Coated Retriever was developed in England about a century ago. One of the earliest retriever breeds, he counts among his ancestor's two now extinct American breeds, the St Johns Labrador and Newfoundland. He excels as an upland-shooting dog and is an efficient water retriever. Today's Flat-Coat is an active, cheerful dog; a versatile family companion hunting retriever. A dog that needs a job, he has found success in many activities including tracking, agility, obedience and service work. He is a strong, bold, elegant dog characterized by a flat, dense lustrous coat and a happily wagging tail.