Flat-coated retrievers are a marvelous breed of dog - with particular needs and capacities.  They are a breed that offers a great depth of family and individual companionship, devotion, intelligence, eagerness to please, recreational opportunities and sheer fun, - along with mischief, chewing, dirt, moderate shedding, and silliness. So they are remarkable and marvelous, and also complex and sometimes demanding to manage. They are responsive and sensitive, happy-go-lucky and goofy, and their owners need to be ready for it all. It's essential to be sure you know what a flat-coat will require from you, and that you're ready and willing to give it.  For more information about the breed in general, check out the Flat-Coated Retriever Society of America (FCRSA) website here.  A nice summary of the history of flat-coated retrievers, which mentions some of our Blue's ancestors, can be found here.  For more information about this breed is a good match for your own capacities and needs dog-wise, here's a helpful article.  And for some practical information about flat-coats, here's their information on the American Kennel Club website.

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In addition there are a lot of Facebook groups and other social media that can help you connect to other flat-coat folks - and dogs!  

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