AKA: Flatcoat, Flattie, Flatte (Sweden)

Description: The Flat-Coated Retriever is a sporting breed that has a medium-length thick coat. It has a long head with a wide muzzle and a slight stop. The nose is black or liver, with respect to its coat color. The ears are hanging flat against its head. The eyes are a dark brown or hazel, and the teeth meet in a scissors bite. The body consists of a deep chest and a squarely strong short back. The tail is normally hung low, but can be raised when the Flat-Coated Retriever is excited or alert.

Dynamics: The Flat-Coated Retriever has a stable, calm, and friendly temperament. It is sweet and playful, gentle and cheerful. It is excellent with children and welcomes guests with affection. It also gets along with other dogs and pets. It is very sociable.

It is also an intelligent breed, and is easy to train. Its playful and active nature may make the Flat-Coated Retriever easily bored though, so the training sessions has to be short and fun. The Flat-Coated Retriever is an excellent bird dog and swimmer, and has an excellent sense of smell.

Breed Group: Gundog, Sporting

Weight: 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg.)

Height: 22-23 inches (56-58 cm.)

Color: The Flat-Coated Retriever is solidly either black or liver colored.

Country of Origin: The Flat-Coated Retriever originated in the United Kingdom. It was bred from crossing established breeds such as the Irish Setter, Labrador, Water Dog, St.John’s Newfoundland, and (not certain) a Collie.

Activities: The Flat-Coated Retriever loves action and lots of play. It loves the chance to hunt and swim. The Flat-Coated Retriever is also great in retrieving, hunting, tracking, watchdogging, and agility.

Grooming: Brushing and combing the coat once a week is enough to groom the Flat-Coated Retriever.

Other Info: The Flat-Coated Retriever has an average life expectancy of 10 years. Health issues include cancer (common in this breed), hip dysplasia, PRA, CHD, epilepsy, and diabetes. The Flat-Coated Retriever is not recommended to live in an apartment. It prefers to be in a place where it can live inside and play outside.

Photo: Gunnandreassen

AKA: German Spaniel, Deutscher Wachtel, German Quail Dog

Description: The Deutshcer Wachtelhund is a medium-sized dog with a long, thick, and wavy coat. Its body is muscular and solid. The whole body is twice as long as its height. Its distinctive feature is its ears; they are fairly long and can reach half way to the tip of the nose.

Dynamics: The Deutscher Wachtelhund has vibrant and friendly personality. It is a loyal dog and needs lots of attention from its owner and family. At the same time it is an aggressive hunter. It was bred to be an exceptionally versatile gun dog, excelling in tracking and trailing large game. It is an intelligent breed, brave and determined in its work. It also loves water work.

Breed Group: Gundog

Weight: 44 to 66 pounds (20-28 kg)

Height: males 18 7/8 to 21 1/4 inches (46-54 cm), females 17 3/4 to 20 1/2 inches (44-52 cm)

Color: The coat of the Deutscher Wachtelhund is usually either black, liver, dark brown, with hair streaks on the neck, chest, stomach, and back that are either white or a lighter shade of its overall coat.

Country of Origin: Germany

Activities: The Deutscher Wachtelhund is a hunting dog, possessing a good amount of energy and requiring a good amount of exercise. This breed is an excellent retriever and like to take long walks when outdoors. It is also a lover of water, which makes swimming a good exercise for this breed.

Grooming: Regular brushing and trimming is needed to keep the coat of the Deustcher Wachtelhund in good condition. The hair between the toes should especially be cut. The ears should be checked regularly for infections and the eyes inspected after every hunting to flush out any dirt.

Other Info: The Deutscher Wachtelhund has a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years. The breed is prone to hip dysplasia, although this is not normally a problem. Crooked legs and splayed feet are minor problems, and skin conditions and allergies are also possible. Though a hunting dog, the Deutshcer Wachtelhund is a great family companion and behaves best indoors. It will get along fine in the city but it needs to be taken outdoors from time to time and sufficiently exercised. It can be taken off the leash because the Deutscher Wachtelhund will always come back to its owner.