flat-coated retriever: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Technical)Technical (Dog Breeding/Hunting)
Quick answer
What does “flat-coated retriever” mean?
A breed of medium-sized gundog with a distinctive sleek, flat, black or liver-coloured coat.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A breed of medium-sized gundog with a distinctive sleek, flat, black or liver-coloured coat.
A specific retriever breed developed in 19th-century England, known for its enthusiasm, stamina, and gentle temperament, used historically for retrieving game from water and land.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical and breed-specific in both varieties. The breed originated in Britain and is more common and historically referenced in UK contexts.
Connotations
In the UK, may carry stronger historical associations with Victorian gamekeeping and estate life. In the US, primarily connotes a specific, less common breed within the sporting dog group.
Frequency
More frequently mentioned in UK-based canine literature, historical texts, and Kennel Club contexts. In the US, it is a recognized but less prevalent breed than the Labrador or Golden Retriever.
Grammar
How to Use “flat-coated retriever” in a Sentence
The [flat-coated retriever] retrieved the [duck].They own a [flat-coated retriever].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flat-coated retriever” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The trainer specialises in flat-coating retrievers for field trials.
- He spent years flat-coating his dogs to perfection.
American English
- She enjoys flat-coating retrievers for hunt tests.
- Their program focuses on flat-coating the lineage.
adjective
British English
- We admired the flat-coated retriever's elegant silhouette.
- He prefers the flat-coated retriever temperament.
American English
- The flat-coated retriever entry was large at the show.
- They discussed flat-coated retriever genetics.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in fields like canine genetics, animal behaviour studies, or historical agricultural practices.
Everyday
Used by dog owners, breeders, participants in dog shows, or hunters.
Technical
Primary context: dog breeding, kennel club regulations, veterinary medicine, and field trial reports.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “flat-coated retriever”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flat-coated retriever”
- Using 'flat coated retriever' without hyphens in formal breed descriptions (standard is hyphenated).
- Confusing it with a Labrador Retriever or a Curly-Coated Retriever.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they are typically affectionate, playful, and good with children, but their high energy and slow maturity require an active household and patient training.
Solid black or solid liver (a rich brown). Yellow or golden is not an acceptable colour for this breed.
Flat-coats have a longer, sleeker, single-layered coat, a more elongated 'head piece', a lighter build, and often retain a more playful, puppy-like temperament into adulthood compared to the generally more solid and quickly maturing Labrador.
They are less common than Labrador or Golden Retrievers, but are a recognised breed with dedicated breeding programs worldwide. Their numbers are stable but significantly lower.
A breed of medium-sized gundog with a distinctive sleek, flat, black or liver-coloured coat.
Flat-coated retriever is usually technical (dog breeding/hunting) in register.
Flat-coated retriever: in British English it is pronounced /ˌflætˌkəʊtɪd rɪˈtriːvə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌflætˌkoʊt̬ɪd rɪˈtriːvər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the 'flat' coat lying smoothly like a mat, and 'retriever' for its job. It's a 'flat-coated' dog that 'retrieves'.
Conceptual Metaphor
A LIVING HISTORICAL ARTEFACT (embodies 19th-century British sporting traditions).
Practice
Quiz
What is a defining physical characteristic of a flat-coated retriever?