I hope not everybody is tired of my incessant breed-questioning
So a group that has been frequently suggested to me is the retriever, but for some reason I haven't delved too much into them. I dunno, I'm fairly shallow/picky about looks, and most retrievers don't match what I like (the closest thing would be a blocky, heavy-headed English chocolate lab). Plus, with them being so popular I get to meet some unfortunate specimens. I see a fair few at work who are pushy, pushy, pushy, no off switch to speak of, and a surprising number who are dog selective or who tip easily. So, I've probably had a bias growing.
But recently I met a few Flatcoats and I was like wait, maybe I shouldn't keep disregarding this group! They were sweet, they were goofy as anything, they were Velcro, they were good workers in a variety of fields. My initial impressions have been of a dog sweeter and softer somehow than some others (Curlys and Chessies), but still very enthusiastic and full of retriever soppiness. Is that accurate? I also didn't realize that they came in liver, and I hate what this says about me but that's a game changer, I really prefer lighter pigment.
Shai, now is your time! or anyone else with experience with the breed! How are they with strangers? With other dogs? Coat upkeep? Biddability? Quirks?
[YOUTUBE][/YOUTUBE]
So a group that has been frequently suggested to me is the retriever, but for some reason I haven't delved too much into them. I dunno, I'm fairly shallow/picky about looks, and most retrievers don't match what I like (the closest thing would be a blocky, heavy-headed English chocolate lab). Plus, with them being so popular I get to meet some unfortunate specimens. I see a fair few at work who are pushy, pushy, pushy, no off switch to speak of, and a surprising number who are dog selective or who tip easily. So, I've probably had a bias growing.
But recently I met a few Flatcoats and I was like wait, maybe I shouldn't keep disregarding this group! They were sweet, they were goofy as anything, they were Velcro, they were good workers in a variety of fields. My initial impressions have been of a dog sweeter and softer somehow than some others (Curlys and Chessies), but still very enthusiastic and full of retriever soppiness. Is that accurate? I also didn't realize that they came in liver, and I hate what this says about me but that's a game changer, I really prefer lighter pigment.
Shai, now is your time! or anyone else with experience with the breed! How are they with strangers? With other dogs? Coat upkeep? Biddability? Quirks?
[YOUTUBE][/YOUTUBE]