Flatdoodle: Flat Coated Retriever Poodle Mix
The Flatdoodle is not recognised by the international dog association FCI as an independent breed, but a so-called hybrid dog. Maybe you are wondering what the difference between a mixed breed and a hybrid breed is? Very simple, a mixed breed happens as a result of mostly random mating, in a hybrid dog the parents are chosen consciously. Mother or father to a Flatdoodle puppy is the poodle. This breed, which has been known in Western Europe for about 400 years, once accompanied its owners during the hunt for ducks. They also owe their name to their passion for the wet element. It is derived from the Old High German word “Pudeln”, which means something like splashing in water. But the animals with curly hair are also known for their intelligence: For centuries they accompanied circus people and delighted the audience with their performances. The first breed standard was established in 1889. The second breed that defines the Flatdoodle is the Flat Coated Retriever. This breed is also a former hunting dog, who once tracked down pheasants, hares and ducks. The breed was recognised by the FCI in 1954 and in recent years the Flatdoodle breed has been developed with the aim of combining the best features of both breeds in one animal.
What is a Flatdoodle?
The Flatdoodle is an attractive hybrid dog that showcases all of the best features of two devoted canine breeds: the Poodle and the Flat Coated Retriever. These cute pooches are a lot of fun to be around, and they make wonderful family pets.
To figure out if the Flatdoodle would be the right addition to your family, keep reading to learn a few interesting facts about this unique breed.
The Flatdoodle is a cross between a purebred Flat Coated Retriever and Poodle.
Origin
The Flatdoodle is a designer crossbreed whose origins are not entirely clear. This does appear to be a relatively new designer dog breed.
Pedigree
The Flatdoodle is a cross between a purebred Flat Coated Retriever and Poodle.
How easy are Flatdoodle to train?
Flatdoodles are easy to train, as they are quick to respond, gentle, and intelligent. Keep the training sessions short in duration, and make the training fun so that your dog will find it entertaining.
These dogs enjoy learning new things, and they are fast learners. They also have a good memory. Establishing good behavior early on will yield the best results, so start training your puppy as soon as possible. Use positive reinforcement training methods that incorporate the use of praise and rewards.
Diet and Nutrition
Always choose a high quality, canine-specific food to nourish your dog throughout his life. A Flatdoodle can be fed anywhere from 2½ to 3 cups of dry dog food each day, but split this amount up into at least two meals throughout the day. Your dog may need more or less food, depending upon his age, size, and activity level.
You can also incorporate canned dog food into your Flatdoodle’s diet. If you do, cut back on the amount of dry food that you are feeding your dog, as that will prevent unwanted weight gain.
Flatdoodles are easy to train, as they are quick to respond, gentle, and intelligent.
How would you describe the temperament of Flatdoodle?
The Flatdoodle is a smart, active, energetic, and affectionate dog that learns quickly and will be glad to follow your example. These dogs are also social, easygoing, calm, and loving pets, and they can be protective of their family. However, because they crave your attention, you should make sure that you have time to spend with your dog every day. These dogs also do well in homes with children and other pets, and they enjoy spending time both indoors and outside.
Weight
A medium-sized breed, the Flatdoodle weighs between 45 and 70 pounds.
How healthy are Flatdoodle?
As with any other hybrid dog breed, the Flatdoodle may inherit some of the health conditions that commonly affect its parent breeds. However, there really is no way to determine an individual dog’s long-term health, and hybrid dogs don’t always inherit health problems.
Nevertheless, it is good to know that Poodles commonly suffer from conditions like hip dysplasia, sebaceous adenitis, Cushing’s disease, Addison’s disease, and gastric dilatation volvulus.
Also, Flat Coated Retrievers are prone to eye conditions like progressive retinal atrophy and glaucoma, as well as epilepsy and cancer (osteosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, malignant histiocytosis, fibrosarcoma).
How active are Flatdoodle?
You should provide your Flatdoodle with an opportunity to exercise at least once or twice a day. You can go for a walk, jog, or run with your dog, and you can also play with toys outside to keep your dog active.
Ensure your dog has toys to keep him occupied when indoors as well, especially when you will not be home. Then let him outside into your yard, if you have one, so that he can let out his energy and have a bit of fun. Ultimately, a combination of activities that will stimulate both mind and body will be best for the Flatdoodle.
The Flatdoodle is a smart, active, energetic, and affectionate dog that learns quickly.
How long will Flatdoodle live?
The Flatdoodle has an average lifespan of 8 to 12 years.
Recognized Clubs
The Flatdoodle is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, as it is considered to be a hybrid breed.
Coat
Your Flatdoodle’s coat will depend upon whether he has inherited more of the features of the Poodle or the Flat Coated Retriever. The Poodle’s coat is curly, and it can become tangled or matted easily. The Flat Coated Retriever will feature a coat that is medium in length and will usually be straight and flat, but it, too, can become tangled if it is not maintained properly.
Weekly brushings will help maintain the cleanliness and smoothness of your Flatdoodle’s coat. In terms of shedding, the Flatdoodle can be a low shedder like the Poodle or an average shedder like the Flat Coated Retriever.
Puppies
Flatdoodle puppies will be small and delicate, so they should be handled with care. If you have children, teach them how to handle the puppy so that he does not get hurt by accident.
Start training and socializing your puppy from a young age so he will learn the rules of the house, understand that you are the pack leader, and develop a friendly, confident, and social personality.
