Get to know Islay
Flatcoated Retriever, 12 years old
My favourite thing about Islay is...
Islay is the most biddable of Flatcoats and desperate to please - biddability, drive and a soft mouth are what I look for in a good gundog and she's all of these. When her breeder brought her over from Germany, I met them in a field and played with Islay and her mum for half an hour. I then simply said "heel" and she left her mother and breeder and came with me. Like she knew she was home.
The biggest challenge with Islay is...
At 12 years old and now spayed to prevent her getting pyometra my challenge with Islay is getting her motivated to go walking and to lose weight! I switched her to PRO PLAN OptiAge and was surprised at the difference it made - she had been on a heavy meat content diet. She is much more focussed, wants to come out and she's in great shape. I am truly a convert!
The most surprising thing about owning a Flatcoated Retriever is...
Nothing surprises me about Flatcoats! They love human company, they don't like being alone, they love variety - a different walk, new games to play or just a new treat. They're interested dogs - in gardening, painting, cooking...you name it, they're right alongside looking to get involved! You have to have time for a Flatcoat because they have loads of time for you!
What I wish I’d known about Flatcoated Retrievers is...
Health, health, health. Do your research if you decide on a Flatcoat pup - how old were the grandparents and great grandparents when they died? What did they die of? Is there a history or pattern of disease that you can see? And always get a pup from a good breeder with KC papers and health tests for the parents. Go and meet some Flatcoats before you decide on one!
Did you know?
Flatcoats are known amongst fans as the ‘Peter Pan’ breed due to their slow maturing, puppy-like behaviour that extends well into adulthood and even old age.
