The Smooth Coat Retriever is a versatile dog that makes a great family companion, hunting dog, retriever, and is a healthy, independent breed. The smooth-coated retriever was registered with the AKC in 1915, and by 1918 the popularity of the dog had been surpassed by the modern Labrador. During World War II, the breed's registered numbers had dwindled to the point of near extinction, and it wasn't until the 1960s that the smooth-coated retriever's reserves were largely built up.

1. Characteristics of smooth-coated retrievers

(1) Appearance characteristics

【Physical Characteristics】

The ideal adult dog is 23 inches to 24.5 inches in height at the shoulder, and the dog is an adult. Bitches are 22 inches to 23.5 inches tall at the withers. The smooth-coated retriever has a harmonious body and is able to work in a tough environment, and this breed is lean and has no excess weight. The smooth-coated retriever is well-proportioned, slightly longer than the height at the withers, and slightly longer in females.

【Head Features】

The smooth-coated retriever has a long, well-groomed head with a good sense of size and strength. There is enough power at work to catch the prey, and the head and muzzle are cast in one piece. The head is of medium width and relatively flat. The eyes are spaced apart, medium in size, almond-shaped, dark brown or hazel in color, with eye rims the same color as the eyes. The ears are relatively small and well placed, close to the head and in a medium position. The smooth-haired retriever has a large nose with open nostrils and a black nose. The smooth-haired retriever has fairly tight lips and a good bite. The jaws are long and powerful, with a scissors bite.

[Trunk Characteristics]

The smooth-coated retriever has a strong neck with a slight arch, giving it the strength a retriever needs. The neck is of moderate length, without dewlap, and the coat on the neck should not be trimmed. Topline level, chest deep, extending well to the elbows, of moderate breadth, with a slight prominence in the forechest. Ribs are deep with plenty of room. The front ribs are relatively flat and gradually propped up. The lower abdominal curve is deep, the chest is narrow, and there is a moderate lift. The waist is strong and muscular. The tail is relatively straight, well set, not curled, and drooping naturally.

【Coat Characteristics】

The smooth-coated retriever has a medium length coat with full, lustrous coat covering the entire body, ideally a straight coat lie flat on the skin. A little wavy is okay, but definitely not curly. The density and length of the coat are suitable for protection in a variety of climatic conditions, with thick feathering on the ears, fore and hind legs, thighs, and under the tail. The hair color is solid black or solid liver, yellow, cheese and other non-liver colors are not good.

(2)Characteristics

The smooth-coated retriever has a friendly temperament, is not prone to irritability, and is a working dog with good hunting skills. In family life, it is also a cute and sensitive family pet dog, with strong recognition ability, a smart brain and an optimistic and confident attitude. There is generally no unprovoked aggression towards humans, nor excessive tension and excitement.