Appearance of the Aussie-Flat
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| The Aussie-Flat cross is so new that no appearance standard has been established, and there can be many variations even within the same litter of puppies. These are fairly large dogs, generally between 51 and 61 centimeters in height and weighing between 18 and 34 kilos. The structure of the top of the head is usually relatively flat, although some Aussie-Flats can have a slightly rounded skull. The muzzle, eyes and ears of these hybrids can vary considerably. The muzzle itself can range from the powerful, broad muzzle of the Retriever to the more tapered muzzle of the Australian Shepherd, but the lips should be close to the body rather than pendulous. Both parent breeds have almond-shaped eyes, and this is usually what we see for the hybrid too, and they can come in brown, hazel and blue. Their ears tend to sit high on their heads, but they can fold forward like the Australian Shepherd, or they can hang to the side like the Wirehaired Retriever. Both dogs have somewhat waterproof, medium-length coats that are straight or slightly wavy. The Australian Shepherd, however, has a thick undercoat that is not present in the Flat-Coated Retriever, so the Aussie-Flat may have the double or single coat. |
Temperament of the Aussie-Flat
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| Both parent breeds are highly intelligent and can be trained for many situations, however, they can tend towards stubbornness if their early training has been neglected. They tend to be patient and companionable with children and small animals, and most date strangers. This breed combination tends to be both vocal and talkative, and may try to guide their owners or other family members by the hand. If this behavior is unwanted, it should be treated promptly; if these behavioral traits become ingrained when the dog is young, it can become very difficult to train them. |
Needs and activities of the Aussie-Flat
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| These dogs are generally friendly, alert and intelligent animals that are exceptionally sensitive to their owners. They are generally bred for the qualities that make a good guide dog, and if properly socialized, these dogs should be confident, attentive animals with a keen awareness of their surroundings. Australian Shepherd prey and herding can make an appearance, but are more likely to be moderated by the nature of the flat coat. |
Maintenance of the Aussie-Flat
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| The grooming involved for this particular crossbreed is relatively straightforward, but regular grooming should never be neglected. Bathing is generally an exercise in need, and too frequent a bath can strip these dogs of the oils essential for coating their coats. Both parent breeds shed moderately for most of the year, and will require thorough brushing at least once a week. In spring and autumn, the amount of shedding increases considerably, and brushing sessions should take place several times a week to remove dead hairs and avoid tangles. Although Australians are unlikely to drool in large quantities, Retrievers can sometimes be big droolers. Fortunately, the flat-haired Retriever has no such tendency, and the Aussie-Flat remains a relatively drool-free companion. |
English (United Kingdom)