Originating in the mid 19th century in England, the Flat-coated Retriever quickly gained its popularity as a gun dog. However, this breed's desire to please its owners, vitality, and confidence makes it a perfect family dog. As loving as they are, Flat-coated Retrievers are good companions to children, though as with any other dog, an adult should always supervise these interactions. Their excellent sense of smell allows them to work as drug-sniffer dogs, while their intelligence and warm disposition make them suitable for guide and therapy dog roles.