Flat-Coated Retriever
The Flat-Coated Retriever is a friendly and active breed that excels at retrieving both on land and in water. They have a glossy black or liver coat and a wagging tail that never stops.


Flat-Coated Retriever Breed overview
The Flat-Coated Retriever is a friendly, energetic, and intelligent breed that makes for a loyal, affectionate, and playful companion. They are particularly great with children and enjoy participating in outdoor activities with their family. They have a lot of stamina and need plenty of exercise to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Although they are quite trainable, they do need early socialization to prevent any negative behavioral issues. They also thrive on companionship and prefer to be with their owners, making them ideal pets for active families willing to include them in all their daily activities. Overall, they are great versatile dogs that excel in many areas, including retrieving, hunting, agility, dog sports, and getting along with people and other dogs alike.
What To Expect When Caring For a Flat-Coated Retriever
Health
Flat-Coated Retrievers are generally a healthy breed with a life expectancy of around 10-12 years.
They can be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, cancer, and eye problems, so it’s important to get them regularly checked by a veterinarian.
In addition, they may be susceptible to certain genetic diseases, so it’s important to get them from a reputable breeder.
Exercise
Flat-Coated Retrievers are a very active breed that require at least one to two hours of exercise every day.
They love to swim, run, and retrieve, so plenty of opportunities for these activities are important for their physical and mental well-being.
They make great companions for active individuals or families who enjoy the outdoors.
Nutrition
Flat-Coated Retrievers require a high-quality, balanced diet that is appropriate for their age, size, and activity level.
They are a large breed with a high metabolism, so it’s important to feed them a diet that is rich in protein and high in calories.
It’s also important to monitor their calorie intake and keep them at a healthy weight to avoid obesity and related health problems.
Grooming
Flat-Coated Retrievers have a thick, glossy coat that requires moderate to high maintenance.
They should be brushed two to three times a week to prevent matting and tangles, and their ears and teeth should be kept clean.
They may require occasional bathing, especially if they have been swimming or gotten dirty.
Training
Flat-Coated Retrievers are a highly intelligent breed that loves to work.
They are eager to please their owners and respond well to positive reinforcement training techniques.
Training should be started early and socialization with other people and animals is important.
They can be stubborn at times, so consistency and patience are key to successful training.
Open your heart and home to a furry friend eagerly waiting to become your loyal life companion. By choosing to adopt, you are giving a deserving dog a second chance at happiness and supporting the fight against pet overpopulation.
Flat-Coated Retriever Traits & Characteristics
The Flat-Coated Retriever has a distinctive head and a broad, long muzzle. They have a straight, dense and glossy coat of black or liver.
They are a medium to large breed with a height range of 22 to 24.5 inches for males and 22 to 23.5 inches for females.
They are intelligent, confident, and outgoing in nature and can sometimes be too friendly, which makes them unsuccessful as watchdogs or guard dogs.
The breed has a tendency to be stubborn, so it is important to start training early. Overall, they are easy to train and love to learn.
Affection
The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.
The Flat-Coated Retriever is known for their love and affection towards their human families. They are very social dogs and enjoy being close to their owners. They are playful and will happily cuddle on the couch with their family. This breed is especially good with children and loves to play and interact with them.
Children
How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.
Flat-Coated Retrievers are great with children, they are playful and have a lot of energy to burn, which makes them perfect companions for kids. They are very tolerant and patient. Being very social, they love to be part of all family activities and will get involved in helping children with their games.
Dogs
The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.
Flat-Coated Retrievers are sociable and generally friendly with other dogs. They love to play and make new friends but they can be a bit boisterous. Early training and socialization are important to prevent them from becoming too dominant with other dogs when not directed accordingly.
Strangers
The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.
Flat-Coated Retrievers are generally friendly with strangers, but being highly social dogs, they are always eager to make new friends. They don't tend to display any aggressive behavior towards strangers and as long as they are properly trained and socialized, they're more than happy to engage and play with them.
Playfulness
The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.
Flat-Coated Retrievers are energetic and playful dogs, they love to have fun and their playfulness is contagious. They are great companions for active families willing to participate in their games and activities. They love to play fetch, swim and run around the park.
Alertness
The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs
Flat-Coated Retrievers are alert and attentive dogs, which makes them good watchdogs. However, they are not known for their guarding or territorial abilities. They are more inclined to welcome visitors than to defend a property or protect their owners.
Adaptability
The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.
Flat-Coated Retrievers love to be close to their owners and thrive on attention. However, they also have an independent streak, which allows them to adapt to different environments and situations. They are generally adaptable, but they need enough socialization from a young age to prevent them from becoming too shy or timid.
Shedding
The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.
Flat-Coated Retrievers have a thick and lustrous coat that requires regular grooming and maintenance. They do shed a fair amount, especially during shedding season, so regular brushing is advisable to keep their coat healthy and shiny. They are generally not hypoallergenic dogs.
Grooming
The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.
Flat-Coated Retrievers require regular grooming and maintenance to keep their coat healthy and shiny. Their coat is rather long, thick and wavy, so it needs to be brushed and combed regularly to prevent matting and tangling. They also need to be bathed and trimmed from time to time
Drooling
The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.
Flat-Coated Retrievers are not known for their excessive drooling. As with most medium-sized active dogs, they tend to keep a dry-mouthed and clean look.
Size
The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.
Flat-Coated Retrievers are medium-sized dogs, with an average weight of 60-80 pounds and a height of 22-24 inches. They are dignified, well-muscled, and agile, built for strength, endurance, and activity. Their dark, wiry, and glossy coat gives them a distinct look.
Energy
The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.
Flat-Coated Retrievers have a lot of energy and need plenty of exercise to keep them happy and healthy. They need to have daily walks, runs and play sessions in combined with other outdoor activities. They are particularly good at swimming and fetching. A more sedentary lifestyle may result in boredom and destructive behavior.
Exercise
The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Flat-Coated Retrievers are active dogs that need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy. They need daily walks, runs, and play sessions to burn off energy and prevent boredom. Activities such as swimming, agility, or obedience training can also provide the mental and physical stimulation they need.
Working
The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.
Flat-Coated Retrievers are talented working dogs that can perform many tasks, such as retrieving, hunting, agility, and obedience competitions. They also excel in providing assistance to people with disabilities. They are very capable and willing learners, plus they enjoy working closely with their owners.
Hunting
The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.
Flat-Coated Retrievers are known for their superb hunting skills. They have an innate need to retrieve things, and they are great waterfowl retrievers. Dog owners usually use them to retrieve the hunted birds. They also enjoy playing with toys and balls, making them a great hunting companion for any hunting enthusiast.
Vigor
The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.
Flat-Coated Retrievers are high-energy dogs that have a lot of stamina and can keep going for hours. They have a natural talent for running, jumping, swimming, and other outdoor activities. They are intelligent and highly trainable, making them great partners for any outdoor activity.
Health
The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.
Flat-Coated Retrievers are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they are prone to some health issues such as cancer, hip dysplasia, and epilepsy. Regular check-ups at the vet can prevent any issues from becoming serious.
Obesity
The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.
Flat-Coated Retrievers are active dogs that tend not to get overweight easily, but they do love their food. A healthy diet and enough exercise should be enough to keep them in good shape. Regular check-ups with the vet can help to monitor their weight and overall health.
Cold
The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.
Flat-Coated Retrievers can tolerate colder temperatures, but they do better living in moderate climates. Their thick undercoat provides insulation and protection from the cold, but extreme weather conditions should be avoided to prevent hypothermia or other unwanted health conditions.
Heat
The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.
Flat-Coated Retrievers can tolerate hotter temperatures. However, they should have access to shade and fresh water to avoid heat exhaustion. They are built for outdoor activities, but excessive heat exposure can be harmful to their health.
Apartment
The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.
Flat-Coated Retrievers are active dogs and may not be suitable for apartment life. They need plenty of exercise and outdoor activities to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. They prefer to live in a house with a yard where they can run around and play safely.
Wanderlust
The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.
Flat-Coated Retrievers are highly social dogs that love to be around people, so they might tend to follow you around. However, they are not prone to wandering off too far away from their owners. Training, supervision and socialization from a young age can help to prevent any runaway tendencies.
Sensitivity
The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.
Flat-Coated Retrievers are sensitive dogs that respond well to positive reinforcement and training methods based on empathy. You should avoid using harsh words or actions as they tend to respond best to praise and smiles. They also tend to avoid conflict and may become anxious or distressed in confrontational situations.
Separation
The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.
Flat-Coated Retrievers thrive on companionship and social interaction, they may become anxious and destructive if they are left alone for long periods of time. They need to be socialized to enjoy time alone, but they generally prefer to be with their owners.
Barking
The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.
Flat-Coated Retrievers are vocal dogs, but not excessive barkers. They tend to bark when something catches their attention, but they are not known for barking uncontrollably. Early training can help avoid any compulsive barking tendencies.
Mental
The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.
Flat-Coated Retrievers are fast learners with an excellent memory, which makes them ideal for retrieving and other activities. They need a combination of physical and mental stimulation, intelligent toys or even agility and obedience training can provide them with enough mental exercise.
Novice_owners
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Flat-Coated Retrievers are perfect for first-time dog owners due to their calm, loving and forgiving personalities. They are cooperative learners and are capable of participating in dog sports and other activities targeted towards dog owners. However, they do need enough socialization and exercise to prevent any behavioral issues.
Trainability
The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.
Flat-Coated Retrievers are highly trainable dogs, they love to please their owners and can learn a variety of tricks and commands. They are intelligent, obedient and willing to learn new things. Training should start from an early age to prevent them from picking up any bad habits.
Affection
The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.
The Flat-Coated Retriever is known for their love and affection towards their human families. They are very social dogs and enjoy being close to their owners. They are playful and will happily cuddle on the couch with their family. This breed is especially good with children and loves to play and interact with them.
Children
How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.
Flat-Coated Retrievers are great with children, they are playful and have a lot of energy to burn, which makes them perfect companions for kids. They are very tolerant and patient. Being very social, they love to be part of all family activities and will get involved in helping children with their games.
Dogs
The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.
Flat-Coated Retrievers are sociable and generally friendly with other dogs. They love to play and make new friends but they can be a bit boisterous. Early training and socialization are important to prevent them from becoming too dominant with other dogs when not directed accordingly.
Strangers
The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.
Flat-Coated Retrievers are generally friendly with strangers, but being highly social dogs, they are always eager to make new friends. They don't tend to display any aggressive behavior towards strangers and as long as they are properly trained and socialized, they're more than happy to engage and play with them.
Playfulness
The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.
Flat-Coated Retrievers are energetic and playful dogs, they love to have fun and their playfulness is contagious. They are great companions for active families willing to participate in their games and activities. They love to play fetch, swim and run around the park.
Alertness
The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs
Flat-Coated Retrievers are alert and attentive dogs, which makes them good watchdogs. However, they are not known for their guarding or territorial abilities. They are more inclined to welcome visitors than to defend a property or protect their owners.
Adaptability
The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.
Flat-Coated Retrievers love to be close to their owners and thrive on attention. However, they also have an independent streak, which allows them to adapt to different environments and situations. They are generally adaptable, but they need enough socialization from a young age to prevent them from becoming too shy or timid.
Shedding
The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.
Flat-Coated Retrievers have a thick and lustrous coat that requires regular grooming and maintenance. They do shed a fair amount, especially during shedding season, so regular brushing is advisable to keep their coat healthy and shiny. They are generally not hypoallergenic dogs.
Grooming
The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.
Flat-Coated Retrievers require regular grooming and maintenance to keep their coat healthy and shiny. Their coat is rather long, thick and wavy, so it needs to be brushed and combed regularly to prevent matting and tangling. They also need to be bathed and trimmed from time to time
Drooling
The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.
Flat-Coated Retrievers are not known for their excessive drooling. As with most medium-sized active dogs, they tend to keep a dry-mouthed and clean look.
Size
The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.
Flat-Coated Retrievers are medium-sized dogs, with an average weight of 60-80 pounds and a height of 22-24 inches. They are dignified, well-muscled, and agile, built for strength, endurance, and activity. Their dark, wiry, and glossy coat gives them a distinct look.
Energy
The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.
Flat-Coated Retrievers have a lot of energy and need plenty of exercise to keep them happy and healthy. They need to have daily walks, runs and play sessions in combined with other outdoor activities. They are particularly good at swimming and fetching. A more sedentary lifestyle may result in boredom and destructive behavior.
Exercise
The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Flat-Coated Retrievers are active dogs that need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy. They need daily walks, runs, and play sessions to burn off energy and prevent boredom. Activities such as swimming, agility, or obedience training can also provide the mental and physical stimulation they need.
Working
The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.
Flat-Coated Retrievers are talented working dogs that can perform many tasks, such as retrieving, hunting, agility, and obedience competitions. They also excel in providing assistance to people with disabilities. They are very capable and willing learners, plus they enjoy working closely with their owners.
Hunting
The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.
Flat-Coated Retrievers are known for their superb hunting skills. They have an innate need to retrieve things, and they are great waterfowl retrievers. Dog owners usually use them to retrieve the hunted birds. They also enjoy playing with toys and balls, making them a great hunting companion for any hunting enthusiast.
Vigor
The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.
Flat-Coated Retrievers are high-energy dogs that have a lot of stamina and can keep going for hours. They have a natural talent for running, jumping, swimming, and other outdoor activities. They are intelligent and highly trainable, making them great partners for any outdoor activity.
Health
The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.
Flat-Coated Retrievers are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they are prone to some health issues such as cancer, hip dysplasia, and epilepsy. Regular check-ups at the vet can prevent any issues from becoming serious.
Obesity
The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.
Flat-Coated Retrievers are active dogs that tend not to get overweight easily, but they do love their food. A healthy diet and enough exercise should be enough to keep them in good shape. Regular check-ups with the vet can help to monitor their weight and overall health.
Cold
The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.
Flat-Coated Retrievers can tolerate colder temperatures, but they do better living in moderate climates. Their thick undercoat provides insulation and protection from the cold, but extreme weather conditions should be avoided to prevent hypothermia or other unwanted health conditions.
Heat
The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.
Flat-Coated Retrievers can tolerate hotter temperatures. However, they should have access to shade and fresh water to avoid heat exhaustion. They are built for outdoor activities, but excessive heat exposure can be harmful to their health.
Apartment
The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.
Flat-Coated Retrievers are active dogs and may not be suitable for apartment life. They need plenty of exercise and outdoor activities to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. They prefer to live in a house with a yard where they can run around and play safely.
Wanderlust
The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.
Flat-Coated Retrievers are highly social dogs that love to be around people, so they might tend to follow you around. However, they are not prone to wandering off too far away from their owners. Training, supervision and socialization from a young age can help to prevent any runaway tendencies.
Sensitivity
The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.
Flat-Coated Retrievers are sensitive dogs that respond well to positive reinforcement and training methods based on empathy. You should avoid using harsh words or actions as they tend to respond best to praise and smiles. They also tend to avoid conflict and may become anxious or distressed in confrontational situations.
Separation
The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.
Flat-Coated Retrievers thrive on companionship and social interaction, they may become anxious and destructive if they are left alone for long periods of time. They need to be socialized to enjoy time alone, but they generally prefer to be with their owners.
Barking
The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.
Flat-Coated Retrievers are vocal dogs, but not excessive barkers. They tend to bark when something catches their attention, but they are not known for barking uncontrollably. Early training can help avoid any compulsive barking tendencies.
Mental
The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.
Flat-Coated Retrievers are fast learners with an excellent memory, which makes them ideal for retrieving and other activities. They need a combination of physical and mental stimulation, intelligent toys or even agility and obedience training can provide them with enough mental exercise.
Novice_owners
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Flat-Coated Retrievers are perfect for first-time dog owners due to their calm, loving and forgiving personalities. They are cooperative learners and are capable of participating in dog sports and other activities targeted towards dog owners. However, they do need enough socialization and exercise to prevent any behavioral issues.
Trainability
The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.
Flat-Coated Retrievers are highly trainable dogs, they love to please their owners and can learn a variety of tricks and commands. They are intelligent, obedient and willing to learn new things. Training should start from an early age to prevent them from picking up any bad habits.
Similar breeds

History of the Flat-Coated Retriever
The breed was originally developed in England in the mid-19th century for the purpose of retrieving game for hunters.
It is believed that they were developed by crossing various retriever breeds such as the St. John’s Water Dog, the Irish Setter, the Newfoundland and the Collie.
The breed quickly gained popularity for their excellent retrieving skills and their ability to work both on land and in water.

Flat-Coated Retriever Puppies
Flat-Coated Retriever puppies are energetic, playful and full of life
Like all puppies, they require a lot of attention, socialization, and training to grow up into well-behaved adults.
With consistent training and plenty of exercise, they grow into confident and well-adjusted adult dogs.