Flat Coated Retriever breed guide: Care, training, and fun facts
Breed guide overview
About Flat Coated Retrievers
Temperament
Exercise
Grooming
Training
Diet
Health
About the Flat Coated Retriever breed
Flat Coated Retrievers are a beautiful and friendly breed that originated in England. They were developed as retrieving dogs for game shooting and were specifically bred for their ability to retrieve from both land and water. Flat Coats have a distinctive, dense coat that comes in solid black or liver (chocolate) colour.
Weight, height & life expectancy
They have a medium to large build and an average height of 56 to 61 cm for males, and 54 to 59 cm for females.
In terms of weight, they typically weigh between 25 and 36 kg.
The average life expectancy of Flat Coated Retrievers is around 10 to 12 years.
What is the temperament of Flat Coated Retrievers like?
Flat Coated Retrievers are known for their exceptionally friendly and outgoing nature, making them ideal companions for families and individuals alike. Often described as perpetually cheerful and optimistic, they have a playful, almost puppy-like attitude that often lasts well into adulthood. They are affectionate and thrive on forming close bonds with their families, showing loyalty and love to their human companions.
These energetic dogs have a lively disposition and require plenty of physical activity and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. They thrive on human companionship and dislike being left alone for long periods, as they are prone to developing separation anxiety.
Flat Coated Retrievers are generally sociable with other pets and friendly toward strangers, but early socialisation is essential to help them develop proper manners and confidence in new situations. With the right training and care, their gentle and outgoing personality makes them a wonderful addition to active households.
Our Flat Coated Retriever Community
"All my dog's love walks, retrieving and swimming. They are full of life. They love people and other dogs. They continually wag. They like dirty puddles. They are the Peter Pan of the dog world."
Gaode, River and Aggie's owner, Dorothy from Macclesfield
"Drift is a gorgeous flat coated retriever. She is missing her left eye as she was born blind in it...this doesn't slow her down though! She's got a lot of energy and wants to play constantly, she's still learning what's play and what not.."
Drift's owner, Beth from Torquay
How much exercise do Flat Coated Retrievers need?
Flat Coated Retrievers are an active and energetic breed that thrives on regular physical and mental stimulation. They require at least 1.5 to 2 hours of exercise every day to maintain their physical health and prevent boredom. This can include brisk walks, jogging, running in a secure, fenced area, or engaging in games like fetch or tug-of-war.
Flat Coated Retrievers are natural water lovers, so activities like swimming are particularly enjoyable for them and provide excellent low-impact exercise. They also excel in dog sports such as agility, obedience, or rally, which combine physical activity with mental challenges.
Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise for this intelligent breed. Incorporate puzzle toys, interactive games, and training sessions into their routine to keep their minds sharp and engaged. Without sufficient exercise and stimulation, they may develop destructive behaviors due to pent-up energy or boredom.
Puppies also need exercise, but their exercise needs differ from adult dogs. As growing puppies, their bones and joints are still developing, so it's important to avoid excessive high-impact exercise that could potentially harm their growth plates. Flat Coated Retrievers can reach full exercise levels at an adult level around 18 months of age, but it's always best to consult with your vet for specific guidance based on your puppy's development.
Do Flat Coated Retrievers need a lot of grooming?
Flat Coated Retrievers have a dense, medium-length, waterproof coat that requires regular grooming to keep it in the best condition. While their grooming needs are moderate compared to some long-haired breeds, maintaining their coat is essential to prevent tangles, matting, and excessive shedding.
Their coat should be brushed at least 2 to 3 times a week using a slicker brush or pin brush to remove loose hair and dirt. Regular brushing not only helps maintain their coat’s health and shine but also reduces the amount of hair shed around the home. During seasonal shedding periods, which occur in spring and autumn, more frequent brushing may be necessary to manage the increased shedding.
Like any dog, regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste twice daily is ideal. If you can’t manage that often, just do it as often as you can.
Are Flat Coated Retrievers easy to train?
Flat Coated Retrievers are intelligent, enthusiastic, and eager to please, making them generally easy to train. Their natural desire to work and learn creates a positive and rewarding training experience for both the dog and the owner. This breed thrives when given tasks or challenges, as they enjoy mental stimulation just as much as physical activity.
However, Flat Coated Retrievers can sometimes exhibit an independent streak or playful stubbornness, so consistent, patient training methods are important. Positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats, praise, and play, work best to keep them motivated and engaged.
Early socialisation and puppy training classes are highly recommended for Flat Coated Retrievers to ensure they grow up to be well-rounded and well-behaved dogs.
Obedience training, teaching basic commands, and providing mental stimulation through games, puzzles, and interactive toys are all beneficial for their development.
What do Flat Coated Retrievers eat?
A nutritious and well-balanced diet is important for the overall health and vitality of Flat Coats. Feed them high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their age, size, and activity level.
The amount of food will depend on factors such as their age, metabolism, and exercise levels. It's best to follow the feeding guidelines provided by the food manufacturer and adjust the portions as needed to maintain a healthy body weight. Most of them do well being fed twice daily.
When it comes to feeding Flat Coated Retriever puppies, they have specific dietary needs to support their growth and development. They should be fed a puppy-specific diet formulated for large breed puppies until they reach around 12 to 18 months of age.
These diets are specially designed to provide the right balance of nutrients to support their bone and muscle development. Puppies should be fed 3-4 times daily until 6 months old, when this can be reduced to twice daily.
Consult with your vet for specific dietary recommendations for your Flat Coated Retriever puppy.
Are Flat Coated Retrievers healthy?
Flat Coated Retrievers are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues. Some of the common health concerns in Flat Coated Retrievers include:
Bones and Joints
Hip Dysplasia - a condition where the thigh bone and pelvis do not sit together properly at the hip joint, which can lead to discomfort and arthritis
Elbow Dysplasia - this condition is where there is an issue with how the bones fit together at the elbow joint
Cancer - Flat Coated Retrievers have a higher risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as hemangiosarcoma and osteosarcoma
Eyes
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) - this is when the retina of the eye breaks down, leading to blindness
Neurological
Epilepsy - A condition of the brain that causes dogs to have fits
This list is by no means comprehensive if you have any concerns about the health of your dog, or if you want to discuss further if a Flat Coat Retriever is right for you, consult with your vet.
Vet top tip
Flat Coated Retrievers are prone to joint issues like hip and elbow dysplasia. To support their long-term health, maintain a healthy weight with a balanced diet and provide age-appropriate exercise to avoid putting undue stress on their joints.
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Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog’s health contact your local vet.
