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An excellent bird dog and swimmer, the Flat-Coated Retriever has a friendly personality and ever-wagging tail, making him an outstanding family pet. This intelligent, gentle breed is easily trained. The Flat-Coated Retriever has a puppy-like exuberance throughout his life. An active breed, he needs vigorous daily exercise and minimal grooming for his feathered coat.
DID YOU KNOW? The Flat-Coated Retriever’s ancestors include the Newfoundland, English Setter, as well as sheepdogs and spaniel-like water dogs. A fairly popular breed prior to World War I, the Flat-Coated Retriever was overtaken in popularity by the Labrador and Golden Retrievers.
| Lifespan: | 8 – 14 years |
| Weight: | 27-36kg for males and 25-32kg for females |
| Height: | 58-61cm for males and 56-58cm for females |
| Colours: | Black or liver |
| Size: | Large |
| UK Kennel Club Groups: | Gundog |
| Family-friendly: | 5/5 |
| Exercise needs: | 5/5 |
| Easy to train: | 4/5 |
| Tolerates being alone: | 1/5 |
| Likes other pets: | 5/5 |
| Energy level: | 5/5 |
| Grooming needs: | 3/5 |
| Shedding: | 3/5 |
Kindly, lively yet gentle, the Flat Coated Retriever is less prone to the rather over-enthusiastic and potentially boisterous nature that some other retrievers are known for! Slow to mature and rather sensitive in nature, the Flat Coat is even-tempered and highly adaptable. A good family dog with the right training and an understanding home, the Flattie will enjoy accompanying family on long walks and taking part in training, and competitive dog sports. Snuggling up on the sofa is also a popular activity for the well-exercised Flat Coated Retriever!
Country of Origin: England
In the 1800’s landowners and the sporting nobility of Great Britain were heavily focused on producing recognisable types of working dogs with a specific job. In the Flat Coated Retriever’s case, their only purpose was to pick up and retrieve shot game, accurately and without damaging the flesh. Developed from the Lesser Newfoundland as a land retriever, they were further refined into an excellent water and land retriever and became much favoured by gamekeepers. The ‘Flattie’ is also well able to flush game from cover and hunt where necessary. First established by Mr. J Hull in 1864, the breed was extremely popular until the creation of the Golden Retriever, and two World Wars also took their toll on numbers. Now rising in popularity again as a pet and competition dog, the Flattie is an intelligent yet gentle breed and makes a delightful companion in the right home.
For the Flat Coated Retriever, the most concerning breed-related problem is a high predisposition to some certain types of aggressive dog cancers. As with many breeds, they can also suffer from various hereditary eye disorders, and hip dysplasia (a condition that can lead to mobility problems). Eye testing and hip scoring of dogs prior to breeding is therefore important. Visit the Kennel Club website and the breed club for the most up to date health information.
Two hours of dog exercise a day is the bare minimum for the Flat Coated Retriever. This tireless worker is easily capable of long-distance walks, running, swimming and following scents. Keen to join in any activity, the Flattie is happiest when working with their person, at whatever activity is offered. A variety of walking routes and opportunities to swim would be ideal. Taking part in canine sports or pet gun dog training are all good outlets for a Flat Coat’s energy!
A secure garden is important, but the Flat Coat does not require a vast amount of space. Room to sprawl out and relax after a hard days walking or swimming, space to dry off after exercise and a comfy sofa to snuggle on will be all that’s necessary. As long as you can meet their need for countryside exercise, the Flat Coat will be happy housed almost anywhere, however keep in mind that noisy, bustling and busy locations will likely cause stress in any breed and this is very much the case for the sensitive Flat Coat.
Large breed dogs, as well as having large appetites, benefit from a different balance of nutrients including minerals and vitamins compared to smaller-breed dogs. The Flat Coated Retrievers are prone to bloating and stomach problems; smaller, more frequent meals can help minimise this risk. Discover more about how to offer your dog a balanced diet with our easy-to-follow guide.
Flat Coated Retrievers require daily brushing to maintain their coats. Particular attention should be paid to the feathers, which may collect debris, and their feet should be checked for dried mud or other foreign matter. Find out more about dog grooming and daily care with our article.
The Flat Coated Retriever will enjoy dog training with a patient, highly motivating trainer. Plenty of food and toys as rewards, plus the opportunity to tug, retrieve and follow scent will get the Flattie on-side. Beware however, the Flattie is easily bored and surprisingly sensitive, so keep training rewarding, fun and engaging, and provide variety as the Flat Coat can switch off easily and decide ‘not today thanks’ if things become too repetitive.
The Flat Coated Retriever is a sensitive breed and slow to mature, meaning puppies need careful raising in a quiet, steady environment. This plus the time and exercise requirements for adults means that they are better suited to a home with older children or teenagers, rather than a young family with very small children. Older children and teens who enjoy long walks and dog training will find the Flat Coat a loyal, gentle and loving companion.
While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with each other and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.
