Flat-Coated Retriever

also known as Flatcoat, Flattie, Flatte

Pros History


The Flat-Coated Retriever is a large, athletic, and elegant breed with a rich history dating back to the 19th century in England. The breed was developed by crossing various retrieving breeds, such as the St. John's Water Dog, the Newfoundland, and the setter, in order to create a versatile hunting dog that could retrieve game from both land and water.

The breed's name, Flat-Coated Retriever, is a reference to the breed's unique and distinct coat. The breed is known for its shiny, jet-black coat, which is thick and straight, giving it a sleek and streamlined appearance.

The Flat-Coated Retriever was first registered with the Kennel Club of England in 1873, and later with the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1884. They are also recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC).

The breed is known for its intelligence, eagerness to please, and outgoing personality. They are excellent family dogs, known for their loyalty and affection towards their owners. They are also highly skilled working dogs, known for their versatility and ability to excel in various roles such as hunting, tracking, search and rescue, and as a therapy dog. They are large and athletic dogs, weighing between 60-90 pounds and standing between 22-24 inches tall.

During World War I and II, the Flat-Coated Retriever population was greatly affected, as many of the breeding dogs were used for military service or were killed during the war. This led to a decline in the breed's population and it took a long time for the breed to recover.

In the early 20th century, the breed became popular in America and in Europe, and it was used as a rescue and service dog during the war. Today, the Flat-Coated Retriever continues to be a popular breed and it is known for its versatility and trainability. They have a strong instinct to retrieve and are known to have a good nose, making them suitable for hunting and tracking.

Breed Information


Type

Is Flat-Coated Retriever a purebred?

Purebred

Pronunciation

How do you pronounce the Flat-Coated Retriever name? How do you say Flat-Coated Retrievers?

flat koh-tid ri-tree-ver

Purpose

What were Flat-Coated Retrievers originally used for?

water retrieving

Lifespan

How Long Do Flat-Coated Retrievers Live? What is average life expectancy for a Flat-Coated Retriever? How long can Flat-Coated Retrievers live?

10-13 years

The average Flat-Coated Retriever lifespan is somewhere between 10-13 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Flat-Coated Retriever Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Flat-Coated Retriever?

What is the average height of a Flat-Coated Retriever? How big is a Purebred Flat-Coated Retriever height? Flat-Coated Retriever dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 23-24 inches (58.4 - 61 cm) 17.0 inches (43.2 cm) 21.5 inches (54.6 cm) 23.5 inches (59.7 cm)
Female 22-23 inches (55.9 - 58.4 cm) 16.0 inches (40.6 cm) 20.0 inches (50.8 cm) 22.5 inches (57.2 cm)
What is the average weight of a Flat-Coated Retriever? How much should Flat-Coated Retrievers weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 60-80 pounds (27 - 36 kg) 30.0 pounds (14 kg) 57.5 pounds (26 kg) 70.0 pounds (32 kg)
Female 60-80 pounds (27 - 36 kg) 30.0 pounds (14 kg) 52.5 pounds (24 kg) 70.0 pounds (32 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Flat-Coated Retrievers get fat easily?

The Flat-Coated Retriever is a breed that has an average to high tendency to gain weight if their weight is not closely monitored. It is important to maintain a balance between exercise and food intake to keep them at a healthy weight. This can be achieved by scheduling at least one daily walk and engaging in regular playtime with them.

Hypoallergenic

Are Flat-Coated Retrievers Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Flat-Coated Retriever is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Flat-Coated Retriever personality? What are Flat-Coated Retriever dogs best known for?

Friendly
Devoted
Outgoing
Confident
Optimistic
Intelligent

Shedding Level

Are Flat-Coated Retrievers heavy shedders? How Much Does a Flat-Coated Retriever Shed?

Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Flat-Coated Retriever. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Flat-Coated Retriever dog?

The Flat-Coated Retriever dog is one of the best choice if you want a good watchdog. This breed will keep watch over you and your family at all times. This breed takes this task seriously and will typically perform its guarding duty with little to no training. This dog will require obedience training, or you can consider guard dog training to sharpen its skills.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Flat-Coated Retrievers come from?

England

Ancestry

What are Flat-Coated Retrievers descended from?

retriever, newfoundland water dog

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Flat-Coated Retriever breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry

Date of Birth

When were Flat-Coated Retrievers first bred? How old is the Flat-Coated Retriever breed?

1800s

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Flat-Coated Retriever?

Sporting (AKC:1909)
Gun Dogs (UKC)

Flat-Coated Retriever Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Flat-Coated Retriever eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Flat-Coated Retriever nose be naturally?

Black
Brown

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Flat-Coated Retriever coat be naturally?

Black
Brown

Coat Length

How long is a Flat-Coated Retrievers coat?

The coat of a Flat-Coated Retriever falls in the medium length category.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Flat-Coated Retriever Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Flat-Coated Retriever?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Flat-Coated Retriever have in a litter? How many puppies can a Flat-Coated Retriever have in her first litter?

10-13 puppies per pregnancy

A Flat-Coated Retriever can have a litter of 10-13 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Flat-Coated Retrievers are known for their adaptability and versatility, they are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments. They are a highly adaptable breed, and make great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Flat-Coated Retriever Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Flat-Coated Retrievers have a lot of health problems?

The Flat-Coated Retriever is a very healthy breed, with little need for frequent vet visits. However, it's important to keep an eye on their health and have them checked by a veterinarian when needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Flat-Coated Retriever?

Hip Dysplasia
Bloat
Cancer

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Flat-Coated Retrievers?

Distichiasis
Glaucoma
Histiocytosis

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Flat-Coated Retriever breed?

Eye
Hip
Blood Test
Physical Examination

Flat-Coated Retriever Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Flat-Coated Retrievers have a lot of energy?

Flat-Coated Retrievers are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.

Social Needs

Do Flat-Coated Retrievers need socialization? How social are Flat-Coated Retrievers?

Flat-Coated Retrievers have average social needs compared to other breeds. They are known to be less active and independent than other breeds, and they are content with spending time alone and with their human family.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Flat-Coated Retrievers get?

The Flat-Coated Retriever needs a high level of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They also make great companions for people who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy running, hiking or other outdoor activities. These breeds are not suitable for people with sedentary lifestyle or those who live in small apartments

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Flat-Coated Retriever have? Do Flat-Coated Retrievers sleep a lot?

Flat-Coated Retrievers are active dogs that don't require as much sleep as other breeds. However, they still need enough sleep to stay healthy.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Flat-Coated Retriever drool a lot?

The Flat-Coated Retriever is a dog that is known for its low drooling tendency. If you dislike drool marks on your clothing, the Flat-Coated Retriever could be a suitable choice for you.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Flat-Coated Retrievers tend to bark moderately, they bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or to communicate something. They may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Territorial

Do Flat-Coated Retrievers exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are known for being average at defending. They possess the capability to defend their territory or owners, but it is not their primary trait. They are not the best choice for guard dogs

Mouthiness

Are Flat-Coated Retrievers mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Flat-Coated Retriever running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Flat-Coated Retriever dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Flat-Coated Retrievers enjoy doing? How do I keep my Flat-Coated Retriever busy?

Chase, Play, Catch treats, Walk

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Flat-Coated Retriever? How much energy does a Flat-Coated Retriever have?

Medium

Flat-Coated Retrievers are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Flat-Coated Retriever walk each week? How many miles should a Flat-Coated Retriever walk every week?

10 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Flat-Coated Retriever, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Flat-Coated Retriever should exercise a day? How much activity does a Flat-Coated Retriever need?

60 minutes

In general most Flat-Coated Retrievers usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Flat-Coated Retriever?

The Flat-Coated Retriever is a breed of dog that is known for its low grooming needs.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Flat-Coated Retriever?

Weekly

Flat-Coated Retriever should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Flat-Coated Retrievers?

Pin Brush
Dematter
Comb
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Flat-Coated Retriever eat?

3.2 cups

For an average 60-80 pound (27 - 36 kg) Flat-Coated Retriever feed 3.2 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Flat-Coated Retriever Cost Daily?

$2.10 - $2.70 / day

The average cost of a Flat-Coated Retriever is somewhere $2.10 - $2.70 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Flat-Coated Retriever Cost Per Month?

$55 - $73 / month

The average per month expenses of a Flat-Coated Retriever is between $55 - $73. This makes an average of $660 - $876 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Flat-Coated Retriever Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Flat-Coated Retriever?

The Flat-Coated Retriever breed is considered very intelligent and easy to train.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Flat-Coated Retriever dog?

This dog breed is particularly attuned to its environment and the emotions of those around it. It can be easily overwhelmed by loud noises, new environments, and unfamiliar people or animals. This dog is best suited for individuals or families who are patient, gentle, and understanding of its sensitive nature. It may also benefit from a calm and stable home environment, with a consistent routine and plenty of positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Flat-Coated Retriever dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Flat-Coated Retriever do well in apartments? Are Flat-Coated Retrievers good indoor dogs?

The Flat-Coated Retriever is not an apartment-friendly dog breed. This dog breed is best in a home with a large, fenced-in yard. They are not suited for apartment life and can become destructive due to pent up energy from being in a small space.

Child Friendly

Are Flat-Coated Retrievers good with kids? Are Flat-Coated Retrievers good around children?

Flat-Coated Retrievers are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are Flat-Coated Retrievers good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Flat-Coated Retrievers good with cats? How friendly Flat-Coated Retrievers are toward cats?

Flat-Coated Retrievers are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood,

Dog Friendly

Do Flat-Coated Retriever dogs get along with other dogs? Are Flat-Coated Retrievers OK with other dogs?

Flat-Coated Retrievers are friendly, active and loyal companions. They generally love to be around other dogs, making them a good family pet for some,

Pet friendly

How do Flat-Coated Retriever dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Flat-Coated Retrievers friendly with strangers?

Flat-Coated Retrievers are friendly dogs and won't commonly bark at strangers. However, if you wish to change this, training them is easy. With their intelligence, teaching this breed to do anything is pretty simple.

Playfulness

Do Flat-Coated Retrievers like to play? Are Flat-Coated Retrievers playful?

Flat-Coated Retrievers are known to be highly playful dog. So if you're not up for all that, think about adopting a slightly older Flat-Coated Retriever for a mellower experience.

Trainability

Are Flat-Coated Retriever easily trained?

Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Affectionate and friendly
    Flat-Coated Retrievers are known for being affectionate and friendly, making them great family pets.
  • High energy
    Flat-Coated Retrievers have high energy levels and are well-suited for active families.
  • Boat Dog
    The Flat-Coated Retriever breed generally has a fondness for being on boats.
  • Highly trainable
    Flat-Coated Retrievers are highly trainable and excel in various activities such as agility, obedience, and retrieving.
  • Good with children
    Flat-Coated Retrievers are good with children and make great family pets.

Cons

  • Not suitable for office environment
    Flat-Coated Retrievers are not generally considered to be office-friendly dogs.
  • Tendency to gain weight
    Failing to monitor a Flat-Coated Retriever's weight can lead to unwanted weight gain.
  • Shedding
    Flat-Coated Retrievers have a long coat that sheds heavily, requiring regular grooming to maintain.
  • Not Apartment Friendly
    Flat-Coated Retriever dogs require more space than an apartment can provide.
  • Not Hypoallergenic
    The non-hypoallergenic nature of Flat-Coated Retrievers can lead to allergic reactions in people prone to allergies.
  • Training and socialization
    Training and socialization are important for Flat-Coated Retrievers to prevent them from becoming overly shy or aggressive.