Flat-Coated Retriever
Trait scores are tendency indicators from 0-100. Example: 42% alone tolerance roughly maps to around 4 hours alone.
Flat-Coated Retrievers are exuberant, perpetually youthful retrievers who maintain their puppy enthusiasm well into adulthood. These athletic, friendly dogs need extensive exercise and remain playfully mouthy and energetic longer than most breeds, making them challenging for owners who expect the mellower temperament of Golden or Labrador Retrievers.
Verified source: American Kennel Club profile (2026-02-10)
Quick Facts
AKC VerifiedGroup
Sporting
Life Expectancy
8-10 years
Height
22-24.5 in
Weight
60-70 lb
Alone-Time Tolerance
About 4 hours
Exercise
75 min/day
AKC popularity rank: #97
Sporting context: Sporting breeds were developed for bird and field work. They are usually active, social, and trainable.
Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (verified 2026-02-10)
Finding Your Flat-Coated Retriever
🏠 Consider Adoption First
Many wonderful Flat-Coated Retrievers are waiting in shelters and breed-specific rescues. Adoption saves lives and gives deserving dogs a second chance.
Adoption Resources
Search for Flat-Coated Retrievers in shelters and rescues near you.
Responsible Breeder Checklist
- Provides health clearances for both parents
- Allows you to visit the breeding facility
- Offers a written health guarantee / contract
- Provides references from previous buyers
- Asks you screening questions about your home
- Breeds only one or two breeds
Whether you adopt or buy from a breeder, always prioritize the dog's health and well-being. Avoid puppy mills and pet stores that source from irresponsible breeders. For Flat-Coated Retrievers, ensure health testing for common breed-specific conditions.
Life Stage Simulator
Who This Breed Fits
Watch Out For
A Day in the Life
A purposeful walk and short training game helps this breed settle for the day.
Most do best with another activity block before winding down near their people.
Longer outings and enrichment games improve behavior and sleep quality through the week.
People often underestimate how quickly behavior slips when routine and enrichment are inconsistent.
Exercise & Activity
Expect about 75 minutes of daily activity, with a mix of walking, enrichment, and short training blocks. Consistency matters more than occasional intense sessions.
High
Very High
Mental Enrichment Ideas
Health
Long-term outcomes improve with weight control, preventive care, and condition-specific screening based on known breed risks.
Known Health Concerns
Abnormal hip development can cause pain and progressive arthritis.
Floppy ears and moisture retention can lead to recurrent infections.
Inherited retinal degeneration can reduce vision over time.
Boarding complexity and cost are driven by size, exercise demand, and any special handling needs.
Behavior Reality Check
Good news! This breed typically has manageable behavior traits with proper training and socialization. Of course, individual dogs vary, but Flat-Coated Retrievers generally don't present severe behavioral challenges.
Temperament & Traits
All traits rated on a 0-100 scale representing tendency scores.
Lifestyle & Activity
High
Very High
~6h alone capacity
Moderate
Social & Compatibility
Very High
Very High
Very High
High
High
Training & Behavior
Very High
High
Moderate
High
Maintenance & Care
Moderate
High
Moderate
Low
Environment & Adaptability
Moderate
High
High
High
High
Grooming & Coat
Moderate
High
Moderate
Low
Coat care depends on coat type, but weekly brushing and routine nail, ear, and dental care are baseline requirements. Curly, silky, wire, and long coats usually need more frequent grooming support.
Shedding level varies by coat and season, but routine brushing keeps loose hair and skin debris manageable.
Common Barking Triggers
Lifestyle Planner
PROInteractive Cost Calculator
Adjust the options below to see how your choices affect ownership costs.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Annual Cost Summary
Estimates based on breed size, grooming needs, and health risk. Actual costs vary by location, individual dog health, and lifestyle choices. Emergency vet visits and unexpected health issues not included.
10-Year Cost Calculator
PRONeighborhood Compatibility
Breed History
Origin
The Flat-Coated Retriever originated in United Kingdom.
Original Purpose
Flat-Coated Retriever lines were developed for waterfowl retrieving. That working role still shows up today in temperament, stamina, and day-to-day needs.
Breed Group: Sporting. Sporting breeds were developed for bird and field work. They are usually active, social, and trainable.
In modern homes, this history matters because it predicts what helps the dog thrive: enough movement, clear structure, and outlets that match their original instincts.
Fun Facts
Flat-Coated Retrievers were developed in the 1800s by English breeders as a refined alternative to Golden and Labrador Retrievers with sleeker coats.
The breed has a distinctive jet-black (or liver) coat that's shorter and glossier than other retrievers, and this was selected for water-retrieving efficiency.
Flat-Coats are prone to extremely high rates of cancer (up to 60% of the breed), making them one of the most genetically compromised retriever breeds.
The breed nearly went extinct after WWI and WWII, and modern Flat-Coats descend from just a handful of surviving dogs.
Flat-Coats are known for their exceptionally long juvenile period (up to 5 years), making them essentially puppies well into adulthood.
Famous Flat-Coated Retriever Dogs
Field and trial standouts
This breed is best known through hunt tests, field trials, and high-level sport work.
Family adventure ambassadors
Modern fame usually comes from active family content, training channels, and outdoor media.
Practical Next Steps
First-Month Supplies Checklist
Breeder Red Flags
Preparation Timeline
Week Before
Purchase all supplies, puppy-proof your home, choose a veterinarian, and set up training schedule.
Day 1
Gentle introduction to home, establish crate/bed location, first bathroom break routine, quiet time to adjust.
Week 1
Vet checkup, start basic training, establish feeding routine, begin socialization carefully.
Month 1
Start formal training classes - this breed excels with early training! Regular vet visits for vaccinations, establish grooming routine.
Training Priorities for Flat-Coated Retrievers
- • Gradual alone-time training (high separation anxiety risk)
Recommended Products
Joint Supplements
Larger and active breeds often benefit from joint support supplements starting early.
Shop Supplements →Is Flat-Coated Retriever right for you?
Use our breed matcher to see how Flat-Coated Retriever compares to other breeds based on your lifestyle.
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Quick facts for Flat-Coated Retriever are cross-checked against publicly available American Kennel Club breed pages.
AKC source: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/flat-coated-retriever/ (verified 2026-02-10)
AKC sync coverage: 188/188 non-mix breeds as of February 10, 2026.
Last updated: February 10, 2026
Sources: American Kennel Club (AKC) breed profiles, Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) breed standards, United Kennel Club (UKC) breed standards, Merck Veterinary Manual (canine health references), Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) screening guidance, AKC: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/flat-coated-retriever/