Flat Coated Retriever
Complete Breed Guide

Overview

Temperament and Behavior

Happy and exuberant might not be enough to accurately portray the friendly nature of the Flat Coated Retriever. You’ll have a life-long optimist at your side, but you may also have a life-long puppy as well. Flat Coated Retrievers are known for acting like puppies much later in life than many other dogs. You can train them pretty easily, but you should expect some hijinx, especially around food. They love people, and will usually greet anybody they meet with a wagging tail, and a readiness to play.

Coat & Grooming

Flat-Coated Retrievers have a medium-long coat that’s actually pretty easy to maintain, but does shed quite a bit. As long as you brush their hair about once a week they’ll look as cute as ever, plus you’ll cut down a little bit on shedding. If your Flat-Coated Retriever hasn’t begged you to go swimming often enough, you’ll need to give them a bath every once in awhile.

Lifestyle & Living Conditions

With all that energy, a Flat-Coated Retriever fits best in a home where there’s easy access to a big yard or playspace. They can be a little overzealous for toddlers, but are otherwise great with children. Flat-Coated Retrievers can get along just fine with your other pets, especially if they are raised with them around.

Exercise & Activity

Flat-Coated Retrievers have the stamina of a marathon runner, and then some. They need lots of exercise, every day. If you don’t exercise them properly, they’ll be frustrated, and may act out. These dogs will retrieve just about anything you can throw, and love hunting, agility sports, and just about anything that involves burning off energy.