Flat-Coated Retriever
About the Flat-Coated Retriever
Temperament
Physical Characteristics
| Size Category | Large (50-100 lbs) |
|---|---|
| Height | 22-25" |
| Weight | 60-70 lbs |
| Coat Type | Double |
| Coat Length | Medium |
| Colors | |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Very High (90+ min/day)
90 minutes per day recommended
Grooming
Moderate - Weekly
Mental Stimulation
★★★★★Needs plenty of mental challenges
Drooling
★★★★★Living Conditions
Cost of Ownership
| Purchase Price | $1,500-$3,000 |
|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $1,500/year |
Costs vary based on location, breeder, and individual needs. Annual costs include food, veterinary care, grooming, and supplies.
Health Considerations
Like all breeds, Flat-Coated Retrievers may be prone to certain health conditions:
Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent or manage many health issues.
Best For
- Families with Children
- First-Time Owners
- Active Owners
May Not Be Ideal For
- Apartment Living
- Long Work Hours Away
- Sedentary Lifestyles
Guides for your Flat-Coated Retriever
The story behind the Flat-Coated Retriever
Retriever development in nineteenth-century Britain drew on imported Newfoundland-type dogs crossed with setters, water spaniels and other retrieving stock, as gamekeepers and sporting estates looked for a dog that would mark and fetch shot birds on land and in water. The flat-coated variety was consolidated during the later part of that century and is closely associated with breeders such as S. E. Shirley, a founding figure at Britain's Kennel Club. It ranked among the fashionable gundogs of its day before the rise of the Labrador and the Golden Retriever pushed it aside, and numbers fell sharply around the two world wars. A small group of enthusiasts kept the line going. The breed remains comparatively uncommon today, is still bred with working ability in mind, and serves as both a shooting companion and a household dog.
Originally bred for: Gundog, Waterfowl retriever, Upland retriever. You can trace how working roles shaped today’s breeds across our dog guides.
Feeding a Flat-Coated Retriever
A complete diet formulated for active medium-to-large dogs suits most Flat-Coats, split across two meals rather than one. Because the breed holds a lean, athletic outline well into middle age, watch that training treats do not quietly pad the ribs.
Watch for: No food sensitivity is specifically established in the breed. As with other retrievers, individual dogs show itchy skin or loose stools tied to particular proteins, or to rich, fatty scraps. Plan any elimination trial or diet change with a vet.
Not sure what to put in the bowl? See our picks for the best dog food for large breeds.
Mealtime extras: training treats worth keeping in your pocket, and a slow feeder bowl if your dog inhales dinner. Everything else lives in our dog nutrition and feeding hub.
Living with a Flat-Coated Retriever
Day to day, the basics matter most: how much exercise your dog needs, how often to get out for a walk, and how much sleep is normal.
For play and enrichment, browse chew toys built for strong jaws and interactive toys for rainy days.
Gear that fits the breed makes life easier: a well-sized dog bed, a properly sized crate.
Raising a puppy? Work through crate training and the teething timeline — or see how old your dog is in human years with our dog age calculator.