Alt Text
Hill’s Brand Horizon

Flat-coated Retriever

dog Breed Profile

Flat-coated retrievers are black or liver-colored dogs that have sleek, medium-length, thick coats of fine hair.

Attributes

Floppy ears (naturally)

Size

Weight

60 lbs.

60 lbs.

Height

23 in.

(at withers)

24 in.

Coat

Length

Medium

Color

Solid black, liver

Care

Exercise

>40 minutes/day

Energy level

Average

Longevity

10-14 yrs.

Needs

High

Traits

Barking

Low

Snoring

Low

Drooling

Low

Digging

Low

Grooming Needs

Low

Social Needs

High

Club recognition

AKC Class.

Sporting

UKC Class.

Gun Dog

Prevalence

So-so

The Flat-Coated Retriever Dog Breed

Like other retrievers, flat-coated retrievers like to carry things in their mouths, but they are not known to chew excessively.

About the Flat-coated Retriever

Flat-coated retrievers are black or liver-colored dogs that have sleek, medium-length, thick coats of fine hair.

Flat-coated Retriever personality

Flat-coated retrievers are wonderful family dogs. They are loving toward children, friendly to everyone and extremely sociable. They live to be with their family, and they thrive on attention and affection.

Temperamentally, the flat-coated retriever may seem forever young. While this youthful exuberance is often endearing, it can pose challenges to the  owner who labors under the misconception that all dogs reach adulthood by the time they turn 1 year of age. Relatively speaking, the flat-coat is quite slow to mature he may seem puppy-like well beyond his third birthday.

As is the case with other retrievers, flat-coated retrievers like to carry things in their mouths, but they are not known to chew excessively. They are known to be quite intelligent and sensitive they respond well to positive, non-coercive training methods.

What to expect

The individual or family who wants a dog that can keep up with an active schedule should consider welcoming a flat-coated retriever into their lives. These sociable, boundlessly energetic dogs love to be with their human companions, especially if those companions are active and on the go. Flat-coated retrievers enjoy running, swimming and other forms of vigorous exercise. And they live up to their names they are excellent retrievers of birds, or of less traditional prey such as tennis balls.

They are relatively low-maintenance dogs. They need only weekly brushing and little, if any, hair trimming.

History of the Flat-coated Retriever

The flat-coated retriever and other retrieving breeds were developed in the mid-19th century in response to the increased popularity of shooting birds for sport and the need to retrieve those birds once they hit the ground. Spaniels, setters and waterdogs were used to build all retrievers. St. John's water dogs from Newfoundland, water spaniels and possibly collies were used specifically to develop the flat-coated retriever.

Today's flat-coated retriever is likely to be a multi talented individual. Many of the flat-coated retrievers that compete in dog shows also hold American Kennel Club hunting test titles. These dogs also have the ability to excel in tracking and agility tests.

What is most endearing about flat-coated retrievers, however, is their forever puppy personality. Their irrepressible spirits have prompted more than one expert to dub the flat-coated retriever the Peter Pan of the canine kingdom.

Adopt a pet.
Change a life.

Are you prepared to adopt a pet? Use these tools to make sure you’re ready for the commitment.

 

Need help finding the right food for your dog?

Other breeds you might be interested in