Flat-Coated Retriever Breed Guide: Temperament, Care and Health

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

The Flat-Coated Retriever is a happy, glossy-coated gundog with a feathered tail that never stops wagging. It is playful, intelligent and loving, and it keeps a puppyish outlook for years.

Origins and appearance

The breed was developed in nineteenth-century England as a gamekeeper's retriever, from Newfoundland and setter types. Flat-Coats are medium-large and elegant, with a long head, a dense, flat, silky coat in black or liver, feathering on the legs and tail and a bright expression.

Temperament

They are cheerful, affectionate and eager. They love people and are usually good with children and other pets. They are energetic and bouncy, and mature slowly. They dislike being left alone. They are sensitive and can be mouthy.

Exercise

They need one to two hours of daily exercise, with walks, fetch and swimming. They enjoy retrieving, agility and scent work. Mental work matters. They can be destructive when bored.

Training

They are intelligent and willing but exuberant. Use positive methods and variety. Early socialization and manners training matter. Teach a calm greeting, a recall and a settle. See recall training guide.

Coat and grooming

The silky coat needs brushing a few times a week, with feathering checks. See silky coat dog grooming guide. Clean ears after swimming, trim nails and brush teeth.

Health considerations

Topics include:

• Cancer, including histiocytic sarcoma and others, which are well documented in the breed. See signs of cancer in dogs
• Hip dysplasia. See hip dysplasia in dogs
• Patellar luxation. See luxating patella in dogs
• Bloat. See bloat and GDV in dogs
• Eye conditions, such as glaucoma and progressive retinal atrophy

Living with a Flat-Coated Retriever

They suit active families with a yard. They do best with company. Expect a bouncy, happy dog.

A typical day

A Flat-Coat wants a long morning outing, training, a rest, play and an evening walk. Many follow family around and carry toys.

Puppies and the first year

Puppies are exuberant and mouthy. Begin socialization, handling and training. Provide chew toys, and avoid heavy exercise while growing. See puppy socialization checklist.

Costs and commitment

Plan for food, training and vet care. Insurance is worth considering. See dog pet insurance guide.

Seasons and travel

They tolerate cold well, but need shade and water in heat. They travel well when exercised.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes include underexercising, skipping training, ignoring cancer awareness and leaving the dog alone.

Choosing a puppy or adult

Ask about hip and eye tests, cancer history in the lines and lifespans. Meet the parents.

A shorter, brighter life

The breed's lifespan is shorter than many retrievers, mostly due to cancer. Many owners say the joy is worth it, but plan for veterinary needs and consider insurance early.

Forever puppies

Flat-Coats often act like puppies into their senior years. Provide outlets for exuberance and be patient with adolescent behavior.

Is it the right breed for you?

A Flat-Coat suits active, humorous owners who want a bouncy, loving retriever and accept health risks. It may not suit those wanting a calm dog. For a more common retriever, see the Labrador Retriever.

Training an exuberant retriever

Flat-Coats learn quickly, but their joy can outrun their manners. Reward calm behavior with the same enthusiasm you show for tricks, and teach polite greetings early. A solid recall is worth the investment, since many are driven to retrieve and may run off after birds or balls. Practice with a long line, then in secure fields, before trusting the dog off leash. Retrieving games and scent work provide healthy outlets.

Planning for health

Because cancer is common in the breed, ask your vet about a schedule of exams, learn to check your dog for lumps and keep a record of any changes. Early attention to new growths gives you the best options.

The takeaway

Flat-Coated Retrievers are cheerful, glossy and exuberant, and they need exercise, training and company.