Puppy-like as an adult, a Flat-Coated Retriever will bring much joy into your home. They are sweet, calm, affectionate and loyal, not to mention gentle with children and even good with cats.

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This dog is the epitome of a wagging tail – it just never stops! These happy-go-lucky dogs were bred in the 18th Century when hunters needed a retrieving dog that could do everything.

This breed is the Peter Pan of the canine world as they never grow up, retaining puppy-like antics well into adulthood. They are friendly, sociable and loving which makes them great with children and wonderful family pets. Forget about leaving the house with your Flat-Coated Retriever, these pets like to be involved in all aspects of family life. They can’t stand being alone for too long and tend to suffer from separation anxiety.

Fun fact: The origins of this breed are a Sheepdog for their trainability,

Spaniels for hunting skills, water dogs for their ability to retrieve fowl

and Setters for their keen sense of smell

They are intelligent, quick to learn and eager to please and gentle yet firm training works best. Start from a young age and you’ll have a well-behaved pet. Provide your dog with plenty of toys as they love to chew. Flat-Coated Retrievers live for 8-12 years.

They have moderate energy levels and benefit from daily activity. They are tireless workers and have an astonishing ability to keep going. A long daily walk or game of fetch by the beach will keep your pet happy and healthy. Avoid over-exercising your dog in their first year of life. They rarely bark, much to the pleasure of your neighbour, but will announce guests on arrival. If you have a big house with a yard, your Flat-Coated Retriever is for you. They don’t do well in small apartments. Flat-Coated Retrievers shed moderately. Brush their coat daily and check ears, eyes and teeth regularly.

Scheduled six-monthly health checks and visits to the vet are important to ensure your dog is healthy and happy throughout all life stages. It’s important that together with your vet a preventative healthcare program is determined and maintained based on the individual needs of your canine companion. Flat-Coated Retrievers are prone to hip dysplasia and skin dermatitis, although overall they are a relatively healthy breed.

Size

They are a large-sized breed weighing 23-35kgs with an average height of 56-61cms.

Space

This breed benefits from yard space due to their high energy levels.

Energy Levels

They have high energy levels. A daily run and lots of games will keep this dog happy.

Difficulty Of Training

They are intelligent dogs and will learn quickly.

Family suitability

They are great family pets and loyal companions.

Suitability to other pets

If socialised from a young age, your dog will befriend other pets. 

Need for company

They have a high need for company and enjoy being by their humans side at all times.

Hypoallergenic dog breed?

No 

Coat and grooming needs

This breed is low maintenance. Brush their coat weekly and check their ears, eyes and teeth regularly. They have a medium long coat in solid black or solid liver.

Shedding

They shed moderately.  

Tendency to bark

They have a low tendency to bark.  

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