Sweet-spirited and lively, this breed is a welcome and sunny addition to most families. Here’s the scoop.
Originally bred as a dual threat retriever that could be used for both land and water, the Flat Coated Retriever is a super smart and athletic pup. They live for great exercise and a loving, attentive family — bonus points to a household that lets these guys use their hunting talents.
As a testament to their truly sweet and gentle nature, Flat Coated Retrievers even serve as therapy dogs. These pups are adaptable, cheerful and wonderful pets to just about any active person or family.
Why We Love the Flat Coated Retriever Breed
- He’s sweet, loyal, playful and affectionate — truly the full doggie package. These gorgeous black or brown dogs will smother you in kisses and go fetch for hours.
- They’re pretty good at reading the room. Flat Coated Retrievers will be calm and relaxed indoors (for the most part), but super lively and energetic when given the chance to exercise outdoors.
- Fabulous at sounding the alarm, but not so fabulous at protection. A Flat Coated Retriever does exactly what you want in a family guard dog — he lets you know something’s up, but wouldn’t ever become aggressive because of it.
Things to Consider
- Flat Coated Retriever dogs are known for having a bit of a Peter Pan problem. They seem to never want to grow up. While it’s usually adorable to have a big, puppy-like pal, it can also be taxing when they act out.
- These dogs’ overly friendly nature and large size can be difficult for elderly people or small children. Because Flat Coated Retrievers are joyful greeters and jumpers, they can knock people over if their jumping habits are curbed early on.
- They absolutely need exercise. If you can’t commit 90 minutes to wearing your pup out daily, this may not be the perfect breed for your household.
Why Rescue?
Flat Coated Retrievers, like many breeds, have been victims of overbreeding and irresponsible breeding, which have led to the exacerbation of certain health issues. For these pups, these can include hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, bloat and, most concerning, certain types of cancers. These problems can be serious, and due to the time and money required for treatment, many end up in shelters. If you think a Flat Coated Retriever could be the perfect buddy, consider helping out a rescue instead of supporting irresponsible breeders!
