Dog breed · Sporting / Gundog
Flat-Coated Retriever
The eternal puppy of the gundog world — exuberant, friendly with everyone and slow to mature. A joy for active families.
Large8–12 yearsUnited KingdomNeeds more space
Representative breed photography. Appearance varies within every breed.
Breed characteristics
- Group
- Sporting / Gundog
- Origin
- United Kingdom
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 25–36 kg
- Height
- 56–62 cm
- Lifespan
- 8–12 years
- Coat
- Flat-lying, glossy medium-length coat in black or liver
- Temperament
- OptimisticPeter Pan personalityGentleSociable
History
Developed in 19th-century Britain from Newfoundland and setter crosses as a shooting companion.
Appearance
Elegant, racy retriever with a long head, glossy flat coat and constantly wagging tail.
Exercise and activity
90 minutes or more daily; adores water and retrieving.
Care and grooming
Weekly brushing; feathering picks up mud and burrs on walks.
Health considerations
- Cancer (notably histiocytic sarcoma) at higher rates than most breeds
- Hip dysplasia
- Patellar luxation