Overview
Average lifespan
Flat Coated Retrievers will usually live up to eight years of age, but given a loving home and the right food can live up to ten years.
Average size and weight
Healthy males usually weigh up to 38kg and reach 63cm in height, while the females should be about 26kg and stand about 58cm tall.
Care requirements
Breed personality, characteristics & temperament
The Flat Coated Retriever is described as the canine Peter Pan - It never grows up. It is always ready for fun and play even when advanced in years. It is a kind, sociable and loving animal and because of this is totally trustworthy with children. (Supervision should be undertaken with small children, however, as they can hurt a young puppy). Although it will bark if someone is around, it is definitely not a guard dog. It is firstly a companion, always requiring and sometimes demanding to be in the company of its owner.
Compatibility with other pets
Most Flat Coats are compatible with other pets, depending on the pet. Most will live in harmony with cats if they are trained to do so.
Care requirements
Every Flat Coated Retriever benefits from a daily walk, swim or run, however, it can survive if it only gets out about three times a week, but more often is better. A brush once a week ensures a healthy coat; some minor trimming especially around the feet and ears makes the dog look tidier.
A Flat Coat is not the sort of dog that can be totally happy without human companionship. It is happiest when it is interacting with its owner, as it likes to be part of the action. Normal secure fencing is required for this breed, to keep it safe from traffic.
Decision time
Ideal owners
An active person who is prepared to have the dog around, either in the house or garden, to take it for walks, runs and swims. It is well suited to the family with children over seven years as younger children may be knocked over due to its exuberance when a puppy. Most breeders prefer to sell to families with children of an age that can be taught not to harm the puppy.
Decision time (resources provided by Kennel Club):
Before making a decision on getting a puppy, here are some articles you might find helpful:
What do I need to consider when thinking of buying a puppy?
How do I find the right breeder, what should I ask them?
How do you check if the breeder is reputable?
What to ask your vet prior to buying a puppy?
Where to find dogs (resources provided by the Kennel Club):
Breeders
Adoption
Shelters
Find out about important information about purchasing dogs from pet shops and traders