Flat-Coated Retrievers: Facts, Personality, Life Span

Each month we will be shining a light on different dog breeds in our series, Dog Breed of the Month. Next up, we look at the gentle and kind Flat-Coated Retrievers.

Originating from England, the Flat-Coated Retriever (also known as the Wavy-Coated Retriever) is best known for its straight, moderately long coat that protects him from all types of weather, water, and ground cover. They usually have black or liver-coloured fur.

"Flat-Coated Retrievers are a large medium-coat breed which have a lifespan of under 10 years. They used to be known as the Wavy Coated Retriever, and were previously popular as working gundogs in the late 1800s," Shauna Spooner, vet nurse at the PDSA, tells Country Living. "They are gentle and kind, but have high energy levels. They are slow to mature, and can display puppy-like behaviour into old age!"

Keep reading for everything you need to know about flat-coated retrievers:

What behaviour does a Flat-Coated Retriever have?

In the company of their owner, Flat-Coated Retrievers are gentle, loving, kind and sweet. They are known for having a youthful outlook on life, often known for continuing puppy-like behaviour well into their adult life.

Shauna tells us: "Flat Coated Retrievers are energetic and need a minimum of two hours of exercise a day, which can include long walks, playtime, and training. They enjoy running, swimming, scent games, and canine sports.

"They will embrace training, as long as it is positive, reward-based, consistent, and engaging as they can get bored easily."

Do Flat-Coated Retrievers have any health issues?

"Flat Coated Retrievers are categorised as 'Category One' by the Kennel Club as they currently have no points of specific health concern. However, they do appear prone to certain cancers," Shauna says. "They will require daily brushing to maintain their coats, with particular attention to their leg feathers."

Martin Sandera//Getty Images

Do Flat-Coated Retrievers make good pets?

Flat-Coated Retrievers are wonderful pets, particularly for those with young children. According to the PDSA, they are generally well behaved when left alone, as long as their exercise and training needs are met.

"As with any dog, they shouldn't be unaccompanied for longer than four hours. This breed is best suited to a home with older children or teenagers, and, as with all dogs, they should always be supervised while around children," Shauna continues. "They can live with another dog quite happily if they are well socialised."

What environment is best for a Flat-Coated Retriever?

Although a Flat-Coated Retriever is fairly calm indoors, they will need a large secure garden to run around in. Unfortunately, due to their size, they are not suitable for people living in apartments.

Garosha//Getty Images

5 interesting facts about Flat-Coated Retrievers

24 indestructible dog toys for aggressive chewers

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KONG - Tires - Durable Rubber Chew Toy and Treat Dispenser for Power Chewers - For Medium/Large Dogs

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Pet Head Kong Ring Dog Toy

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Rope Ring Toy — Best Indestructible Chew Toys

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KONG Wild Knots Bear

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Tough Material — Best Indestructible Chew Toys

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Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff Squeak

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Pet-Fun Medium Mango - Safe Fun Durable Rubber Dog Chew Toy for Boredom, Virtually Indestructible Treat Dispenser, Long-Lasting Slow Feeder, Tough Strong Teething Toy for Medium/Small Dogs

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Squeaky Dog Toy — Best Indestructible Chew Toys

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Carllg Dog Chew Toys for Aggressive Chewers

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KONG Kong Airdog® Squeaker Football Dog Toy

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Wheel Toy — Best Indestructible Chew Toys

Ruffer and Tuffer Mighty Wheel Dog Toy

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Chewable Stick — Best Indestructible Chew Toys

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KONG Kong Airdog® Squeaker Donut Dog Toy

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Fun Crab Toy — Best Indestructible Chew Toys

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Perfect For Chewers — Best Indestructible Chew Toys

Pet Qwerks REAL BACON Infused BarkBone

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KONG Interactive Fetch Dog Toy with Tennis Ball

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Bone Chew Toy — Best Indestructible Chew Toys

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Bone — Best Indestructible Chew Toys

Nylabone Dura Chew Plus, Chicken, Medium

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Great For Puppies — Best Indestructible Chew Toys

Nylabone Gentle Puppy Dog Teething Bone

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Pineapple Toy — Best Indestructible Chew Toys

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KONG KONG - Jump'N Jack - Durable Rubber Dog Toy

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Onion Toy — Best Indestructible Chew Toys

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Rubber Frisbee — Best Indestructible Chew Toys

KONG - Extreme Flyer - Durable Rubber

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