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> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt)
+8
Dogs
# The Flat-Coated Retriever: temperament, price, health, and breeders
United Kingdom
An elegant, cheerful and hardy retriever, very attached to its family.
Size LargeLife expectancy 10–14 yearsBudget ≈ €140/monthPuppy €900 – €1,200
[Find a breeder 12](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-flat-coated-retriever) [ Compare with other breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare-dog-breeds?races=flat-coated-retriever)
The right choice?
## Is this breed right for you?
[Find your ideal breed with our online quiz!](https://www.pedibase.com/en/choose-your-dog)
Families and children Excellent
Daily exercise needs High
Apartment living Good
First-time owners Fair
Other pets Excellent
Tolerance of being alone Limited
Guarding instinct Good
Strengths and weaknesses
- Very sociable: He generally gets along well with children, visitors, and other animals.
- Affectionate: Very attached to his family, he readily seeks closeness and interactions.
- Intelligent and receptive: He learns quickly and responds well to consistent, positive training.
- Doesn't tolerate being alone well: His strong attachment to his humans can make him uncomfortable during prolonged absences.
- Real need for activity: He needs long and regular outings to stay balanced on a daily basis.
- Shedding to watch: Hair loss can become more pronounced during shedding periods.
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- Active families: He thrives with households that enjoy walks, play, and outdoor life.
- Owners with plenty of time: He appreciates a regular presence and genuine involvement in daily activities.
- Fans of versatile dogs: His abilities as a companion, retriever, and athlete make him a well-rounded dog.
Not recommended for
- People who are often absent: Repeated solitude does not suit him well and can cause discomfort or boredom.
- Very sedentary households: Without sufficient exercise, he may lack physical and mental stimulation.
- Owners looking for a very protective dog: His friendly and sociable temperament does not make him a naturally deterrent guard dog.
Meet the breed
## What does it look like?
1,75 mHuman
59 cmFlat-Coated Retriever
- Height at the withers
- 56–62 cm
- Weight
- 25–36 kg
- Coat
- Medium-length, dense and flat
- FCI group
- 8
- Origin
- United Kingdom
- Grooming
- Moderate grooming needs
## Photos and videos
See the Flat-Coated Retriever in photos and videos: coat colors, size, and distinctive expressions.
Origins
## Where does it come from?
The origins of the Flat-Coated Retriever are said to date back to the island of Newfoundland, in present-day Canada, where retrieving dogs helped fishermen recover fish that had escaped from the nets. Later imported into England, it was developed in the 19th century through crossbreeding, notably with the Irish Setter, the Labrador-Retriever and probably the Newfoundland, in order to improve its hunting and retrieving abilities. A cousin of the Golden-Retriever and the Labrador-Retriever, it was definitively recognized by the FCI on 23 December 1954.
Appearance
## What does it look like?
The Flat-Coated Retriever is a medium to large-sized dog, harmonious, powerful without heaviness and endowed with a lively and intelligent expression. Its head is long and well moulded, with a flat skull, dark brown to hazel eyes and small ears lying close to the head. Its coat is long and generous, especially on the limbs and the tail, dense, fine and lying flat. The coat colour is black or liver brown.
Temperament
## Temperament and personality
Very affectionate, cheerful and gentle, the Flat-Coated Retriever is deeply attached to its family and is particularly sociable with children, strangers and other animals. It is not very independent, not very aggressive and retains a playful, enthusiastic and very friendly temperament, while keeping good natural abilities for hunting and retrieving.
Affectionate Playful Intelligent Easy to train Sociable
Living together
## Living with children and other pets
Sporty and willing dog, the Flat-Coated Retriever needs long daily walks and regular exercise to stay balanced. He likes to swim, play and take part in family life. He can live in an apartment if his physical and mental needs are well met, but he thrives more in an active home with access to frequent outings.
Training
## Training and socialization
His training must be based on consistency, calm firmness and positive reinforcement, without seeking confrontation. Lively and intelligent, he learns quickly thanks to play and rewards, which makes him a generally very obedient dog. On the other hand, his sensitivity and enthusiasm require a consistent and available owner.
Budget
## Price and budget for the Flat-Coated Retriever
The Flat-Coated Retriever remains a less widespread breed than other retrievers, which can affect the availability of puppies and waiting times. The price mainly depends on the seriousness of the breeding, the origins, the health monitoring of the parents and local demand.
[See cost breakdown](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/flat-coated-retriever/price)
Health
## Health at a glance
The Flat-Coated Retriever is an overall robust dog, with good general resistance and an appetite often more moderate than that of other retrievers. This solid foundation does not rule out regular veterinary monitoring, as the breed also has certain well-known points of vigilance.
[Prevention and things to watch for](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/flat-coated-retriever/health)
Nutrition
## Feeding your pet well
The Flat-Coated Retriever needs a complete, digestible diet adapted to its size, activity level and age. As it is an active dog, protein quality, energy density and digestive tolerance deserve particular attention.
[Our feeding advice](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/flat-coated-retriever/food)
Did you know?
## Fun facts and popularity
Less widespread than the Golden Retriever and the Labrador Retriever, the Flat-Coated Retriever is nevertheless an excellent retrieving dog and a very comfortable swimmer. Its elegant appearance and its playful temperament often earn it the image of a retriever that keeps for a long time the attitude of a big puppy.
FAQ
## Frequently asked questions about the Flat-Coated Retriever
Answers to common questions from future owners before their new companion arrives.
### Is the Flat-Coated Retriever suitable for a family with children?
Yes, it is generally very gentle, affectionate and sociable with children, provided that interactions are supervised and the dog gets enough daily exercise.
### Can it live in an apartment?
Yes, but only if its needs for walks, play and stimulation are genuinely met every day. It is an active dog that does not cope well with boredom and prolonged solitude.
## Find a Flat-Coated Retriever breeder
The areas where Pedibase lists the most Flat-Coated Retriever breeders, along with their litters and typical prices.
[Flat-Coated Retriever breeders in Hauts-de-France3](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-flat-coated-retriever/hauts-de-france)
### Flat-Coated Retriever breeders by country
[127 breeders of Flat-Coated Retriever in Germany](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-flat-coated-retriever/germany) [26 breeders of Flat-Coated Retriever in Denmark](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-flat-coated-retriever/denmark) [16 breeders of Flat-Coated Retriever in Austria](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-flat-coated-retriever/austria) [14 breeders of Flat-Coated Retriever in Italy](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-flat-coated-retriever/italy) [12 breeders of Flat-Coated Retriever in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-flat-coated-retriever) [9 breeders of Flat-Coated Retriever in the Netherlands](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-flat-coated-retriever/netherlands) [7 breeders of Flat-Coated Retriever in the United Kingdom](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-flat-coated-retriever/united-kingdom) [5 breeders of Flat-Coated Retriever in Finland](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-flat-coated-retriever/finland) [2 breeders of Flat-Coated Retriever in Poland](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-flat-coated-retriever/poland) [2 breeders of Flat-Coated Retriever in Switzerland](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-flat-coated-retriever/switzerland)
[All breeders of Flat-Coated Retriever in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-flat-coated-retriever)
## Ready to welcome a Flat-Coated Retriever?
Find a registered, verified breeder near you and meet your future companion with confidence.
[View breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-flat-coated-retriever)
## Discover other breeds
[Curly-Coated Retriever
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/curly-coated-retriever)
[Golden Retriever
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/golden-retriever)
[Labrador Retriever
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/labrador-retriever)
[Chesapeake Bay Retriever
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/chesapeake-bay-retriever)
[Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/nova-scotia-duck-tolling-retriever)
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