Pet Wiki

Flat-coated Retriever

Also called Flat-coat, Flatcoat

Recognised breedFCI group 8Short profile

From Great Britain (England), mid-19th century.12

At a glance the quick version

Weight, male27 to 36 kg12
Weight, female25 to 32 kg12
Height, male59 to 61.5 cm12
Height, female56.5 to 59 cm12
Lifespan11.7 years23
Sizelarge
Cheerful and optimistic
Friendly and kind
Natural gundog talent
1

Coat and looks how to spot one

dense, flat, glossy coat

A shiny coat that lies as flat as possible, of fine to medium texture, with good feathering on the legs and tail.12

Coloursblackliver1

Personality what they are like

A happy, confident dog whose constantly wagging tail sums up its outlook. It is kind with people, may bark to announce visitors, and keeps a playful, youthful spirit well into adulthood.12

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A working retriever with plenty of energy, suited to daily exercise such as retrieving games, swimming and long walks.12

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Regular brushing keeps the flat coat glossy and the feathering tidy.1

Company who they like around

Very people-oriented and sociable, happiest when included in family life.12

The story where it all began

The Flat-coat was developed in mid-19th-century England as a gamekeeper's retriever, probably from St. John's water dogs, Newfoundlands, setters and collie types. Numbers fell sharply after the world wars, and dedicated breeders revived it from the 1960s onwards.2

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Breed writer Paddy Petch nicknamed it the 'Peter Pan' of retrievers because it stays playful for so long.2

  2. 2

    Flat-coats have won Best in Show at Crufts three times: in 1980, 2011 and 2022.2

  3. 3

    Their keen noses have earned them work as drug-detection dogs and as guide dog candidates.2

  4. 4

    Its head is described as being 'of one piece', with very little stop between skull and muzzle.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named for its flat, glossy coat, which distinguishes it from other retrievers like the curly-coated retriever. The name reflects its smooth, close-lying coat.2

Famous ones stars of the breed

Name ideas for your new friend

SunnyBrambleWagmorePippinCloverBiscuitFizzNettleTillyRustyMollySplash

A day in the life told by a Flat-coated Retriever

I wake up and my tail starts wagging before my eyes open. Breakfast is a happy clatter, then I grab my squeaky duck for a game of fetch in the garden. After a long walk through the woods, I plunge into the stream to retrieve sticks. Back home, I curl up on the rug, dreaming of tomorrow's adventures. Every day is full of joy and cuddles.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard No. 121, Group 8, Section 1 Retrievers.1
The Royal Kennel Club
Recognised gundog breed.2
AKC
Recognised in 1915 (Sporting Group).2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Flat-coated Retriever. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Frozen Yoghurt & Berry Kong Stuffing

A cooling, low-calorie treat that’s perfect for large dogs who love to lick and work for their food. Blueberries provide antioxidants, and plain yoghurt is gentle on the stomach.

You need

  • 120g plain Greek yoghurt (unsweetened, no additives)
  • 50g fresh or frozen blueberries (chopped if large)

How

  1. Mix the yoghurt and blueberries together in a small bowl.
  2. Spoon the mixture into a Kong or similar treat-dispensing toy.
  3. Place the stuffed Kong upright in a cup or on a tray in the freezer.
  4. Freeze for at least 3-4 hours or until solid.
  5. Give to your dog as a supervised treat.

How much: One stuffed Kong per day for a large/giant dog, reducing their dinner portion accordingly.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Flat-coated Retriever, and at what times?

Feed your Flat-coated Retriever at least two meals a day for adults, and three to four smaller meals for puppies. Regular meal times help their digestion. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.4

What should a Flat-coated Retriever eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A balanced commercial dog food is a great choice. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always consult your vet for the best diet for your dog.5

How often should I bathe a Flat-coated Retriever?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets dirty. At least once every three months is fine. Use a dog-safe shampoo.6 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Flat-coated Retriever need brushing?

Brush your Flat-coated Retriever at least once a week to keep the coat glossy and tidy. Furry Diary's plan recommends weekly brushing. Pay extra attention to the feathering on legs and tail.16 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Flat-coated Retriever's nails, and how often?

Trim your dog's nails every 4 weeks or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part). If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer.6 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Flat-coated Retriever need?

Your Flat-coated Retriever needs daily exercise, such as long walks, retrieving games, and swimming. They are energetic working dogs, so plan for at least an hour of activity each day.12 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Flat-coated Retriever's teeth and ears?

Brush your dog's teeth two to three times a week using dog toothpaste. Check ears weekly, especially since floppy ears trap moisture, dry them gently and never insert anything into the ear canal.6 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Flat-coated Retriever live?

A Flat-coated Retriever typically lives around 11 to 12 years. With good care, many enjoy a long, happy life.23

Is a Flat-coated Retriever good with children and other pets?

Yes, Flat-coated Retrievers are known for being kind and gentle with children and other pets. They are sociable and love being part of the family. Early socialisation helps them get along well.12

Can a Flat-coated Retriever be left alone?

Flat-coated Retrievers are very people-oriented and happiest with their family, so they may not do well left alone for long periods. If you need to leave them, provide toys and consider doggy daycare. For specific guidance, ask your vet or a good breeder.12

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FCI Standard No. 121 Flat Coated Retriever fci.beused for group, size, weight, coat, colours, temperament
  2. Flat-coated Retriever - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for history, recognition, lifespan, Crufts wins, fun facts
  3. UK dog longevity study (2024), cited via Wikipedia pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.govused for lifespan
  4. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.