Flat-Coated Retriever
Dog · Sporting · 0 live listings
A British retriever bred to fetch game on land and water, the Flat-Coat stays playful and puppyish well into middle age. Cheerful, optimistic and devoted to its people, it needs daily exercise and company, and the breed carries a high cancer risk.
At a glance
The tradeoffs, honestly
Flat-Coats mature slowly and stay bouncy for years. Cancer, especially histiocytic sarcoma, shortens many lives, so the average lifespan is shorter than other retrievers of the same size.
Common questions
Is a Flat-Coated Retriever a good first dog?
It can be, for an active owner who enjoys a playful dog. Flat-Coats are friendly and trainable but boisterous for longer than most breeds, so expect a long adolescence and plan for training and daily exercise.
What health problems do Flat-Coats have, and what should be tested?
Cancer is the main concern, followed by hip dysplasia, luxating kneecaps and glaucoma. Ask for OFA hips and patellas and a recent eye exam including gonioscopy on both parents, and ask how long dogs in the pedigree lived.
Why is the Flat-Coat lifespan shorter than a Labrador's?
The breed has a high rate of cancers such as histiocytic sarcoma. Breeders who track longevity in their lines give you the best odds, so ask about the ages and causes of death of grandparents.
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