Is the Flat-Coated Retriever a good family dog?

Flat-Coated Retrievers are known for being cheerful, optimistic, good-humored. They are generally considered adaptable with children. As with all breeds, supervised interaction with young children is recommended.

How much exercise does a Flat-Coated Retriever need daily?

Flat-Coated Retrievers are an active breed and need at least 1–2 hours of vigorous exercise daily, plus mental enrichment to prevent boredom.

Large breed Active energy Double coat Sporting Group

Flat-Coated Retriever

Cheerful, Optimistic, Good-Humored

The Flat-Coated Retriever’s eponymous flat-lying coat comes in lustrous black or liver, with feathering at the legs and tail. A distinctive breed hallmark is the long head—unique among retrievers—which projects a smart and kindly expression. A Flat-Coat will stand as tall as a La…

⚖️ 60–70 lbs 📏 22–24.5" 🎂 8–10 years 🧠 Intelligence #18 — above-average

Estimate Flat-Coated Retriever costs Find Flat-Coated Retriever names

Energy

100%

Shedding

80%

Trainability

100%

Grooming

40%

Friendliness

80%

Coat Type

Double coat Weekly Brushing

🧠 #18

Intelligence

🎂 9yr

Average lifespan

💰 $16K

Lifetime cost

🍖 $466/yr

Annual food estimate

👨‍👩‍👧 Great

With kids

🩺 0

Known conditions

Flat-Coated Retriever food & nutrition tools

Chef Paw (US) · Appliances

ChefPaw Dog Food Maker

Revolutionary countertop pet food maker, simplifying the process of crafting fresh and highly-nutrit…

$639.98 Shop now →

Affiliate link — no extra cost to you

Flat-Coated Retriever training & walking gear

🐾

JugBow · Training

JugBow No-Pull Training Harness

Dual-clip training harness with front and back D-rings. Reflective stitching, padded chest plate, an…

$34.99 Shop now →

Affiliate link — no extra cost to you

For Flat-Coated Retriever owners

Crown and Paw · Gifts

The Veteran - Custom Pet Canvas

Premium 8" x 10" custom pet canvas. Turn your pet into a legendary military veteran.

$46.86 Shop now →

Affiliate link — no extra cost to you

Affiliate disclosure: PupWiki may earn a commission from qualifying partner links, at no extra cost to you. Availability and pricing can change.

Requires 90+ minutes vigorous exercise daily — fetch, agility, or long hikes.

Heavy shedder — brush 3-4× per week and deShed weekly to manage coat.

Highly trainable — excels with positive reinforcement; start obedience classes early.

Recommended for experienced owners — higher owner difficulty rating of 7/10.
Better suited to homes with outdoor space — this large needs room to move.
A adaptable temperament can make this breed a reliable companion for the right household.
Working heritage means structured activity matters — under-stimulation can lead to problem behaviors.