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  1. Home
  2. /Breeds
  3. /Flat-Coated Retriever
Flat-Coated Retriever photo

Flat-Coated Retriever

The eternal puppy of the retriever world — joyful, exuberant, and slow to mature. Flat-Coated Retrievers are enthusiastic sporting dogs that bring boundless optimism to everything they do.

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Quick Stats

Weight

27–36 kg (60–79 lbs)

Height

56–62 cm (22–24 in)

Lifespan

8–10 years

Coat Type

medium

AKC Popularity

#100

Good For

Families, Active Lifestyles, suburban-living

Breed Ratings

Personality

Intelligence
4/5
Trainability
4/5
Playfulness
5/5
Energy Level
5/5

Social

Good with Kids
5/5
Good with Dogs
5/5
Good with Strangers
5/5

Lifestyle

Apartment Friendly
1/5
Exercise Needs
5/5
Watchdog Ability
2/5
Barking Level
3/5

Care

Shedding
3/5
Grooming Needs
3/5
Health Robustness
2/5

Cost of Ownership

Purchase Price

$1,000–$2,500

Monthly Food

$60

Annual Vet

$600

Annual Grooming

$150

Est. First Year Total

~$3,220

Est. Annual Total

~$1,470

See full cost breakdown with interactive calculator →

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Common Health Issues

cancerhip dysplasiapatellar luxationbloat

Health robustness rating: 2/5. Flat-Coated Retrievers are prone to several health conditions. Regular vet checkups and health screening are strongly recommended.

Compare Flat-Coated Retriever with Other Breeds

Flat-Coated Retriever vs French Bulldog

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Flat-Coated Retriever vs Labrador Retriever

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Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever

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Flat-Coated Retriever vs German Shepherd

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Flat-Coated Retriever vs Poodle

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Flat-Coated Retriever vs Bulldog

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Flat-Coated Retriever cost?

A Flat-Coated Retriever puppy typically costs $1,000–$2,500. The estimated first-year cost including food, vet visits, and grooming is around $3,220, with ongoing annual costs of approximately $1,470.

How long do Flat-Coated Retrievers live?

Flat-Coated Retrievers have an average lifespan of 8 to 10 years. Common health concerns include cancer, hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, bloat.

Are Flat-Coated Retrievers good with kids?

Flat-Coated Retrievers score 5/5 for being good with children. They are generally excellent family dogs and get along well with children of all ages.

Do Flat-Coated Retrievers shed a lot?

Flat-Coated Retrievers have a shedding level of 3/5. They shed moderately and benefit from regular brushing.

Are Flat-Coated Retrievers good for apartments?

Flat-Coated Retrievers score 1/5 for apartment friendliness. They are better suited to homes with yards and ample space to move around.