Character: The Flat Coated Retriever is a very high-spirited and devoted family pet. This breed craves human attention and does very well in large families where he can be the center of attention. This breed is very happy go lucky, sweet, and affectionate, but also has a sense of humor and is sure to light up a room with his funny ways. The Flat Coated Retriever is naturally very obedient and has a very even temperament, but with all dogs, he does require training and socialization to become the lovely and very friendly companion that he can be.
Temperament: The Flat Coated Retriever has a very jolly personality. He gets along well with just about everyone, including small children and does exceptionally well with other dogs. The Flat Coated Retriever is a very intelligent breed and is eager to please, but does require something in return, human companionship and affection. This breed does not do well in a kennel environment and needs to be part of the family, although he does love the outdoors. The Flat Coated Retriever steals the hearts of everyone he meets with his fun loving, endearing, and friendly personality. He would make a wonderful companion for a family of all kinds.
Care: The Flat Coated Retriever does require quite a bit of grooming due to the feathering on the lower quarters of the dog. This breed should be brushed on a regular basis with a firm bristle brush, but should only be bathed when necessary. The coat of this breed has the tendency to trap burrs and sticks so if this breed is to have free roam in a yard, the coat should be checked for said items. This breed doesn't need much trimming as the coat is usually of natural length, however some trimming may be required occasionally.
Training: The Flat Coated Retriever is a highly intelligent and trainable dog and makes a wonderful student. This breed is very jolly and energetic so should require consistency, however excessive repetition is sure to bore him and he will quickly lose interest. Discipline is not required, and correction and positive reinforcement work best. Making training fun with a variety of techniques will be sure to keep his attention, and he will excel much further.
Activity: The Flat Coated Retriever is a large breed that enjoys quite a bit of running, a game of fetch, and long jogs with his owner. Being so energetic, this breed should require at least 2 hours of exercise daily, so an average sized fenced in yard would work best. Long daily walks are definitely enjoyed by this breed and without a fenced in yard to give them exercise, this is required and not optional. The Flat Coated Retriever loves to go on hikes with his owner, so an energetic family that loves the outdoors would be the ideal companion for this fun loving breed.
Flat-Coated Retriever
Sporting Group
