Life Span:	10 years
Litter Size:	4 - 8 puppies with the average being 6 puppies
Group:	Gun Dog, AKC Sporting
Recognized By:	CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR
Color:	Black, Brown, Liver, White spots, Black spots
Hair Length:	Long
Size:	Large
Shedding:	Moderate Shed
Male Height:	22 -23 inches (56 - 58 cm.)
Male Weight:	60 - 70 pounds (27 - 32 kg.)
Female Height:	22 -23 inches (56 - 58 cm.)
Female Weight:	60 - 70 pounds (27 - 32 kg.)
Living Area:	The Flat Coated Retriever is not recommended for apartment life, as it does need plenty of fresh air and exercise on a regular basis. These dogs were raised to be gundogs and enjoy exploring forest area, large territories, and can withstand harsh weather. They are relatively inactive indoors, and will do their best when they have an average-sized yard available. The breed needs to be around people in order to be happy, so it is important that they are paid attention to at least once per day. Intensive exercise works best for them, and they can often be found working up a sweat outdoors in a variety of tasks. These dogs do play well indoors, but also enjoy spending as much time as possible outside as well. This dog will not do well being chained up in the house all day, and needs plenty of space to roam.

About this Breed

The Flat Coated Retriever is a noble and sturdy dog, and stands strong as a gundog from Britain. It has been trained and bred to work on both land and, and these dogs are exceptional family companions as well. The Flat Coated Retriever has a strong, muscular jaw and long muzzle. It is a unique breed with its one-piece backskull and muzzle, and often carries a friendly and intelligent expression. The ears are pendant-shaped and are fairly small. They lie closely to the back of the skull and the dogs have a well-arched neck. The top line of the dog is strong and straight, while the back of the dog's head is angulated. The coat of the Flat Coated Retriever is a single coat, with no undercoat. It is moderate in length and is quite dense and lustrous; owners of this dog enjoy brushing and keeping this dog's coat smooth and shiny, and the coat is longer on the backs of the legs, body, and tail. The head is molded and sleek, and the eyes are either dark brown or hazel. These dogs have a very intelligent and often doleful expression; they have moderately small ears and simple but bold features. The nose is usually black, but it may be brown in color for liver-colored retrievers. The back is short, square, and muscular and the feet are round and strong. These dogs are naturally very energetic and training can take some time. However, they are also very obedient and will listen to their masters and owners with little fuss. These dogs are stable and consistent, and they fit well with a variety of families.