There are two ways of adopting a Flat Coated Retriever: one is to find a reputable breeder from which you can find a suitable puppy to raise; and the other one is to adopt an adult Flat Coated Retriever which may have been abandoned or rescued and placed into a shelter or pound. In either case, you have to decide early on whether you want to adopt a puppy or a fill grown dog. There are pros and cons to both sides of the coin - weighing your options before you adopt will save you a lot of headaches and heartaches.

Here are the pros when you adopt a puppy from a breeder:

First of all, you get a blank slate. Meaning, you can train your puppy according to whatever plans you choose. Starting a Flat Coated Retriever early with any form of training helps it to become calmer, happier, and wiser as it grows older. Flat Coated Retriever dogs are very athletic and energetic. If you have future plans on entering dog shows or competitions that are physically demanding like agility tests or field tests, then it is best that you start your puppy with the "basics" as soon as it's feasible. Secondly, by acquiring a puppy as a pet, (and Flat Coated Retriever dogs are notorious for being amiable to humans) you are actually allowing the animal to transfer its loyalty and devotion to you wholesale. By doing this, you will never find a more affectionate and loving pet.

Here are the cons when you adopt a puppy from a breeder:

You need to really find a Flat Coated Retriever breeder you can trust. Never trust puppy mills and pet shops, simply because you have no idea where the puppies come from, or whether they have already acquired irreversible behavioral problems. You may come across one or more irresponsible Flat Coated Retriever breeders who are trying to pass off poor "specimens" just so they can make a quick sale, and you may be stuck with a puppy that will never meet your standards. Plus, these Flat Coated Retriever puppies may be afflicted with diseases, infestations, and viruses - medical conditions which you may not be ready to handle.

Here are the pros when you adopt a puppy from a pound or shelter:

The Flat Coated Retriever you adopt has its own personality. Animal placement agencies usually try to match it with yours. You don't have to worry about vaccinations, spaying, de-worming, or other "essentials" because great animal shelters usually perform this service for free. Since the Flat Coated Retriever dog arrives to your doorstep fully grown, you don't have to go through the trials and tribulations of a puppy growing up.

Here are the cons when you adopt a puppy from a pound or shelter:

Any animal that is "rescued" and subsequently placed in animal shelters or dog pounds may have some behavioral issues. Non-adoptable Flat Coated Retriever will, of course, not be released to the public, but those that do must undergo extreme evaluation - and so do you, as its potential adoptive or foster parent.