Is a Flat-Coated Retriever Right for You?
Flat-Coated Retrievers are wonderful dogs. However, they are not for everyone. The questions and information below may help you decide if the breed is a good match for you.
(Every dog has its own unique temperament, level of intelligence, and quirks. The observations below are generalizations that may not fit a particular dog.)
Do you enjoy a bouncy dog? Flat-Coated Retrievers are happy, bouncy, dogs. They have been described as the "Peter Pan" of the dog world. They are in your face, and almost always ready to play. They will often be goofy. This is one of their finest attributes if you enjoy it; and one of their worst attributes if you don't. Flat-Coated Retrievers are slow to mature, and their "puppyhood" can last for several years. Make sure your personality matches this type of dog.
Do you have time to be with your dog? Flat-Coated Retrievers require lots of human interaction. They do not do well when left alone in a yard or in a kennel. They are easily bored, and need substantial daily human companionship. When bored, they can become destructive. Flat-Coated Retrievers are very intelligent and sensitive. Without companionship, they become unhappy. If you are thinking of a puppy, you will not be able to leave the puppy alone for more than a few hours at a time. You will need to invest a fair amount of time in training your dog. You will need to be home every day in time to walk your dog. If you are able to invest the time in one, a Flat-Coated Retriever can be a great companion; if you don't have the time, you and the dog will likely both be unhappy.
Are you able to exercise your dog? Flat-Coated Retrievers need lots of exercise. They need substantial DAILY exercise. Scout likes a walk of at least 3 miles every day, plus additional off-leash play times. This is probably close to the minimum exercise a Flatcoat should have without becoming bored. Letting them run alone in the backyard is not enough. Flatcoats love to chase balls and bumpers, sometimes seem to live to swim, and enjoy playing with other dogs. These are all forms of exercise to consider. You should not get a Flatcoat if you are not able to exercise him/her.
Do you have young children? Flatcoats love children. However, because they are very strong, they can easily and inadvertently injure a child while playing. At 60-80 pounds, they can easily push a child over. They will likely "steal" your child's toys and play with them. The Flat-Coated Retriever may therefore not be the best breed for families with small children.
Are you willing to live with a dog? A dog is not a human. Your dog may chew your furniture or your new pair of shoes. Flatcoated retrievers will shed from time to time. They need to be bathed on occasion, their nails need to be trimmed, their teeth need to be brushed, etc. If your community has a scoop law, you will need to pick up after your dog. Make sure you are not expecting a 4-legged person.
Is the dog likely to be around elderly persons? If so, a Flatcoat may not be the right dog. Flat-Coated Retrievers tend to greet people by jumping up on them, and in their enthusiasm can easily topple an elderly or frail person. A frail person probably won't be able to control a strong Flatcoat who may suddenly pull on a leash when a squirrel runs for a tree.
Are you looking for a watch dog? Flat-Coated Retrievers are neither watch dogs nor guard dogs. Although they may bark at an intruder, they are as likely not to. They greet strangers with wagging tails and kisses. You definitely do not want a flatcoat if you are looking for a watch or guard dog.
Are you looking for an obedience dog? Although they want to please their owners and therefore will often be obedient, Flat-Coated Retrievers tend to be a little, ahem, stubborn. They also like to tease their owners and will at times pretend not to hear commands. They are very intelligent, they prefer to do things their own way, because they get bored with routine. Because they are sensitive, it is easy to over-correct them; if they are over-corrected, they become demonstrably unhappy and can actually hold a grudge. Flatcoats are therefore not the best obedience dogs. That being said, there are also many Flatcoated Retrievers who do have obedience titles.
Other breed characteristics include: jumping up, licking (kissing) people, stealing food, eating poop (coprophagy), disliking crates. Flatcoats, as a breed, do not have the many of the major health problems of other breeds, but do have a unusually high incidence of cancer. Most flatcoats live to be between 9 and 13 years old. Consider the breed characteristics before deciding on a flatcoat.
Can you afford to care for a dog? The cost of keeping a dog is high. Quality food, veterinary care, toys, and supplies can cost thousands of dollars a year. In general terms, larger dogs eat more and often have more ailments than small dogs. If your dog gets sick (and it will), expensive care may be required. Are you able to financially care for a dog?
Are you committed to care for a dog? A dog is a companion for life. Are you able to continue caring for your dog, even after life changes? You will have inevitable life changes, like children, children leaving, retirement, moving, and changing jobs. From time to time, you may have to take time off from work for veterinary appointments, etc. Are you willing to commit to being responsible for your dog, and placing your dog's welfare ahead of other considerations, despite your life changes?
If you think a Flat-Coated Retriever may be a good addition to your family, Scout recommends that you learn more. Go to dog shows and ask questions. Read about the breed. Spend some time with a flat-coated retriever before making up your mind. Some excellent books are listed on Scout's Recommended Reading page. Flat-Coated Retrievers can be the best of dogs in the right household and the worst of dogs in the wrong household; you owe it to yourself and the dog to thoroughly investigate the breed before seeking to own one.
If you are interested in a rescue dog, the rescue coordinator for the FCRSA is listed HERE.
