Flat-coated Retriever

Feed the Flat-Coat a high-quality dog food matched to age (puppy, adult, or senior) and activity level, and keep clean, fresh water available at all times. Learn which human foods are safe for dogs and which are not, and check with your vet or breeder if you have questions about weight or diet.

Serve two to three small meals across the day rather than one large meal, which supports healthy digestion. Avoiding elevated bowls and exercise right before or after eating is also commonly recommended for deep-chested breeds. Scheduled meals, rather than free feeding, help keep your dog from gaining excess weight. Puppies should eat more often, three or four times a day.

The right amount depends on life stage, activity level, weight, and health history. Your dog food packaging gives portion guidance, but always talk with your vet about how much to feed. As long as your dog eats a well-balanced food, they get the nutrients they need.

As smart dogs, Flat-Coats benefit from a slow feeder bowl, snuffle mat, or another puzzle feeder for extra mental stimulation. Your vet may suggest omega-3 supplements to support a healthy coat or glucosamine for joint health. Always speak with your vet before giving your dog a supplement.

The Flat-Coat's moderate-length coat needs weekly grooming with a brush and a metal dog comb. This removes dirt and loose hair and keeps the coat clean. Flat-Coats shed above average, so the weekly comb-through matters.

Inspect the ears regularly and clean them when needed. Trim the nails often, since overly long nails cause discomfort and can lead to problems walking and running. Regular activity helps wear nails down, but they still need routine trimming to stay at an ideal length.

Good dental hygiene supports your dog's long-term health. Alongside professional cleanings, set up an at-home routine that includes regular teeth brushing.

The Flat-Coat is an active sporting breed and needs plenty of exercise every day for body and mind. Long daily walks and play sessions with you cover most of it, and the breed is up for nearly any activity, including long hikes, running, and backyard games of fetch.

Flat-Coats also thrive on dog sports such as obedience, tracking, agility, rally, flyball, frisbee, and hunt and field trials. These outlets release physical energy and provide mental stimulation. Their inquisitive, adventurous nature suits hunting but can cause trouble at home without an outlet.

Bored Flat-Coats with pent-up energy will dig up the yard, chew shoes, roll in mud puddles, or scale a fence to find something to do. They are well-suited to households that offer a variety of engaging activities, especially outdoor ones. Apartment living may not suit this breed, since they prefer plenty of space to run and play.

Flat-Coats are intelligent, responsive, and eager to please, so they are generally easy to train. They have a sensitive nature and do not respond well to harsh corrections, so gentle techniques and positive reinforcement work best. Retrievers are naturals at obedience and agility and learn cues and tricks quickly.

Early socialization and puppy training classes help the Flat-Coat grow into a well-adjusted, well-mannered companion. They generally mesh well with children and other animals, especially with proper introductions. A Flat-Coat wants to be with its family, and undesirable behaviors can follow if it is regularly left alone for long periods.

True to their heritage, Flat-Coats retrieve items from around the house or yard, often bringing back shoes, a child's stuffed animal, or other household objects. They are also food-motivated, which helps when teaching them to release what they hold: offer a favorite treat in exchange. As a working breed, they flourish when given tasks to focus on, especially ones their family joins, like hiking or dog sports.