Flat Coated Retriever Care

The Flat-Coated Retriever (FCR): Happy, energetic, affectionate, and comical. These medium-sized hunting dogs are fun-loving and enthusiastic, and are great both in the fields and as companions to active families. And aside from some high exercise requirements, one of the breed's best qualities is that Flat-Coated Retriever care and maintenance doesn't take a great deal of work.

Below you'll find plenty of details on caring for an FCR, including info on puppy development, exercise needs, recommended diet, and more. For answers to your questions about owning this spirited sporting breed, read on!

As an active and athletic hunting dog, Flat-Coated Retriever exercise requirements are extensive. FCRs are members of the Sporting Group in the AKC and other clubs, and will enjoy a wide variety of activities--walking, swimming, fetch, canine sports competitions, among others--as well as a simple romp in the yard. They make excellent jogging and bicycling companions as well. It almost goes without saying, then, that these dogs are best for active families willing to provide their FCRs with ample exercise each day.

But specifically how much exercise? The typical adult Flat-Coated Retriever, depending on its age and overall activity level, will need at least 90 minutes of proper exercise per day, which you can accomplish with a couple of walks, jogs, or bike rides and a good period of play. You can start exercising your FCR puppy at three months old by taking it on short (10-minute) leashed walks, then you can increase the walks' length and frequency as the puppy grows.

Some precautions to observe when exercising your Flat-Coated Retriever: first, puppies younger than nine months old shouldn't participate in activities that include a lot of jumping, running, or navigating of stairs, as doing so can injure their still-developing joints and bones. And regardless of age, the use of a leash is recommended when you and your FCR are in public. As natural hunters, these dogs have high prey drives, and will instinctively chase interesting-looking critters--birds, squirrels, cats, even small dogs--if given the chance; they're also extremely friendly, curious, and social, and will run off in search of new playmates if they're allowed. A leash will help you control your FCR in these situations. Even when exercising in your own yard, the area will need to be securely fenced, as FCRs are known to wander. And finally: these dogs form extremely close bonds with their human family members and will suffer separation anxiety if left alone, so they'll respond much better to exercises you perform along with them.

Safeguards aside, giving your Flat-Coated Retriever lots of exercise every day is a must. These dogs are enthusiastic, fun-loving, and athletic--they're often called the Peter Pans of dog breeds!--and regular physical activity is a requirement for them. If bored or restless, FCRs will become destructive, frustrated, and completely unhappy in general. Consistent exercise will help your FCR stay the cheerful, spirited dog it's meant to be. Some exercise ideas:

• Walking/Jogging/Bicycling: Two 45-minute walks (or 30-minute jogs or bike rides) per day is a good target
• Fetch: As retrievers, FCRs will chase a ball or stick for hours
• Tug-of-War: Great indoor, rainy-day activity; use a rope or old towel
• Swimming: These dogs love the water
• Dog Park: If properly socialized, FCRs enjoy the company of other dogs
• Canine Sports: An FCR can excel at obedience and agility trials, flyball, and other competitions
• Hiking: Excellent bonding activity; the dog can even carry the backpack

When indoors, it's a good idea to give your FCR access to one or more balls or toys that will allow the dog to burn excess energy. It's also recommended that you establish a regular exercise schedule for the dog, such as walks, jogs, or bike rides after breakfast and dinner and a play period in the afternoon.

In terms of shedding and drooling, these dogs need moderate care. Flat-Coated Retriever shedding is fair for most of the year, and heavier during the twice-yearly shedding seasons; drooling isn't much of an issue.

FCRs have medium-length, double-layered, flat coats (hence the breed name) that have thicker feathering on the ears, neck, chest, legs, and tail. FCR coats shed some all year long--but when they "blow" their coats in the spring and fall, the shedding is much more profuse. Owners will need to brush their FCRs weekly (and more often during shedding season) with a metal comb to reduce the amount of shed hairs; cleanup (vacuuming the floors and lint rollers on clothes and furniture) will be necessary from time to time, but won't be an overwhelming task.

And a Flat-Coated Retriever may drool a bit in anticipation of food, after drinking water, or when especially excited, but it's not a constant issue. If your FCR is drooling excessively, it may be a sign of a medical issue, in which case a veterinarian's care is recommended.

Though opinions differ over what's the best dog food for Flat-Coated Retrievers, a majority of owners and breeders agree that the most sensible choice is premium dry food. This high-quality kibble, while more expensive and difficult to obtain, provides balanced portions of animal proteins and carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, and omega fatty acids--nutrients your FCR will require to maintain its health and high activity level in the long term. Cheap, generic food is not recommended for this breed, because these foods contain mostly empty "filler" ingredients that simply don't provide enough nutrients for an FCR to remain healthy and happy.

Wellness Core, Blue Buffalo, and Taste of the Wild are three recommended brands that carry excellent lines of premium dry food for sporting dogs.

The eponymous coat gives these dogs ample protection against the cold, but they should still not be left outside during frigid weather, and especially not during periods of great heat. Let them stay inside with the family when they are not out working or having fun.