Flat-Coated Retriever
FLAT KOH-ted rih-TREE-vur
Cheerful, Optimistic, Good-humored, Forever young. Originally bred for retrieving game on land and water.
An adult Flat-Coated Retriever weighs 60-70 lbs (male) or 55-65 lbs (female), needs 1,090-1,870 calories daily, and lives 8-10 yrs. Large breeds need portion control and joint-conscious exercise, especially during growth. The breed's primary health watch is cancer (histiocytic sarcoma, hemangiosarcoma). All numbers below come from AKC breed standards and NRC 2006 veterinary nutrition formulas.
Nutrition and feeding
A typical adult Flat-Coated Retriever needs 1,090 to 1,870 calories per day. An average male (65 lbs / 29.5 kg) needs around 1,510 kcal; a female (60 lbs / 27.2 kg) roughly 1,420 kcal. These estimates use the vet-standard RER/MER formula.
Estimate for a typical adult Flat-Coated Retriever. For puppies, seniors, or specific activity levels, use the full calorie calculator.
Health profile
Large breeds face a particular set of health challenges related to their size and growth rate. The Flat-Coated Retriever typically lives 8-10 yrs. The breed's primary health concerns are cancer (histiocytic sarcoma, hemangiosarcoma) and hip dysplasia, which responsible breeders screen for before breeding.
Exercise and activity
60-90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise. True retrieving dogs who love water, fetch, and field work. As a sporting breed, the Flat-Coated Retriever was developed for endurance in the field. They excel at activities that engage both body and brain: retrieving, swimming, agility courses, and long hikes on varied terrain. Many sporting breeds develop behavioral problems without adequate outlet for their natural drive. Without sufficient exercise, the Flat-Coated Retriever is likely to develop destructive behaviors, excessive barking, or anxiety. This is a breed that needs daily commitment to physical activity.
Care and traits
Flat-Coated Retrievers have a dense, flat-lying, lustrous (black or liver) coat. Origin: England.
Known as the 'Peter Pan' of dogs because they retain puppy-like enthusiasm into old age. Tragically, cancer rates are very high; the breed's average lifespan is among the shortest for medium-to-large dogs.
Tools for Flat-Coated Retriever owners
Frequently asked questions
A healthy adult Flat-Coated Retriever requires between 1090 and 1870 calories daily. A 65-pound individual falls near the middle of that range. Growth-phase nutrition matters enormously for large breeds. Puppies need controlled growth to protect developing joints. Working or competition dogs may need 20-30% more than resting estimates. Use our calorie calculator with your dog's actual weight for a personalized number.
Males typically weigh 60-70 lbs (27.2–31.8 kg). Females run lighter at 55-65 lbs (24.9–29.5 kg). Large breeds carry weight in the midsection and over the ribs. A visible waist from above and a tuck behind the ribs when viewed from the side indicate healthy condition. The best home assessment is the rib test: place your thumbs on the spine and spread your fingers across the ribs. You should feel each rib individually. If you have to press to find them, the dog is carrying extra weight.
For Flat-Coated Retrievers, cancer (histiocytic sarcoma, hemangiosarcoma) tops the list of breed-associated health conditions. Talk to your vet about screening options and early detection strategies for cancer (histiocytic sarcoma, hemangiosarcoma). Other conditions seen in the breed include hip dysplasia, patellar luxation. Awareness of these breed tendencies allows for early intervention, which often improves outcomes significantly.
Count on 60 to 90 minutes of active exercise every day to keep a Flat-Coated Retriever balanced. Good activities for this breed include retrieving games, swimming, field work. Mental stimulation through training and puzzle toys is as important as physical exercise for this breed. An under-exercised Flat-Coated Retriever will find outlets for pent-up energy, often in ways you will not appreciate: chewing, barking, digging, or restless pacing.
Disclaimer: General breed information based on AKC standards and veterinary sources. Individual dogs vary. Calorie estimates use the RER/MER formula (NRC 2006). Consult your veterinarian for advice specific to your dog. See our sources.
Last reviewed: April 1, 2026