Flat Coated Retriever Puppies for Sale by State
Puppies for sale by state · Breeder directory · Rescue & shelter directory · All breeds A–Z
About Flat Coated Retriever Puppies, Breeders & DogFacts
The Flat Coated Retriever, developed in 19th century Britain as a gundog for retrieving game on land and in water, is a medium to large Sporting Group breed celebrated for its cheerful, affectionate, and forever young temperament. High energy and people oriented, it thrives with vigorous daily exercise and mental stimulation, enjoying activities like swimming, fetch, and field training. It has a sleek, flat lying, weather resistant medium length coat with feathering, most often solid black or liver, and a long, refined head with a friendly expression. Grooming needs are moderate, weekly brushing (more during heavy shedding periods) and routine ear care. They shed heavily and are not hypoallergenic. Common health concerns include a higher risk of certain cancers, hip and elbow dysplasia, eye problems such as progressive retinal atrophy, and bloat; responsible screening is recommended. Typical adults stand about 22, 24.5 inches tall and weigh roughly 55-75 pounds, making devoted family companions when their exercise and attention needs are met.
Breed Characteristics
Temperament
Flat Coated Retriever dogs are known for: Cheerful, Optimistic, Devoted, Goofy, Buoyant.
- Cheerful
- Optimistic
- Devoted
- Goofy
- Buoyant
Family & Household Compatibility
- Good with children, this breed is generally compatible with kids.
- Good with other dogs, typically sociable with other dogs.
- Good with cats, generally tolerant of cats when properly introduced.
Known Health Considerations
Cancer (histiocytic sarcoma, high incidence), hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, bloat
When researching Flat Coated Retriever breeders, ask for documentation of health screening on both parents. Ethical breeders test for breed appropriate conditions through OFA, PennHIP, or breed club specified DNA panels before breeding.
Before You Choose a Flat Coated Retriever Puppy
- Can I see health screening documentation for both parents?
- Are the parents registered with the AKC or relevant breed club?
- What is your return policy if the dog cannot remain in my home?
- Can I visit, meet the parents, and see where the puppies are raised?
- Do you provide a written health guarantee and vaccination records?
Screened Flat Coated Retriever breeders on PuppyReports have submitted documentation, responded to the platform, and maintain an active PuppyReports™ Card. Research any breeder before you make a commitment.
Featured Ethical Flat Coated Retriever Breeder
Members of the Canine Ethics Leadership Circle™ who breed Flat Coated Retriever appear here, submitted health documentation, full record transparency, and a signed Canine Ethics Standard. One breeder per breed.
Search Flat Coated Retriever puppies for sale the smarter way.
Compare Flat Coated Retriever breeders, PuppyReports Cards, family experiences, and breed research in one place before you choose.
Search Flat Coated Retriever Puppies for Sale
About these recommendations. PuppyReports surfaces the basic health screening recommendations for each breed in accordance with the principles established by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) program. The OFA, working with each breed’s primary US parent club, sets the recommended testing list per breed. Recommendations may vary by country and region (US OFA CHIC, European FCI, UK Kennel Club, Australian National Kennel Council, etc.). Always review current requirements with your breed’s parent club for your jurisdiction. Last reviewed: 2026-05-02.
Sources & further reading: American Kennel Club breed information; Orthopedic Foundation for Animals CHIC program (ofa.org/chic programs). Breed data sourced from PuppyReports™ breeds database. Last reviewed: 2026-04-24.