Flat-Coated Retriever Growth Chart (Weight Chart & Size Chart)

Bringing a flat-coated retriever into your home will be a pleasure that everyone will enjoy. These canines are amiable and enjoy playing and receiving lots of attention. They even get along well with children because of their boundless enthusiasm. This dog can grow to be rather large, and many dog owners wonder how long it will be until their flat-coated retriever stops growing.

Your flat-coated retriever should cease growing at the age of two. While some smaller breeds stop developing when they are young, this dog still has a long way to go before they are deemed full-size. 

Flat-Coated Retriever Growth Chart
Flat-Coated Retriever Growth Chart

Many will be finished by the age of 18 months, though the dog may continue to grow for a longer period of time. Routine vet checkups will give you a better understanding of whether or not your dog is growing at a healthy rate.

To know more about the Flat-Coated Retriever growth chart, read the entire article!

Information on Flat-Coated Retriever
Information on Flat-Coated Retriever

When Do Flat-Coated Retrievers Stop Growing?

Your flat-coated retriever will most likely cease developing by the age of two. Many will stop growing around 18 months, but it is not uncommon for individuals to continue growing over that time. This is a little longer than some of the smaller breed dogs you could consider getting as a pet. Being prepared for how long that can take will also help you raise the dog more effectively.

Because they have more height and weight to add to their body, large breed dogs, such as the flat coated retriever, will take longer to attain full size. They also have larger bones, which will require more time to develop. These growth charts will have some wiggle area, and some of this breed will cease growing earlier than others.

What is the Standard Flat-Coated Retriever Size

Flat-coated retrievers are black or liver-colored dogs with fine-haired coats that are smooth, medium-length, and thick.

The ears are dangling near to the head. The eyes are dark brown or hazel in color. The legs and tail have a lot of feathers. A normal flat-tail coat's wags continually because they are happy dogs.

Male flat-coated retrievers have typical heights ranging from 23 to 24.5 inches, while females have average heights ranging from 22 to 23.5 inches. Weights range from 60 to 80 pounds (27 to 36 kilograms), with females weighing the least and males weighing the most.

Flat-Coated Retriever Growth Chart – What To Expect
Flat-Coated Retriever Weight Chart by Age


Flat-Coated Retriever 1-2 weeks

Puppies can touch and taste when they are born, but that's about it. During this time, they will be influenced the most by their mother (or mother surrogate) and littermates, and will begin to learn some basic social skills, coordination, and the ranking process. Most of the time, they'll merely eat — infants require milk from their mother or a commercial milk replacer every two hours.


Flat-Coated Retriever 3-12 weeks

This is the period and timeframe in which it is critical to socialize your puppy with other people and canines. Puppies are aware of their surroundings at five weeks and begin to enjoy playtime. Good interactions with people from weeks 5 to 7 will have a significant impact on how they engage in the future.

Even though they will begin to be influenced by people after approximately a month, puppies should be left with their mother and littermates for at least eight weeks to acquire inhibited play biting and other dog socialization cues. You might be able to start house-training your puppy by week seven. From weeks 8 to 10, your puppy will go through a typical “fear” period that can be alleviated with positive and supportive training. 

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However, the true “golden period” for training is between 9 and 12 weeks, when your puppy is actively working on social skills and paying attention to both adults and litter mates.


Flat-Coated Retriever 4-6 months

Consider this period to be “elementary school age.” Dogs, like human children, are most influenced by their playmates — both dogs and people — at this stage. During this time, your puppy will learn and apply ranking in terms of submission and dominance. Teething and chewing (and chewing troubles!) occur around this time, and the puppy will go through another fear period when she is about four months old.


Flat-Coated Retriever 10-12 months

Your puppy now understands that he belongs to a pack (which may include both humans and dogs) and that this group has the biggest control over his conduct. Expect your dog to test you more as he learns about dominance and his role in the pack. Dogs that haven't been spayed or neutered will begin to demonstrate sexual activity during this time, and a second chewing stage will most likely begin between 7 and 9 months.

Knowing what to expect and when to expect it allows you to better prepare yourself to deal with specific behaviors in a way that is both positive and fosters the type of behavior you want.


How To Weigh Your Flat-Coated Retriever Puppy?

How to weigh?
How to weigh?

If you want to maintain track of your Flat-Coated Retriever's weight, you must first learn how to weigh him properly.

To begin, you should be able to weigh your Flat-Coated Retriever at home if he is a puppy or if you are just large enough to hold him. This can be accomplished with a standard bathroom scale.

To begin, weigh yourself and record the result. Then, while standing on the scale, pick up your dog and hold him. The difference in weights represents your dog's weight.

If your dog is too huge to carry, you can either invest in a dog scale, which can cost upwards of $100, or contact your veterinarian. The majority of veterinarian offices will enable you to use their scale.

Unless there is a health problem, you can weigh an adult Flat-Coated Retriever once every six months. Once a week is sufficient for a puppy to ensure he is growing normally.

What Is A Flat-Coated Retriever’s Neck Size?

To determine the neck size of your dog, use a soft and flexible tape measure to determine the neck size of your dog where her collar naturally falls. Then, put two fingers between your dog's neck and the tape measure to ensure that the dog collar fits snugly but comfortably. Flat-Coated Retriever's average neck circumference is between 18 and 24 inches.

How Big Do Flat-Coated Retrievers Get?

Male flat-coated retrievers have typical heights ranging from 23 to 24.5 inches, while females have average heights ranging from 22 to 23.5 inches. Weights range from 60 to 80 pounds (27 to 36 kilograms), with females weighing the least and males weighing the most. This dog has a life expectancy of roughly ten years.

Factors That Affect Flat-Coated Retriever Puppy Growth 

Diet & Nutrition

The Flat-Coat should be fed high-quality dog food that is appropriate for its age (puppy, adult, or senior) and activity level. Discover which human foods are suitable for dogs and which are not. If you have any queries or concerns regarding your dog's weight or diet, see your veterinarian or the dog's breeder. There should always be clean, fresh water available.

Physical Activity & Health

Flat-coated Retriever in a Lake
Flat-coated Retriever in a Lake

The breed has a number of health and genetic screening considerations. Responsible Flat-Coat breeders examine their stock for diseases that the breed is prone to and connect with other dedicated breeders on a regular basis, working together for breed health and the preservation of the breed's distinctive characteristics. 

The ears of a Flat-Coat should be checked for signs of infection on a regular basis, and the teeth should be brushed frequently with dog toothpaste. Regular vet visits for examinations and parasite control assist to ensure the dog has a long and healthy life.

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The Flat-Coat is a sporting breed that requires daily activity for his physical and mental well-being. This can be accomplished by long daily walks and play sessions with his owner. The breed also exercises both the intellect and the body by participating in obedience, tracking, agility, rally, and other activities that both the dog and the owner can enjoy.

Will Spaying and Neutering Have an Impact on Growth?

It is likely that spaying and neutering your dog will make a minor difference in the size of your flat-coated retriever when they get older.

However, the difference isn't actually that visible for most dogs, and it's not significant enough to justify skipping the procedure. The age at which you perform that procedure may be the most important predictor of whether or not it slows the dog's growth.

Spaying and neutering is better for most dogs than helping their health, even if it makes them slightly smaller than they would have been without the treatment.

If you are concerned about the dog's height and weight after neutering or spaying, this is an excellent question to ask your vet ahead of time.

Common Questions about Flat-Coated Retriever

At What Age Is A Flat-Coated Retriever Fully Grown?

The good news is that they will not continue to grow endlessly and will eventually cease growing entirely. This normally occurs when the dog is between the ages of 18 and 24 months. Knowing this and going to the vet on a regular basis will help you take care of your dog.

How Long Are Flat-Coated Retrievers Pregnant?

Since conception in dogs lasts roughly 63 days, this can vary by several days. Despite the fact that this may appear to be a simple answer, conception is often difficult to pin down. It's possible for sperm and eggs to remain fertile for up to 48 hours after fertilization, thus the act of mating isn't a precise assessment of pregnancy. This makes it difficult to estimate the length of the pregnancy without the help of a vet.

The gestational period can be pinpointed much more precisely using hormone assays. To keep track of reproductive hormone levels, many breeders utilize vaginal smear exams and blood tests. They can use this information to figure out when is the best time to breed their buck, how long she will be pregnant, and when she might give birth.

How Many Puppies Do Flat-Coated Retrievers Have?

The Flat-Coated Retriever has an average litter size of 6 puppies. Some litters will have 8 puppies, while others will have only 4 puppies. Working with a veterinarian will assist you to ensure that they are as healthy as possible.

Let's take a deeper look at how many puppies are typically in a Flat-Coated retriever litter and some of the precautions you can take to ensure your dog's safety when they have puppies.

What Is The Life Expectancy Of Flat-Coated Retrievers?

The Flat-Coated Retriever is a typically healthy breed, with a life expectancy of 10-14 years. Cancer, hip dysplasia, and luxating patellas are just a few of the significant inherited health issues that can affect the Flat-Coated Retriever. The Flat-Coated Retriever community in the United States is very concerned about its dogs' health.

How Much Does It Cost To Own A Flat-Coated Retriever?

Flat-coated retrievers are not as common as other types of retrievers. It can be much more difficult to locate them than other retrievers. Their overall costs are comparable to those of a larger dog. A puppy from a reputable breeder will typically cost between $1,500 and $2,500.

How To Help Your Flat-Coated Retriever Lose Weight If He Is Overweight 

As with humans, exercise is critical for your overweight dog's health. Increased movement helps your dog burn off excess energy (and calories consumed). Avoid panic! Exercising your pet does not have to include marathons or lengthy hikes. Regular walks and the opportunity to run and play safely off-leash. 

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Even creating a stimulating indoor environment that encourages your dog to exercise on a regular basis can help. Bear in mind that different breeds require varying amounts of exercise, so visit your veterinarian, breeder, or your dog's breed standard for recommendations on recommended activity levels.

Distinguish Begging from Hunger

My two year old flat coated retriever puppy. He was begging for Goldfish. :  r/aww

Begging is not necessarily motivated by a desire for more food; it is also used to gain attention. (And, by rewarding the behavior, you reinforce and encourage it to continue.) If your dog begs, do not automatically assume he is hungry. Trust your instincts and keep track of the date and time of your last meal. 

If your dog is prone to begging and you are prone to succumb to those puppy dog eyes, choose a high-protein meal with a fiber blend to help control your dog's hunger and voluntary food consumption. This manner, you may feed your dog with the assurance that he will feel fuller and content for a longer period of time.

Restriction on treats and table scraps

Even when our dogs are not begging, many of us provide an excessive amount of treats and table scraps. Dogs are not required to share our food! Consider treats and scraps for your pet in the same way that you would candy for children to help you keep them in check. If you're going to utilize snacks for training, choose low-calorie, low-fat ones and keep the portions small. 

As an alternative, keep in mind that clickers are excellent for reinforcement and they have no calories! After all, a few extra pounds can make a significant impact in the lives of dogs, which are significantly smaller than humans. (Even the colossal breeds!) Therefore, focus on a balanced diet and resist the temptation to “reward” them with extra.

Customize Your Dog's Diet

Not all weight-loss foods are created equal, which is why it's critical to match your dog's nutrition plan to their unique needs. Choose a brand that caters to your dog's unique needs, whether they be weight control, dietary sensitivities, or illnesses.

Conclusion on Flat-Coated Retriever Growth Chart

It is critical to realize that this will be a large dog. They are intended to be larger than some of the other kinds you might want to bring home. If you are not prepared to handle a large dog, you should consider one of the other breeds.

While this dog may not grow as large as a St. Bernard or a Mastiff, it will still grow into a large dog and will live longer than some of the other breeds.

However, if you believe that your flat-coated retriever is becoming too large, there are a few steps you can take. The first step is to take them to their veterinarian for a thorough examination. The vet knows what is normal for this breed and what is out of the ordinary. They can conduct the examination and assess whether your dog's growth is normal.

The good news is that your dog is undoubtedly developing normally; you are simply unprepared for how much they will grow and how long the growth will endure.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is a Flat-Coated Retriever a decent dog to have as a pet?

Flat-coated retrievers make excellent family dogs. They are kind to youngsters, friendly to everyone, and quite gregarious. They thrive on attention and affection and live to be with their family.

Are flat coat retrievers uncommon?

Flat-Coated Retrievers are becoming increasingly rare, owing to qualities and attributes that make them unsuitable for the average family. These dogs are extremely clever and active, and they often keep puppy-like characteristics long into adulthood.

Can I leave my Flat-Coated Retriever alone?

For the Flat-Coated Retriever, alone time might be challenging. While they can be left alone for up to eight hours a day, Flatties that do not get enough exercise or companionship may become destructive.

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