Before You Adopt
Tips for finding the best cat or dog for you; plus: preparing for a puppy
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Energy
Exercise
Playfulness
Affection
Friendliness towards dogs
Friendliness towards other pets
Friendliness towards strangers
Ease of training
Watchdog ability
Protection ability
Grooming
Cold tolerance
Heat tolerance
The flat-coated retriever is a sweet, exuberant, lively dog that loves to play and retrieve. She is on the go outdoors, but quiet indoors. This breed is among the most devoted and companionable of dogs, a true family dog. She needs regular exercise to be on her best behavior, however. She is a sensitive breed and very responsive to training. Her hallmark is her wagging tail.
This active dog needs daily exercise and fun, and especially enjoys the chance to hunt or swim. This is a family-oriented dog that does best when allowed to live inside and play outside. Her coat needs only weekly brushing and little, if any, minor trimming occasionally.
Major concerns: none
Minor concerns: CHD
Occasionally seen: PRA, epilepsy, diabetes
Suggested tests: (hip), (knee), (eye)
Life span: 10-14 years
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Curly-Coated Retriever
Golden Retriever
Labrador Retriever
Brittany
Pointer
German Shorthaired Pointer
German Wirehaired Pointer
Some animal welfare organizations with Flat-Coated Retrievers ready for adoption:
Tips for finding the best cat or dog for you; plus: preparing for a puppy
How to find the right dog for you and your family
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Prepare in advance to make sure your home is safe for your new pup