How long do Flat Coated Retrievers live?

The median lifespan of the Flat Coated Retriever is 11.7 years, based on the 2024 McMillan et al. study of 584,734 UK dogs.

Is the Flat Coated Retriever a healthy breed?

On the Breed Health Score the Flat Coated Retriever scores 65 out of 100 (grade B), compared with an average of 71 across 155 breeds.

65/ 100

Flat Coated Retriever Grade B

Q: What health problems do Flat Coated Retrievers have?

Commonly reported conditions in the Flat Coated Retriever include Cancer (histiocytic sarcoma), Hip dysplasia, Patellar luxation, Glaucoma, Progressive retinal atrophy.

Median lifespani 11.7 yr · large · 25-36 kg

⇆ Compare Flat Coated Retriever

The Flat Coated Retriever is a large breed with a median lifespan of 11.7 years, which places it among the shortest-lived third of the 155 breeds we rank for longevity. Commonly reported health conditions include Cancer (histiocytic sarcoma), Hip dysplasia, Patellar luxation, Glaucoma. Its overall Breed Health Score is 65/100 (grade B), against an average of 71/100 across all breeds.

Score breakdown

Longevityi 65%

Conformationi 20%

100

Hereditary burdeni 15%

Higher is healthier. See methodology.

Common & hereditary conditions

Cancer (histiocytic sarcoma)Hip dysplasia Patellar luxation Glaucoma Progressive retinal atrophy

Red marks a life-threatening or major-welfare condition. Click a condition to see which breeds it affects. This list reflects commonly reported conditions, so better-studied breeds may show more; hereditary burden is the lightest-weighted part of the score. Source: RVC VetCompass / AKC / PDSA (indicative).

Thinking of a Flat Coated Retriever? A breed's health profile affects insurance cost. Comparing pet insurance early, before any conditions become pre-existing, usually gets the best cover.

Compare with similar-size breeds

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Data & citation. Median lifespan: McMillan, K.M. et al. (2024) "Longevity of companion dog breeds", Scientific Reports (584,734 UK dogs). Data CC-BY 4.0. Source. Machine-readable: developer API. These are independent estimates for comparing breeds, not veterinary advice. Photo: Alina Bystrova via Pexels.