Grooming the Flat-Coated Retriever
COAT: The Coat is of moderate length, density and fullness, with a high luster. The ideal coat is straight and flat lying. A slight waviness is permissible but the coat is not curly, wooly, short, silky or fluffy. The Flat-Coat is a working retriever and the coat must provide protection from all types of weather, water and ground cover. This requires a coat of sufficient texture, length and fullness to allow for adequate insulation. When the dog is in full coat the ears, front, chest, back of forelegs, thighs and underside of tail are thickly feathered without being bushy, stringy or silky. Mane of longer heavier coat on the neck extending over the withers and shoulders is considered typical, especially in the male dog, and can cause the neck to appear thicker and the withers higher, sometimes causing the appearance of a dip behind the withers. Since the Flat-Coat is a hunting retriever, the feathering is not excessively long.
CHARACTER: Character is a primary and outstanding asset of the Flat-Coat. He is a responsive, loving member of the family, a versatile working dog, multi-talented, sensible, bright and tractable. In competition the Flat-Coat demonstrates stability- and a desire to please with a confident, happy and outgoing attitude characterized by a wagging tail.
RECOMMENDED CINDRA PRODUCTS:
Reconstructor - Conditioner
Problem | Solution |
Detangling/Dematting | Apply full strength Moisture Plus liberally to the mat. Wait 15 minutes. Pull mat gently apart with fingers or comb. |
Dry, Damaged Coat | Our version of a hot oil treatment: Wet dog with warm water, apply Moisture Plus liberally. Wrap in hot towel for 15-20 minutes. Shampoo with Moisturizing Shampoo and rinse. |
Greasy Coat | Use Cleansing Shampoo instead of Moisturizing Shampoo. |
Coat lacks Body | Use Texturizing Shampoo instead of Moisturizing Shampoo |
Flyaway Hair | Make an anti-static spray with 2 Tablespoons Moisture Plus in 1-pint water. |
Thin Leg Furnishings/Feathers | Spray diluted Texturizing Mist into a damp coat and fluff dry with a blow dryer. |
How to Groom Your Flat-Coated Retriever: Bathing, Drying & Trimming Tips
The Flat-Coated Retriever has a dense, fine-to-medium texture coat that should lie flat, with well-feathered legs and tail. Proper grooming is essential to maintain the breed’s signature sleek appearance while keeping the coat healthy and manageable.
Bathing is a key part of grooming, and using the right dog shampoo is essential for achieving the best results. A high-quality cleansing dog shampoo removes dirt and grease while preserving the natural oils in the coat. Mixing the shampoo with warm water before application ensures even distribution. Lather thoroughly and rinse completely, paying special attention to areas prone to grease buildup, such as the ears and throat. For stubborn grease, applying shampoo directly to those areas can be effective. The coat should feel “squeaky clean” after rinsing. If necessary, a second or even third wash may be required. A dog conditioner can be applied to feathering for added softness and manageability. Bathing a few days before a show allows the coat to settle naturally for an optimal look.
Drying is an important step to ensure a smooth, well-groomed finish. Focus on thoroughly drying the feet, ears, and throat, as these areas require precision trimming. To maintain the coat’s natural flatness, using a flattening mesh coat on a damp dog can help prevent unwanted waviness. If the coat is too thick, a deshedding comb or a metal comb with an elastic band wound around the teeth can be used to remove excess undercoat. This technique is particularly useful for neutered dogs that may develop a fluffier coat. A light finishing spray can be applied sparingly to enhance shine and smoothness.
Trimming helps refine the overall appearance while keeping the coat in top condition. The feet should be trimmed into a neat, rounded shape, with the nails cut short so they are not visible after grooming. Hair under the foot should be leveled with the pads, while feathering between the toes can either be brushed up and trimmed level with the toes or pushed down and trimmed to align with the pads. The pastern should also be trimmed, but not too high or too close to the stopper pad. Hocks should be tidied to maintain a strong, straight look that blends seamlessly with the feathering.
The tail should be trimmed to balance the dog’s proportions. Holding the tip and twisting before cutting helps create a natural shape. Ideally, the tail should reach the hock and have a slight feathered appearance. The ears should be trimmed and thinned for a close, neat fit to the head. Using thinning scissors or a hand-stripping knife helps remove excess hair while preserving the natural ear shape. The hair on the surface and sides of the ear that needs to be removed is often a slightly different color and texture. Regular checking during this process ensures that the ears are not over-trimmed, which could lead to soreness or bald spots. If needed, thinning scissors can help refine the area, but excessive use may cause the hair to grow back thicker and faster, making future hand-stripping more difficult.
For the throat and neck, thinning scissors can be used to neaten the area. Some groomers prefer to trim out the entire neck and chest for a more defined look. Grooming a Flat-Coated Retriever with the best dog shampoo, conditioning treatments, and proper trimming techniques ensures a healthy, glossy coat that is both functional and show-ready.