Grooming the Flat-Coated Retriever
Grooming the Flat-Coated Retriever
The Flat-Coated Retriever is meant to look athletic, happy, and natural—with a straight, flat-lying coat that protects in weather and water. This grooming guide focuses on keeping the coat functional, glossy, and tidy without turning it fluffy or overly sculpted.
Coat
The Flat-Coated Retriever 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 should not be curly, wooly, short, silky, or fluffy. This is a working retriever, so the coat must provide protection from weather, water, and ground cover. In full coat, the ears, front, chest, back of forelegs, thighs, and underside of tail are feathered without being bushy, stringy, or silky. A mane of longer coat on the neck extending over the withers and shoulders is typical, especially in males.
Character
Character is a primary and outstanding asset of the Flat-Coat. The breed is responsive, loving, bright, tractable, and versatile—equally at home as a family member and a working dog. In competition, the Flat-Coat shows stability and a desire to please with a confident, happy, outgoing attitude.
Recommended Cindra Products for the Flat-Coated Retriever
Common Flat-Coated Retriever Coat Problems & Solutions
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Detangling / Dematting | Apply full strength Moisture Plus liberally to the mat. Wait 10–15 minutes. Pull the mat gently apart with fingers, then finish with a comb. For heavy coats, an alternate method is: shampoo, rinse, dry the coat first, then apply full strength Moisture Plus for 10–15 minutes and blow out rather than working with fingers. |
| Dry, damaged coat | Our version of a hot oil treatment: Wet the dog with warm water, apply Moisture Plus liberally, wrap in a warm towel for 15–20 minutes, then shampoo with Moisturizing Shampoo and rinse thoroughly. If the coat has been over-processed, follow with Reconstructor (light application, rinse thoroughly). |
| Greasy coat / heavy buildup | Use Cleansing Shampoo instead of Moisturizing Shampoo. Rinse longer than you think you need—greasy coats are often a rinse issue. |
| Coat lacks body | Substitute Texturizing Shampoo for Moisturizing Shampoo when you need more presence without fluff. |
| Flyaway feathering | Make an anti-static spray with 2 tablespoons Moisture Plus in 1 pint of water, mist lightly, then brush and comb through. |
| Thin leg furnishings / feathers | Spray diluted Texturizing Mist into a damp coat and fluff dry with a blow dryer (low force for a natural finish). |
Bathing, Drying, and Trimming Tips
Bathing
For most Flat-Coats, bathing every 4–8 weeks is typical, adjusting for swimming, field work, and coat condition. If the coat feels heavy, oily, or smells “lake-y,” start with Cleansing Shampoo as a first lather. Rinse extremely well, then follow with Moisturizing Shampoo to restore balance and shine.
Conditioning is optional and should be strategic. Use Moisture Plus lightly on feathering or dry areas, and rinse thoroughly. If the coat is stressed, add a light pass of Reconstructor and rinse until the coat feels clean and not coated.
Drying
Towel blot—do not aggressively rub feathering. Dry feet, ears, throat, and feathering completely. To maintain flatness, use a low-force dryer and brush in the direction the coat lies. If the coat tries to puff, reduce conditioner use and focus on longer rinse time. When you need extra structure without fluff, use Texturizing Mist lightly on damp feathering and blow dry.
Trimming and outline
Trim for tidy function and a clean outline—never over-sculpt. Feet should be neat and rounded with hair under pads leveled. Tidy hocks and pasterns to maintain a clean, strong silhouette. Tail feathering should look balanced and natural. Ears can be thinned carefully to fit close to the head, avoiding over-thinning that causes irritation or odd regrowth.
Show-week timeline (practical)
- 3–5 days before the show: Bathe with Moisturizing Shampoo. If there is buildup, start with Cleansing Shampoo as the first lather.
- 2–3 days before the show: Light tidy trims (feet, hocks, ears). Comb feathering and check friction zones.
- Show morning: Spot clean only if needed. If feathering needs polish, mist a very light anti-static mix using Moisture Plus (diluted) and brush through.
FAQ: Flat-Coated Retriever Grooming
How often should I bathe a Flat-Coated Retriever?
Most Flat-Coats do well with a full bath every 4–8 weeks, adjusted for swimming and field work. If you bathe more often, use a gentle maintenance wash with Moisturizing Shampoo and keep rinsing time long.
What’s the best way to handle greasy areas (ears/neck/throat)?
Use Cleansing Shampoo as your first lather, then follow with Moisturizing Shampoo. Greasy feel after bathing is often incomplete rinsing—extend rinse time significantly.
How do I keep feathering from tangling and matting?
Comb feathering routinely and treat tangles early. For mats, apply full strength Moisture Plus, wait 10–15 minutes, then gently separate and comb out in small sections.
My Flat-Coat gets “flyaways.” What can I do without making the coat heavy?
Use a light anti-static spray: 2 tablespoons Moisture Plus mixed into 1 pint of water. Mist lightly and brush through. If you need a touch of lift on feathering, use diluted Texturizing Mist on damp hair and blow dry low-force.
Should I use conditioner every bath?
Not always. Flat-Coats can go too soft if over-conditioned. Use Reconstructor or Moisture Plus strategically—ends, feathering, friction zones, or damage—then rinse thoroughly so the coat still lies flat.
How do I manage seasonal shedding without making the coat fluffy?
Brush and comb weekly (more during shed), focus on removing loose undercoat, and keep baths clean and rinse-heavy. When buildup is part of the shedding “stuck coat” feeling, use Cleansing Shampoo as a reset wash, then return to Moisturizing Shampoo.
What if the coat starts to look soft or puffy after grooming?
Reduce conditioner use, increase rinse time, and avoid high-force drying that “blows out” coat. When you need body without fluff, swap in Texturizing Shampoo for a bath or two.