My husband and I will be looking to get a dog in the next year or so and I absolutely fell in love with Flat Coated Retrievers while searching through breeds.

They seems like the perfect dog to fit our moderately active, water-loving lifestyle! We’ll also be thinking about having children in the next few years and I’ve read they’re a great family dog.

One of my concerns is their lifespan, which I read was only about 8-10 yrs, and their higher than average likelihood of developing cancer.

I’d love to hear from experienced owners! Does this breed sound like it could be a good fit? What has your experience been with them in terms of health/behavior issues and what are some of their fun traits!?

They’re such beautiful dogs and seem like such goofballs!