Flatdoodle Basics

The Flatdoodle is an attractive hybrid dog that showcases all of the best features of two devoted canine breeds: the Poodle and the Flat Coated Retriever. These cute pooches are a lot of fun to be around, and they make wonderful family pets.

To figure out if the Flatdoodle would be the right addition to your family, keep reading to learn a few interesting facts about this unique breed.

The Flatdoodle is a cross between a purebred Flat Coated Retriever and Poodle.

Origin

The Flatdoodle is a designer crossbreed whose origins are not entirely clear. This does appear to be a relatively new designer dog breed.

Pedigree

The Flatdoodle is a cross between a purebred Flat Coated Retriever and Poodle.

Food / Diet

Always choose a high quality, canine-specific food to nourish your dog throughout his life. A Flatdoodle can be fed anywhere from 2½ to 3 cups of dry dog food each day, but split this amount up into at least two meals throughout the day. Your dog may need more or less food, depending upon his age, size, and activity level.

You can also incorporate canned dog food into your Flatdoodle’s diet. If you do, cut back on the amount of dry food that you are feeding your dog, as that will prevent unwanted weight gain.

Flatdoodles are easy to train, as they are quick to respond, gentle, and intelligent.

Training

Flatdoodles are easy to train, as they are quick to respond, gentle, and intelligent. Keep the training sessions short in duration, and make the training fun so that your dog will find it entertaining.

These dogs enjoy learning new things, and they are fast learners. They also have a good memory. Establishing good behavior early on will yield the best results, so start training your puppy as soon as possible. Use positive reinforcement training methods that incorporate the use of praise and rewards.

Weight

A medium-sized breed, the Flatdoodle weighs between 45 and 70 pounds.

Temperament / Behavior

The Flatdoodle is a smart, active, energetic, and affectionate dog that learns quickly and will be glad to follow your example. These dogs are also social, easygoing, calm, and loving pets, and they can be protective of their family. However, because they crave your attention, you should make sure that you have time to spend with your dog every day. These dogs also do well in homes with children and other pets, and they enjoy spending time both indoors and outside.

Common Health Problems

As with any other hybrid dog breed, the Flatdoodle may inherit some of the health conditions that commonly affect its parent breeds. However, there really is no way to determine an individual dog’s long-term health, and hybrid dogs don’t always inherit health problems.

Nevertheless, it is good to know that Poodles commonly suffer from conditions like hip dysplasia, sebaceous adenitis, Cushing’s disease, Addison’s disease, and gastric dilatation volvulus.

Also, Flat Coated Retrievers are prone to eye conditions like progressive retinal atrophy and glaucoma, as well as epilepsy and cancer (osteosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, malignant histiocytosis, fibrosarcoma).

Life Expectancy

The Flatdoodle has an average lifespan of 8 to 12 years.

Exercise Requirements

You should provide your Flatdoodle with an opportunity to exercise at least once or twice a day. You can go for a walk, jog, or run with your dog, and you can also play with toys outside to keep your dog active.

Ensure your dog has toys to keep him occupied when indoors as well, especially when you will not be home. Then let him outside into your yard, if you have one, so that he can let out his energy and have a bit of fun. Ultimately, a combination of activities that will stimulate both mind and body will be best for the Flatdoodle.

The Flatdoodle is a smart, active, energetic, and affectionate dog that learns quickly.

Recognized Clubs

The Flatdoodle is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, as it is considered to be a hybrid breed.

Coat

Your Flatdoodle’s coat will depend upon whether he has inherited more of the features of the Poodle or the Flat Coated Retriever. The Poodle’s coat is curly, and it can become tangled or matted easily. The Flat Coated Retriever will feature a coat that is medium in length and will usually be straight and flat, but it, too, can become tangled if it is not maintained properly.

Weekly brushings will help maintain the cleanliness and smoothness of your Flatdoodle’s coat. In terms of shedding, the Flatdoodle can be a low shedder like the Poodle or an average shedder like the Flat Coated Retriever.

Puppies

Flatdoodle puppies will be small and delicate, so they should be handled with care. If you have children, teach them how to handle the puppy so that he does not get hurt by accident.

Start training and socializing your puppy from a young age so he will learn the rules of the house, understand that you are the pack leader, and develop a friendly, confident, and social personality.

Photo credit: JOAQUIM AIROSA CARVALHO