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Flat-Coated Retriever Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Flat-Coated Retriever so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Gun Dog
Popularity Rank96
Reviews4
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Flat-Coated Retriever dog profile picture
OriginUnited Kingdom flagUnited Kingdom
Other Names
What other names does the Flat-Coated Retriever have?
FlatteFlattieFlatcoat
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

Flat-Coated Retriever Size and Weight

Size
Is a Flat-Coated Retriever small, medium or large dog?

How big do Flat-Coated Retriever get?

What is the average size of a Flat-Coated Retriever?

Large
Weight
How much does the Flat-Coated Retriever weigh? How much should a Flat-Coated Retriever weight? What is the normal weight of a Flat-Coated Retriever? How much does a full-grown Flat-Coated Retriever weight?
60-70 pounds (27-32 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Flat-Coated Retriever?
65 pounds (29.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Flat-Coated Retriever? Flat-Coated Retriever height:
22-23 inches (56-58 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Flat-Coated Retriever?
Male: 23 inches (58,5 cm), Female: 22 inches (56 cm)

Flat-Coated Retriever Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Flat-Coated Retriever puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Flat-Coated Retriever in the United States? How much money is a Flat-Coated Retriever?

Where to buy a Flat-Coated Retriever with a good pedigree?

$1000-$1200
If you choose to purchase the Flat-Coated Retriever, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Flat-Coated Retriever for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Flat-Coated Retriever gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Flat-Coated Retriever? How many Flat-Coated Retriever are there in the world?
Very frequent: The Flat-Coated Retriever is quite easy to get. There is a risk of overbreeding, as it is an extremely popular breed.

Inbreeding is common because of its popularity. A new study suggests that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful, buy from a trustworthy place or kennel and seek the help of an experienced person, a professional, to make the right decision.

Flat-Coated Retriever Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Flat-Coated Retriever? Is the Flat-Coated Retriever breed dumb or smart?
Very smart: Flat-Coated Retriever is an excellent dog breed. You can teach them many tricks and commands. The limit is your creativity. They understand and memorize new commands in 5-15 repetitions. This breed obeys the first command 85% of the time or better.

The Flat-Coated Retriever is one of the top breeds in the dog intelligence ranking.

Trainability
Are Flat-Coated Retriever dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Flat-Coated Retriever?
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Ability
Is Flat-Coated Retriever good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are one of the best watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're very consistent in their effort. The best vocal cords and sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're very territorial and protective about their property, so the Flat-Coated Retriever dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Flat-Coated Retriever dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are average defenders. Some dogs are very protective of their territory, while others easily let a stranger to trespass. This breed is not sure to defend its territory in every situation.

Flat-Coated Retriever Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Flat-Coated Retriever have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
IntelligentConfidentFriendlyOutgoingDevotedOptimistic
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Flat-Coated Retriever sensitivity:
Sensitive: Flat-Coated Retriever dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Flat-Coated Retriever a good family dog?
High: Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Flatte need? Flat-Coated Retriever social needs:
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs need for social interaction is average. This breed likes being around people or other animals, but they don't mind being left alone for a few hours either.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Flat-Coated Retriever to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Flat-Coated Retriever roam?
The wanderlust potential of the Flat-Coated Retriever is strong enough to escape from home. They have a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Flat-Coated Retriever have high prey drive?
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. Training can help to achieve good behavior.

Flat-Coated Retriever Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
The Flat-Coated Retriever is a highly playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Barking
Do Flat-Coated Retriever dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Flatte bark?
Average: The Flat-Coated Retriever barks occasionally. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Flat-Coated Retriever good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Flat-Coated Retriever in an apartment?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Flat-Coated Retriever breed. If you don't have a garden, think carefully about your decision, keeping Flat-Coated Retriever indoors can cause a lot of problems.

Flat-Coated Retriever Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Flat-Coated Retriever be left alone? How long can you leave a Flat-Coated Retriever alone?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. With proper socialization and quality time with the dog can solve this problem.

Flat-Coated Retriever Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Flat-Coated Retriever has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Flat-Coated Retriever? How much bite force does a Flat-Coated Retriever have? How strong is a Flat-Coated Retriever bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Flat-Coated Retriever bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Flat-Coated Retriever measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Flat-Coated Retriever is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Flat-Coated Retriever bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Flat-Coated Retriever bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Flat-Coated Retriever puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Flat-Coated Retriever, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Flat-Coated Retriever bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Flat-Coated Retriever can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Biting Potential
Do Flat-Coated Retriever bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Flatte? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Flat-Coated Retriever? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Flat-Coated Retriever has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Flat-Coated Retriever do?
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Flat-Coated Retriever dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Flat-Coated Retriever Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Flat-Coated Retriever dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
Very healthy dog breed. The Flat-Coated Retriever rarely meets with the veterinarian.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Flat-Coated Retriever breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Flat-Coated Retriever breed? Most common health risks of Flat-Coated Retriever:
Cancer
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Flat-Coated Retriever breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Flat-Coated Retriever see the vet?
Rare
The Flat-Coated Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Flat-Coated Retriever dogs live? How old can a Flat-Coated Retriever be? What is the age limit of the Flat-Coated Retriever? How many years can the oldest Flat-Coated Retriever live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Flat-Coated Retriever?

How long is the lifespan of a Flat-Coated Retriever?

9-13 years
The average lifespan of Flat-Coated Retriever: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Flat-Coated Retriever can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.

Flat-Coated Retriever Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Flat-Coated Retriever have? What is the activity level of the Flat-Coated Retriever?
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Flat-Coated Retriever need? How much exercise do Flat-Coated Retriever dogs require per day?

Do Flat-Coated Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises?

Flat-Coated Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises. Long walks should be on a daily schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Flat-Coated Retriever breed need?
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep. They are energetic and desire to live active life. If you think naps are overrated, this breed can be the best choice for you.

Flat-Coated Retriever Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Flat-Coated Retriever need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Flat-Coated Retriever breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Flat-Coated Retriever? How much food should I feed my Flat-Coated Retriever?
3-4 cup high-quality commercial dog food (that is formulated for large-breed dogs), divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Flat-Coated Retriever risk for obesity:
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Flat-Coated Retriever's weight, he can easily gain weight. More than one daily walk should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Flat-Coated Retriever weight regularly.

Flat-Coated Retriever Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Flat-Coated Retriever have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
ThickShiny
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Flat-Coated Retriever coats?
BlackLiver
Grooming
How to groom the Flat-Coated Retriever and how often? How often should I take my Flat-Coated Retriever to the groomer?
Easy to groom: The Flat-Coated Retriever doesn't require a lot of grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections. Flat-Coated Retriever is a good choice if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Recommended for beginners.
Shedding Level
How much do Flat-Coated Retriever dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Flatte? Do Flat-Coated Retriever dogs shed a lot?
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Flat-Coated Retriever need a bath? How often should you give a Flat-Coated Retriever a bath? Can I bathe my Flat-Coated Retriever every day?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

For example, short-haired dog breeds can go a very long time in between baths. These short-haired breeds shed regularly and that shedding works to naturally remove excess dirt and oil. So unless your weenie dog got into the garbage can, you can probably hold off on a bath for a while.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Flat-Coated Retriever breed hypoallergenic?
No
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Flat-Coated Retriever has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Flat-Coated Retriever drool?
The Flat-Coated Retriever is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency. If you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, the Flat-Coated Retriever could be a good choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool less than others, just like the Flat-Coated Retriever.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Flat-Coated Retriever Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Flat-Coated Retriever dogs get along with other pets? Are Flat-Coated Retriever dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Flat-Coated Retriever temperament with other people:
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Are Flat-Coated Retriever dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Flat-Coated Retriever temperament with children:
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Flat-Coated Retriever dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Flat-Coated Retriever breed live with a cat?
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is Flat-Coated Retriever good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Flat-Coated Retriever dogs get along with other dogs?
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Flat-Coated Retriever can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Flat-Coated Retriever breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Flat-Coated Retriever breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Flat-Coated Retriever dogs good office canines? Do Flat-Coated Retriever dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Flat-Coated Retriever is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Flat-Coated Retriever dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Flatte temperament with senior people? Are Flat-Coated Retriever dogs good for elderly owners?
Flat-Coated Retrievers are usually recommended for elderly people.

Flat-Coated Retriever As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Flat-Coated Retriever be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Flat-Coated Retriever is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Flat-Coated Retriever be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Flat-Coated Retriever be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Flat-Coated Retriever is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Flat-Coated Retriever be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Flat-Coated Retriever is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Flat-Coated Retriever be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Flat-Coated Retriever is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Flat-Coated Retriever be a boat dog?

Yes

Flat-Coated Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, as a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Flat-Coated Retriever be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Flat-Coated Retriever is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Flat-Coated Retriever dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Flat-Coated Retriever Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Flat-Coated Retriever pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Flat-Coated Retriever breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Flat-Coated Retriever: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Flat-Coated Retriever have in a litter? How many puppies can the Flat-Coated Retriever breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Flat-Coated Retriever have? How many puppies can a Flat-Coated Retriever give birth to?
4-8 puppies

Flat-Coated Retriever Recognition

AKC Group
Is Flat-Coated Retriever recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1915 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Group
Is Flat-Coated Retriever recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section.
Breed Recognition
What kennel clubs and organizations recognize or register the Flat-Coated Retriever breed?
American Canine RegistryAmerican Kennel ClubAmerica's Pet RegistryCanadian Kennel ClubDog Registry of America Inc.Federation Cynologique InternationaleKennel Club of Great BritainNorth American Purebred Registry, Inc.American Canine Association, Inc.Australian National Kennel CouncilContinental Kennel ClubNational Kennel ClubNew Zealand Kennel ClubUnited Kennel ClubCanadian Canine Registry

Flat-Coated Retriever Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligent Rank: Very smart: Flat-Coated Retriever is an excellent dog breed.
  • Trainability: Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are easy to train.
  • Health Issues: Very healthy dog breed.
  • Grooming: Easy to groom: The Flat-Coated Retriever doesn't require a lot of grooming.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Flat-Coated Retriever is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
  • Watchdog Ability: Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
  • Adaptability: Flat-Coated Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Friendly: Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Flat-Coated Retrievers are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Boat and Sailor Dog: Flat-Coated Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.

    Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

    Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages.

Cons
  • Hypoallergenic: Flat-Coated Retriever dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Friendly: Not an apartment-friendly dog the Flat-Coated Retriever breed.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Flat-Coated Retriever's weight, he can easily gain weight.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: The wanderlust potential of the Flat-Coated Retriever is strong enough to escape from home.
  • Office Friendly: Flat-Coated Retriever is not the best dog breed for office environment.

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Flat-Coated Retriever Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Matt

    Aug 15, 2023, 4:33:24 AM:

    Have owned 2 Flat-Coats both excellent dogs. Can be big Hams lol. Current Flattie Salem is mutant 101 lbs purebred. Very Loving Dogs!

  • Dog

    Feb 3, 2023, 1:54:56 AM:

    I love them

  • riggins owner jhw

    Jul 29, 2020, 8:04:37 PM:

    best dog ever. smart. connected. loving and playful (even after seven years). so friendly and engaged with people. obedient and trainable.

  • Flat-Coated Retriever

    Dec 9, 2019, 5:39:49 AM:

    Best dog EVER❣ He lived to the ripe old age of 15❢ As loyal as they come, and that in spite of the fact that we adopted him when he was two years old. I wouldn't have traded him for the world❣❣❣