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Flat-coated Retriever vs French Bulldog

Discover the differences between Flat-coated Retriever and French Bulldog to make the best choice for your situation.

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Flat-coated Retriever
United Kingdom

Flat-coated Retriever

Sporting Group
Large

A joyful, energetic, and affectionate breed that thrives on companionship and adventure. Loved for their glossy black coats and playful, optimistic spirit.

French Bulldog
France

French Bulldog

Non-Sporting Group
Small

Compact, playful, and affectionate, this breed charms with its expressive face and easygoing personality. Ideal for city living, French Bulldogs make steadfast companions and loving family pets.

Quick comparison

Size:

Large

Male:

27–32 kg

Coat:

Straight, dense

Lifespan:

8–10 years

Female:

25–29 kg

Energy:

High energy

Size:

Small

Male:

9–13 kg

Coat:

Short, smooth

Lifespan:

10–12 years

Female:

8–12 kg

Energy:

Low activity needs

Personality & behavior

Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.

Flat-coated Retriever

Friendliness
5/5

Very sociable and enjoys human companionship

Intelligence
4/5

Quick to learn and responds well to training

Energy Level
5/5

High stamina, needs regular physical activity

Playfulness
5/5

Loves games, always eager to play

Adaptability
4/5

Adjusts well to new situations and changes

French Bulldog

Friendliness
5/5

Affectionate with people and enjoys companionship

Intelligence
4/5

Learns routines quickly but can be stubborn

Energy Level
2/5

Prefers short play sessions and moderate walks

Playfulness
4/5

Enjoys interactive games and gentle roughhousing

Adaptability
5/5

Comfortable in apartments and various environments

Care needs

Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements

Flat-coated Retriever

Grooming:
Average grooming needed (2–3 times weekly)
Exercise:
90–120 minutes daily
Shedding:
Seasonal shedding
Trainability:
Quick learner
Climate tolerance:
Comfortable in temperate climates
Health concerns:

Hip dysplasia, cancer

French Bulldog

Grooming:
Minimal grooming needed (weekly)
Exercise:
30–45 minutes daily
Shedding:
Light shedding
Trainability:
Learns with consistency
Climate tolerance:
Struggles with heat
Health concerns:

Brachycephalic syndrome, skin allergies

Suitability

How well each breed fits different living situations and families

Flat-coated Retriever

First-time Owner
4/5

Good option

Eager to please and sociable, but needs consistent training and exercise

Apartment Living
2/5

Not ideal

Needs more space and activity than most apartments allow

Active Lifestyle
5/5

Perfect fit

High energy and stamina match active lifestyles with regular outdoor activities

Kids
5/5

Highly suitable

Friendly, gentle, and tolerant with children when supervised

Multiple Pets
5/5

Very friendly

Gets along well with other pets due to sociable nature

Being Left Alone
1/5

Prone to anxiety

Dislikes being left alone and may develop destructive behaviors

French Bulldog

First-time Owner
5/5

Great choice

Easygoing temperament and manageable size suit first-time owners well

Apartment Living
5/5

Perfect fit

Quiet and compact, they adapt well to small apartments

Active Lifestyle
2/5

Not ideal

They tire quickly and don’t match very active lifestyles

Kids
5/5

Highly suitable

Gentle and playful, they are patient with young children

Multiple Pets
4/5

Very friendly

Generally sociable and get along with other pets if introduced properly

Being Left Alone
2/5

Prone to anxiety

They dislike being left alone for long periods and may develop separation issues

Breed strengths

What each breed excels at and their best qualities

Flat-coated Retriever

  • Friendly with people and other dogs
  • Highly trainable and eager to please
  • Excellent retrieving and swimming ability
  • Consistent playful and happy temperament
  • Generally healthy with good lifespan

French Bulldog

  • Affectionate with families and children
  • Adaptable to apartment living
  • Minimal grooming requirements
  • Generally quiet and not prone to barking
  • Strong loyalty to owners

Challenges & considerations

Potential challenges and considerations for each breed

Flat-coated Retriever

  • Prone to separation anxiety if left alone
  • Needs significant daily exercise and activity
  • High grooming needs due to feathered coat
  • Can be overly exuberant or boisterous
  • Susceptible to cancer compared to other breeds

French Bulldog

  • Prone to breathing difficulties due to flat face
  • Sensitive to extreme heat and cold
  • May develop separation anxiety
  • Stubborn during training sessions
  • High risk of obesity without portion control

Ready to choose your perfect breed?

Learn more about each breed or compare other breeds to find the perfect match for your lifestyle.

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