Flat-coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever
Discover the differences between Flat-coated Retriever and Golden Retriever to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds
Flat-coated Retriever
A joyful, energetic, and affectionate breed that thrives on companionship and adventure. Loved for their glossy black coats and playful, optimistic spirit.
Golden Retriever
A loving, intelligent breed with an easygoing nature and playful spirit. Known for loyalty and adaptability, making them exceptional companions for families of all kinds.
Quick comparison
Large
27–32 kg
Straight, dense
8–10 years
25–29 kg
High energy
Large
29–34 kg
Double coat, water-repellent
10–12 years
25–29 kg
High energy
Personality & behavior
Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.
Flat-coated Retriever
Very sociable and enjoys human companionship
Quick to learn and responds well to training
High stamina, needs regular physical activity
Loves games, always eager to play
Adjusts well to new situations and changes
Golden Retriever
Very sociable, enjoys people and other dogs
Quick to learn commands and routines
Needs regular activity and mental stimulation
Loves games and interactive activities
Adjusts well to various living environments
Care needs
Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements
Flat-coated Retriever
Hip dysplasia, cancer
Golden Retriever
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Flat-coated Retriever
Good option
Eager to please and sociable, but needs consistent training and exercise
Not ideal
Needs more space and activity than most apartments allow
Perfect fit
High energy and stamina match active lifestyles with regular outdoor activities
Highly suitable
Friendly, gentle, and tolerant with children when supervised
Very friendly
Gets along well with other pets due to sociable nature
Prone to anxiety
Dislikes being left alone and may develop destructive behaviors
Golden Retriever
Great choice
Friendly, trainable nature makes them easy for new owners to manage
Needs space
Large size and high energy can be challenging in small apartments
Highly suitable
Enjoys regular exercise and outdoor activities with active people
Perfect fit
Gentle temperament and patience make them excellent with young children
Very friendly
Generally sociable and gets along well with other pets
Prone to anxiety
Dislikes being left alone for extended 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
Golden Retriever
- Friendly with children and other pets
- Highly trainable and eager to please
- Consistent, gentle temperament in most settings
- Reliable as therapy and assistance dogs
- Strong retrieving and swimming abilities
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
Golden Retriever
- Prone to obesity without portion control
- High shedding year-round requires regular grooming
- Needs ample daily exercise to prevent boredom
- Can develop separation anxiety when left alone
- Susceptible to certain genetic health conditions
Ready to choose your perfect breed?
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