Flat-coated Retriever vs Poodle
Discover the differences between Flat-coated Retriever and Poodle 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.
Poodle
Elegant, intelligent, and highly trainable, this breed stands out for its lively spirit and loyal companionship. Their hypoallergenic coat and playful personality make them ideal family pets.
Quick comparison
Large
27–32 kg
Straight, dense
8–10 years
25–29 kg
High energy
Medium
20–32 kg
Curly, dense
12–15 years
18–27 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
Poodle
Warm and sociable with family and guests
Highly intelligent and quick to learn commands
Needs regular activity and enjoys exercise
Loves games and interactive playtime
Easily adjusts to new environments and routines
Care needs
Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements
Flat-coated Retriever
Hip dysplasia, cancer
Poodle
Hip dysplasia, Addison’s disease
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
Poodle
Great choice
Intelligent and eager to please, Poodles are easy for beginners to train and manage.
Highly suitable
Poodles adapt well to apartment life if given daily exercise and mental stimulation.
Perfect fit
Their energy and love for activity make them great companions for active households.
Very friendly
Poodles are gentle and patient with children when socialized from a young age.
Gets along well
Poodles usually coexist peacefully with other pets, especially if socialized early.
Prone to anxiety
Poodles can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods regularly.
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
Poodle
- Highly intelligent and easy to train
- Hypoallergenic coat reduces shedding
- Strong bond with family members
- Adaptable to various living environments
- Excellent performance in canine sports
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
Poodle
- Requires regular professional grooming
- Prone to separation anxiety if left alone
- Needs daily mental and physical stimulation
- Can be reserved with unfamiliar people
- Susceptible to certain genetic health issues
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