Dog breed comparison
Golden Retriever vs Flat-Coated Retriever
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Golden Retriever | Flat-Coated Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Sporting Dogs | Sporting Dogs |
| Size | Large | Large |
| Height | 21 to 24 inches | 22 inches to 24 inches |
| Weight | 55 to 75 pounds | 55 to 70 pounds |
| Life span | 10 to 12 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Energy | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Easy to train | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Easy to groom | ||
| Barking | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| First-time owners | ||
| Copes alone | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Background
Where they come from.
The Golden Retriever
Developed in the Scottish Highlands in the mid-1800s by Lord Tweedmouth, who crossed a yellow wavy-coated retriever with the now-extinct Tweed Water Spaniel to retrieve game from water and land.
Cancer is the leading cause of death in Goldens, so regular vet checks matter.
Health to watch
- Hemangiosarcoma and lymphoma
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Subvalvular aortic stenosis
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Hypothyroidism
The Flat-Coated Retriever
Developed in England in the 1800s from Newfoundland-type dogs and setters, it was the favourite gamekeeper's retriever before the Labrador overtook it.
It is famously slow to mature and stays playful for years.
Health to watch
- Histiocytic sarcoma and other cancers
- Hip dysplasia
- Glaucoma
- Patellar luxation
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Shedding
The Golden Retriever sheds more than the Flat-Coated Retriever.
Easy to groom
The Flat-Coated Retriever is easier to groom than the Golden Retriever.
Drooling
The Golden Retriever drools more than the Flat-Coated Retriever.
General health
The Flat-Coated Retriever tends to have fewer health problems than the Golden Retriever.
Easy to train
The Golden Retriever is easier to train than the Flat-Coated Retriever.
Barking
The Flat-Coated Retriever barks more than the Golden Retriever.
Which to choose
Golden Retriever or Flat-Coated Retriever?
Choose the Golden Retriever if…
- You want a dog that is easier to train
- You want a dog that barks less
- You want a dog that copes better in an apartment
- You want a dog that suits first-time owners better
Choose the Flat-Coated Retriever if…
- You want a dog that sheds less
- You want a dog that is easier to groom
- You want a dog that drools less
- You want a dog that tends to have fewer health problems
Questions.
Which is easier to train, the Golden Retriever or the Flat-Coated Retriever?
The Golden Retriever is generally easier to train than the Flat-Coated Retriever. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Golden Retriever or the Flat-Coated Retriever?
Both are usually good with children when well socialised. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
The Flat-Coated Retriever sheds less than the Golden Retriever. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
What health problems do the Golden Retriever and Flat-Coated Retriever have?
The Golden Retriever is prone to hemangiosarcoma and lymphoma, hip and elbow dysplasia, subvalvular aortic stenosis. The Flat-Coated Retriever is prone to histiocytic sarcoma and other cancers, hip dysplasia, glaucoma. Ask any breeder for the parents' health test results.
