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Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois Comparison - Dog breed selector: Flatte or Golden Flat Coat or Malinois? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois" Compare Flat-Coated Retriever and Golden Retriever. Which is better: Flat-Coated Retriever or Golden Retriever or Belgian Malinois?
 
 
 
Name Flat-Coated Retriever Golden Retriever Belgian Malinois
OriginsUnited Kingdom flagUnited Kingdom Scotland flagScotland Belgium flagBelgium
Group Gun Dog Gun Dog Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank96344
Reviews4143
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Flatte
Flattie
Flatcoat
Golden Flat Coat
Yellow Retriever
Malinois
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Flat-Coated Retriever or Golden Retriever or Belgian Malinois? Which is the smallest dog, Flat-Coated Retriever or Golden Retriever or Belgian Malinois?
Large Large Large
Weight
Which is heavier, Flat-Coated Retriever or Golden Retriever or Golden Retriever? Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois weight comparison:
60-70 pounds (27-32 kg) Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg) Male: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg), Female: 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
65 pounds (29.5 kg) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 65 pounds (29.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Flat-Coated Retriever or Golden Retriever or Belgian Malinois? Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois height comparison:
22-23 inches (56-58 cm) Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (56-61 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 23 inches (58,5 cm), Female: 22 inches (56 cm) Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (63.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm)

Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Flat-Coated Retriever or Golden Retriever or Belgian Malinois? Which is more expensive?
$1000-$1200 $1000-$2000 $1200-$1400
Availability
Which is easier to get, Flat-Coated Retriever or Golden Retriever or Belgian Malinois?
Very frequent: The Flat-Coated Retriever is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Golden Retriever is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Belgian Malinois is quite easy to get.

Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois intelligence:
Very smart: Flat-Coated Retriever is an excellent dog breed.
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Outstanding: Golden Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Very smart: Belgian Malinois is an excellent dog breed.
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Trainability
Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois trainability comparison.
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are easy to train.
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Golden Retriever dogs are easy to train.
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Belgian Malinois dogs are very easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Flat-Coated Retriever or Golden Retriever or Belgian Malinois?
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
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Belgian Malinois dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Flat-Coated Retriever or Golden Retriever or Belgian Malinois? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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Belgian Malinois dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Flat-Coated Retriever or Golden Retriever or Belgian Malinois? Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois behavior/temperament comparison:
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Outgoing
Devoted
Optimistic
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Reliable
Kind
Trustworthy
Active
Stubborn
Protective
Alert
Confident
Friendly
Watchful
Hard working
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: Flat-Coated Retriever dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Golden Retriever dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois?
High: Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Golden Retriever dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Slightly Below Average: Belgian Malinois dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
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Social Needs
Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois social needs comparison:
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Belgian Malinois dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
The wanderlust potential of the Flat-Coated Retriever is strong enough to escape from home.
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Golden Retriever dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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The wanderlust potential of the Belgian Malinois is strong enough to escape from home.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
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.
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Golden 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.
See more.
Belgian Malinois 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.
See more.

Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois playfulness comparison:
The Flat-Coated Retriever is a highly playful breed.
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The Golden Retriever is a highly playful breed.
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The Belgian Malinois is a highly playful breed.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois?
Average: The Flat-Coated Retriever barks occasionally.
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Low to Average: The Golden Retriever rarely barks.
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Average to High: The Belgian Malinois is a vocal breed.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Flat-Coated Retriever or Golden Retriever or Belgian Malinois?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Flat-Coated Retriever breed.
It is not recommended to keep the Golden Retriever breed in the home.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Belgian Malinois indoors.

Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Golden Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Belgian Malinois dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Flat-Coated Retriever or Golden Retriever or Belgian Malinois?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Golden Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Belgian Malinois dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Flat-Coated Retriever or Golden Retriever or Belgian Malinois?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Flat-Coated Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Belgian Malinois bite force: Weak.
Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:

Low 🔽

The Flat-Coated Retriever has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Belgian Malinois has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois mouthiness comparison:
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Golden Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Belgian Malinois dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois health comparison. Which is the healthier: Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois?
Very healthy dog breed.
Golden Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs.
The Belgian Malinois is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois health problems comparison:
Cancer Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Hemangiosarcoma
Osteosarcoma
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
Hip Dysplasia
Eye Problems
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Rare
The Flat-Coated Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Rare
The Golden Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Belgian Malinois should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois lifespan comparison. How long do Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever and Belgian Malinois breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
9-13 years
The average lifespan of Flat-Coated Retriever: 11 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Belgian Malinois: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois?
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.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Flat-Coated Retriever or Golden Retriever or Belgian Malinois? Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois energy level comparison:
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Flat-Coated Retriever or Golden Retriever or Belgian Malinois? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.
Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.
Belgian Malinois dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Flat-Coated Retriever or Golden Retriever or Belgian Malinois?
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.
Golden Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.
Belgian Malinois dogs don't need too much sleep.

Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Flat-Coated Retriever or Golden Retriever or Belgian Malinois?
3-4 cup high-quality commercial dog food (that is formulated for large-breed dogs), divided into two meals. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois weight gain potential comparison:
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Flat-Coated Retriever's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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High: The Golden Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Low to Average: The Belgian Malinois has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois coat comparison:
Thick
Shiny
Silky
Wavy
Shiny
Straight
Weather-resistant
Straight
Colors
What are the original Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever and Belgian Malinois color?
Black
Liver
Golden
Light
Black
Cream
Fawn
Brindle
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Flat-Coated Retriever or Golden Retriever or Belgian Malinois? Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois grooming comparison:
Easy to groom: The Flat-Coated Retriever doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Average: The Belgian Malinois requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Flat-Coated Retriever or Golden Retriever or Belgian Malinois? Flat-Coated Retriever or Golden Retriever or {name3 shedding:
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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Belgian Malinois dogs shed moderately.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Flat-Coated Retriever or Golden Retriever or Belgian Malinois?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
See more.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois?

Medium

The Flat-Coated Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Belgian Malinois has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The Flat-Coated Retriever is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Golden Retriever drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
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The Belgian Malinois is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are generally with other pets.
Golden Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Belgian Malinois dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Flat-Coated Retriever or Golden Retriever or Belgian Malinois? Which dog is more friendly?
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Flat-Coated Retriever or Golden Retriever or Belgian Malinois?
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Flat-Coated Retriever or Golden Retriever or Belgian Malinois?
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Golden Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Flat-Coated Retriever or Golden Retriever or Belgian Malinois?
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois?
Yes
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Golden Retriever dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Belgian Malinois dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Flat-Coated Retriever is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Yes
Golden Retriever is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
No
Belgian Malinois is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Flat-Coated Retrievers are usually recommended for elderly people.
Golden Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Belgian Malinoiss are usually recommended for elderly people.

Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Flat-Coated Retriever or Golden Retriever or Belgian Malinois? Which is better for autism?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois?

Yes

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

Golden Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Belgian Malinois breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Fighting Dog / Military Dog

Not really

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

Not really

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

Not really

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

Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Flat-Coated Retriever and Golden Retriever and Belgian Malinois have?
4-8 puppies 5-10 puppies 6-10 puppies

Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Belgian Malinois Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1915 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1959 as a Herding breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section. Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section. Not recognized by FCI.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

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