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

"Find similarities and differences between Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Hovawart" Compare Flat-Coated Retriever and Golden Retriever. Which is better: Flat-Coated Retriever or Golden Retriever or Hovawart?
 
 
 
Name Flat-Coated Retriever Golden Retriever Hovawart
OriginsUnited Kingdom flagUnited Kingdom Scotland flagScotland Germany flagGermany
Group Gun Dog Gun Dog Guard Dogs
Popularity Rank963375
Reviews4162
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Hovawart breeds.
Flatte
Flattie
Flatcoat
Golden Flat Coat
Yellow Retriever
Hovie
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Hovawart? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Hovawart Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Hovawart. Which breed is the largest?
Large Large Large
Giant
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Hovawart? Compare adult weight ranges.
60-70 pounds (27-32 kg) Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg) 55 - 90 pounds (25 - 51 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) 55 - 90 pounds (25 - 51 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Flat-Coated Retriever or Golden Retriever or Hovawart? Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Hovawart height comparison:
22-23 inches (56-58 cm) Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm) 23 - 28 inches (58 - 70 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) 23 - 28 inches (58 - 70 cm)

Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Hovawart Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Hovawart. Find price differences between these breeds.
$1000-$1200 $1000-$2000 $1000-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, Flat-Coated Retriever or Golden Retriever or Hovawart?
Very frequent: The Flat-Coated Retriever is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Golden Retriever is quite easy to get.
Average: The Hovawart is a commonly available dog breed.

Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Hovawart Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Hovawart. Which breed ranks highest?
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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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Hovawart. Which is easiest to train?
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are easy to train.
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Golden Retriever dogs are easy to train.
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Hovawart dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Hovawart. Which breed is most alert?
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
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Hovawart dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Hovawart. Which breed is most protective?
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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Hovawart dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Hovawart Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Hovawart? Compare temperaments.
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Outgoing
Devoted
Optimistic
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Reliable
Kind
Trustworthy
Active
Devoted
Outright
Tempered
Watchful
Reserved
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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Hovawart dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Hovawart?
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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Average to High: Hovawart dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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Social Needs
Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Hovawart 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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Hovawart 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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Hovawart dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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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.
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Hovawart 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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Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Hovawart Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Hovawart. Which breed is most vocal?
Average: The Flat-Coated Retriever barks occasionally.
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Low to Average: The Golden Retriever rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Hovawart rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Hovawart. Which breed is most playful?
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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Average: Hovawarts, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Hovawart. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Flat-Coated Retriever breed.
It is not recommended to keep the Golden Retriever breed in the home.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Hovawart breed.

Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Hovawart Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Hovawart. Which breed is most flexible?
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.
Hovawart dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Flat-Coated Retriever or Golden Retriever or Hovawart?
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.
Hovawart 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 Hovawart Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Hovawart. Which has lowest bite risk?

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 Hovawart has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Hovawart. Which uses mouth most during play?
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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Hovawart dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Hovawart. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Flat-Coated Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Hovawart bite force: The Strongest.

Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Hovawart Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Hovawart. Which breed lives longest?
9-13 years
The average lifespan of Flat-Coated Retriever: 11 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Hovawart: 12 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Hovawart. Which handles climate changes best?
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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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Hovawart. Which has fewer health issues?
Very healthy dog breed.
Golden Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs.
The Hovawart is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
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 Hovawart should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Hovawart? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Hovawart 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
Underactive Thyroid

Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Hovawart Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Hovawart. Which breed is most active?
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
Hovawart dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Hovawart exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Flat-Coated Retriever or Golden Retriever or Hovawart? 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.
Hovawart dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Flat-Coated Retriever or Golden Retriever or Hovawart?
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.
Golden Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.
Hovawart dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Hovawart Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Hovawart. Which is most prone to obesity?
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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Average: The Hovawart has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Hovawart. Which needs most food?
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. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Hovawart Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Hovawart. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Hovawart. What colors are available?
Black
Liver
Golden
Light
Black
Blonde
Golden
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Hovawart. Which requires most maintenance?
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.
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Easy to groom: The Hovawart doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Hovawart. Which drools least?
The Flat-Coated Retriever is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
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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 Hovawart is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Hovawart. Which has least natural smell?

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 Hovawart has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Hovawart. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Thick
Shiny
Silky
Wavy
Shiny
Straight
Silky
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Hovawart. Which requires most frequent baths?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
See more.
2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Flat-Coated Retriever or Golden Retriever or Hovawart? 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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Hovawart dogs shed moderately.
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Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Hovawart Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Hovawart. Which is best with kids?
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Hovawart dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
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.
Hovawart dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Flat-Coated Retriever or Golden Retriever or Hovawart? Which dog is more friendly?
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Hovawart dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Flat-Coated Retriever or Golden Retriever or Hovawart?
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Golden Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Hovawart dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Flat-Coated Retriever or Golden Retriever or Hovawart?
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Hovawart dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Hovawart?
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
Hovawart 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
Hovawart 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.
Hovawarts are usually recommended for elderly people.

Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Hovawart As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Hovawart. Which is best suited for service work?

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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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Hovawart. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Hovawart. Which has best nose work ability?

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.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Hovawart. Which is best for SAR work?

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.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Hovawart. Which is best suited for water work?

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.
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Not really

Hovawart breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Hovawart. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

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

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Hovawart. Which has most military use?

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 Hovawart Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Hovawart. Which has most puppies?
4-8 puppies 5-10 puppies 6-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Hovawart. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Hovawart. What's recommended?

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.

Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever vs Hovawart Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Hovawart. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1915 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a Sporting breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Hovawart. How are they classified internationally?
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. Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Flat-Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Hovawart. Which has most recognition?
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
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
Foundation Stock Service

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