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

"Find similarities and differences between Flat-Coated Retriever vs Hovawart vs Golden Retriever" Compare Flat-Coated Retriever and Hovawart. Which is better: Flat-Coated Retriever or Hovawart or Golden Retriever?
 
 
 
Name Flat-Coated Retriever Hovawart Golden Retriever
OriginsUnited Kingdom flagUnited Kingdom Germany flagGermany Scotland flagScotland
Group Gun Dog Guard Dogs Gun Dog
Popularity Rank963753
Reviews4216
User Ratings

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

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

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Flat-Coated Retriever, Hovawart, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is the largest?
Large Large
Giant
Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Flat-Coated Retriever, Hovawart, and Golden Retriever? Compare adult weight ranges.
60-70 pounds (27-32 kg) 55 - 90 pounds (25 - 51 kg) Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
65 pounds (29.5 kg) 55 - 90 pounds (25 - 51 kg) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Flat-Coated Retriever or Hovawart or Golden Retriever? Flat-Coated Retriever vs Hovawart vs Golden Retriever height comparison:
22-23 inches (56-58 cm) 23 - 28 inches (58 - 70 cm) Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 23 inches (58,5 cm), Female: 22 inches (56 cm) 23 - 28 inches (58 - 70 cm) Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm)

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

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

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

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Flat-Coated Retriever, Hovawart, and Golden Retriever. Which breed ranks highest?
Very smart: Flat-Coated Retriever is an excellent dog breed.
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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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Outstanding: Golden Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Flat-Coated Retriever, Hovawart, and Golden Retriever. Which is easiest to train?
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are easy to train.
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Hovawart dogs are easy to train.
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Golden Retriever dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Flat-Coated Retriever, Hovawart, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is most alert?
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Hovawart dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Flat-Coated Retriever, Hovawart, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is most protective?
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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Hovawart dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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Flat-Coated Retriever vs Hovawart vs Golden Retriever Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Flat-Coated Retriever, Hovawart, and Golden Retriever? Compare temperaments.
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Outgoing
Devoted
Optimistic
Active
Devoted
Outright
Tempered
Watchful
Reserved
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Reliable
Kind
Trustworthy
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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Hovawart dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Golden Retriever 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 Hovawart vs Golden Retriever?
High: Flat-Coated 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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High: Golden Retriever dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Flat-Coated Retriever vs Hovawart vs Golden Retriever social needs comparison:
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Hovawart dogs are a social breed.
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Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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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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Hovawart dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Golden Retriever 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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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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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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Flat-Coated Retriever vs Hovawart vs Golden Retriever Activity and Playfulness Comparison

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

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

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Flat-Coated Retriever, Hovawart, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is most flexible?
Flat-Coated 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.
Golden Retriever 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 Hovawart or Golden Retriever?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
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.
Golden Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Flat-Coated Retriever vs Hovawart vs Golden Retriever Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Low 🔽

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

Low 🔽

The Hovawart has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Flat-Coated Retriever, Hovawart, and Golden Retriever. 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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Hovawart dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, 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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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Flat-Coated Retriever, Hovawart, and Golden Retriever. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Flat-Coated Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Hovawart bite force: The Strongest.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

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

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Flat-Coated Retriever, Hovawart, and Golden Retriever. Which breed lives longest?
9-13 years
The average lifespan of Flat-Coated Retriever: 11 years
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Hovawart: 12 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Flat-Coated Retriever, Hovawart, and Golden Retriever. 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, Hovawart, and Golden Retriever. Which has fewer health issues?
Very healthy dog breed.
The Hovawart is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Golden Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs.
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).
Average
The Hovawart should have a complete physical check-up at least 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).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Flat-Coated Retriever vs Hovawart vs Golden Retriever? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Flat-Coated Retriever vs Hovawart vs Golden Retriever health problems comparison:
Cancer Hip Dysplasia
Underactive Thyroid
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Hemangiosarcoma
Osteosarcoma
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis

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

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Flat-Coated Retriever, Hovawart, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is most active?
Flat-Coated 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.
Golden Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Flat-Coated Retriever vs Hovawart vs Golden Retriever exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Flat-Coated Retriever or Hovawart or Golden Retriever? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.
Hovawart dogs have an average exercise need.
Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Flat-Coated Retriever or Hovawart or Golden Retriever?
Flat-Coated 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.
Golden Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.

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

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Flat-Coated Retriever, Hovawart, and Golden Retriever. 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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Average: The Hovawart has an average risk for obesity.
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High: The Golden Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Flat-Coated Retriever, Hovawart, and Golden Retriever. 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 Hovawart vs Golden Retriever Allergies and Grooming Comparison

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

Medium

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

Medium

The Hovawart has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Flat-Coated Retriever, Hovawart, and Golden Retriever. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Thick
Shiny
Silky Silky
Wavy
Shiny
Straight
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Flat-Coated Retriever, Hovawart, and Golden Retriever. 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.
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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 Hovawart or Golden Retriever? Flat-Coated Retriever or Hovawart or {name3 shedding:
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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Hovawart dogs shed moderately.
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Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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Flat-Coated Retriever vs Hovawart vs Golden Retriever Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Flat-Coated Retriever, Hovawart, and Golden Retriever. Which is best with kids?
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Hovawart dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are generally with other pets.
Hovawart dogs are generally with other pets.
Golden Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Flat-Coated Retriever or Hovawart or Golden Retriever? Which dog is more friendly?
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Hovawart dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Flat-Coated Retriever or Hovawart or Golden Retriever?
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Hovawart dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Golden Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Flat-Coated Retriever or Hovawart or Golden Retriever?
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Hovawart dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Flat-Coated Retriever vs Hovawart vs Golden Retriever?
Yes
Flat-Coated 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.
Yes
Golden Retriever 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.
No
Hovawart is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Yes
Golden Retriever is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Flat-Coated Retrievers are usually recommended for elderly people.
Hovawarts are usually recommended for elderly people.
Golden Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

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

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

Not really

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

Not really

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

Not really

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

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.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Flat-Coated Retriever, Hovawart, and Golden Retriever. Which is best for SAR work?

Not really

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

Yes

Flat-Coated 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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Yes

Golden Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Flat-Coated Retriever, Hovawart, and Golden Retriever. 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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Yes

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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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Flat-Coated Retriever, Hovawart, and Golden Retriever. 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 Hovawart vs Golden Retriever Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Flat-Coated Retriever, Hovawart, and Golden Retriever. Which has most puppies?
4-8 puppies 6-8 puppies 5-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Flat-Coated Retriever, Hovawart, and Golden Retriever. 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, Hovawart, and Golden Retriever. 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 Hovawart vs Golden Retriever Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Flat-Coated Retriever, Hovawart, and Golden Retriever. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1915 as a Sporting breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Flat-Coated Retriever, Hovawart, and Golden Retriever. 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 Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section. Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Flat-Coated Retriever, Hovawart, and Golden Retriever. 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
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
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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