• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

Flat-Coated Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier Comparison - Dog breed selector: Flatte or Cao De Agua or American Gentlemen? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Flat-Coated Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier" Compare Flat-Coated Retriever and Portuguese Water Dog. Which is better: Flat-Coated Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog or Boston Terrier?
 
 
 
Name Flat-Coated Retriever Portuguese Water Dog Boston Terrier
OriginsUnited Kingdom flagUnited Kingdom Portugal flagPortugal United States flagUnited States
Group Gun Dog Working Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank965421
Reviews451
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Flatte
Flattie
Flatcoat
Cao De Agua
Portie
Water Dog
American Gentlemen
Boston Bull Terrier
Boxwood
Boston Bull
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Flat-Coated Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Flat-Coated Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Flat-Coated Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog or Boston Terrier? Which is the smallest dog, Flat-Coated Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog or Boston Terrier?
Large Medium Small
Weight
Which is heavier, Flat-Coated Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog or Portuguese Water Dog? Flat-Coated Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier weight comparison:
60-70 pounds (27-32 kg) Male: 42-55 pounds (19-25 kg), Female: 35-49 pounds (16-22 kg) 10-25 pounds (6-11kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
65 pounds (29.5 kg) Male: 48.5 pounds (22 kg), Female: 42 pounds (19 kg) 17.5 pounds (8.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Flat-Coated Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog or Boston Terrier? Flat-Coated Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier height comparison:
22-23 inches (56-58 cm) Male: 20-22 inches (50-57 cm), Female: 17-20 inches (43-52 cm) 15-17 inches (38-43 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 23 inches (58,5 cm), Female: 22 inches (56 cm) Male: 21 inches (53.5 cm), Female: 18.5 inches (47.5 cm) 16 inches (40.5 cm)

Flat-Coated Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Flat-Coated Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog or Boston Terrier? Which is more expensive?
$1000-$1200 $2500-$2800 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Flat-Coated Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog or Boston Terrier?
Very frequent: The Flat-Coated Retriever is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Portuguese Water Dog is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Boston Terrier is quite easy to get.

Flat-Coated Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Flat-Coated Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier intelligence:
Very smart: Flat-Coated Retriever is an excellent dog breed.
See more.
Smart: The Portuguese Water Dog dogs have great intelligence.
See more.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Trainability
Flat-Coated Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier trainability comparison.
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Boston Terrier dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Flat-Coated Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog or Boston Terrier?
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Boston Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Flat-Coated Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog or Boston Terrier? 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.
See more.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are average defenders.
See more.
Boston Terrier dogs are average defenders.
See more.

Flat-Coated Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Flat-Coated Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog or Boston Terrier? Flat-Coated Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier behavior/temperament comparison:
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Outgoing
Devoted
Optimistic
Intelligent
Docile
Obedient
Brave
Impetuous
Quarrelsome
Playful
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Aggressive
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.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Sensitive: Boston Terrier dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Flat-Coated Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier?
High: Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: Portuguese Water Dog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: Boston Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Flat-Coated Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier social needs comparison:
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Boston Terrier dogs are a social breed.
See more.
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.
See more.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Boston Terrier dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
See more.
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.
See more.
Portuguese Water Dog 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.
Boston Terrier dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
See more.

Flat-Coated Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Flat-Coated Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier playfulness comparison:
The Flat-Coated Retriever is a highly playful breed.
See more.
The Portuguese Water Dog is a playful breed.
See more.
Average: Boston Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Flat-Coated Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier?
Average: The Flat-Coated Retriever barks occasionally.
See more.
Low to Average: The Portuguese Water Dog rarely barks.
See more.
Low to Average: The Boston Terrier rarely barks.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Flat-Coated Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog or Boston Terrier?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Flat-Coated Retriever breed.
Apartment-friendly dog the Portuguese Water Dog breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Boston Terrier breed.

Flat-Coated Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier 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.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Boston Terrier 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 Portuguese Water Dog or Boston Terrier?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Boston Terrier 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 Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Flat-Coated Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog or Boston Terrier?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Flat-Coated Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Portuguese Water Dog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Boston Terrier 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.

Low 🔽

The Portuguese Water Dog has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Boston Terrier has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Flat-Coated Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier mouthiness comparison:
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Boston Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.

Flat-Coated Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Flat-Coated Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier health comparison. Which is the healthier: Flat-Coated Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier?
Very healthy dog breed.
The Portuguese Water Dog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Boston Terrier 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 Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Flat-Coated Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier health problems comparison:
Cancer Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Entropion
Ectropion
Distichiasis
Persistent Pupillary Membranes
Addison's Disease
Megaesophagus
Irritable Bowel Disease (ibd)
Abnormally Small Eyes
GM-1 Storage Disease
Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Gastrointestinal Diseases
Colitis
Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis
Lymphangiectasia
Cataracts
Heart Murmurs
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Deafness
Cherry Eye
Brain Tumors
Megaesophagus
Reverse Sneezing
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).
Average
The Portuguese Water Dog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Boston Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
Flat-Coated Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier lifespan comparison. How long do Flat-Coated Retriever, Portuguese Water Dog and Boston Terrier breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
9-13 years
The average lifespan of Flat-Coated Retriever: 11 years
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Portuguese Water Dog: 12 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Boston Terrier: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Flat-Coated Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier?
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.
See more.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Portuguese Water Dog can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.

Flat-Coated Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Flat-Coated Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog or Boston Terrier? Flat-Coated Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier energy level comparison:
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are high-energy dogs.
Boston Terrier dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Flat-Coated Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Flat-Coated Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog or Boston Terrier? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Boston Terrier dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Flat-Coated Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog or Boston Terrier?
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs don't need too much sleep.
Boston Terrier dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

Flat-Coated Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Flat-Coated Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog or Boston Terrier?
3-4 cup high-quality commercial dog food (that is formulated for large-breed dogs), divided into two meals. 2 to 2.5 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 0.5 to 1.5 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 Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier 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.
See more.
Average: The Portuguese Water Dog has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average: The Boston Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
See more.

Flat-Coated Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Flat-Coated Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier coat comparison:
Thick
Shiny
Curly Fine
Colors
What are the original Flat-Coated Retriever, Portuguese Water Dog and Boston Terrier color?
Black
Liver
Black
White
Brown
Black
White
Brindle
Seal
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Flat-Coated Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog or Boston Terrier? Flat-Coated Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier grooming comparison:
Easy to groom: The Flat-Coated Retriever doesn't require a lot of grooming.
See more.
Average: The Portuguese Water Dog requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Effortless: The Boston Terrier requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Flat-Coated Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog or Boston Terrier? Flat-Coated Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog or {name3 shedding:
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Boston Terrier dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Flat-Coated Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog or Boston Terrier?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Flat-Coated Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. Yes See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Flat-Coated Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier?

Medium

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

Low 🔽

The Portuguese Water Dog has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Boston Terrier 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 Portuguese Water Dog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Boston Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

Flat-Coated Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are generally with other pets.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Boston Terrier dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Flat-Coated Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog or Boston Terrier? Which dog is more friendly?
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Boston Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Flat-Coated Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog or Boston Terrier?
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Boston Terrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Flat-Coated Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog or Boston Terrier?
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Boston Terrier dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Flat-Coated Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog or Boston Terrier?
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Boston Terrier dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Flat-Coated Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier?
Yes
Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Boston Terrier 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
Portuguese Water Dog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Boston Terrier 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.
Portuguese Water Dogs are usually recommended for elderly people.
Boston Terriers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Flat-Coated Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier 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.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Flat-Coated Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog or Boston Terrier? Which is better for autism?

Not really

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

Not really

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

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.

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.
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.

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.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Flat-Coated Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier?

Yes

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

Yes

Portuguese Water Dog breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Boston Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
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.
See more.
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.

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Flat-Coated Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier 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 Portuguese Water Dog and Boston Terrier have?
4-8 puppies 4-8 puppies 3-5 puppies

Flat-Coated Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier 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 1983 as a Hound breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1893 as a Non-Sporting 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 Water Dogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Small Molossian type Dogs section.
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 Kennel Club
Canadian Kennel Club
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Australian National Kennel Council
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
The 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

Rate This Comparsion - Flat-Coated Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Boston Terrier

Reviews