Comparison: Flat-Coated Retriever and Golden Retriever

Flat-Coated Retriever and Golden Retriever are marked as similar in our database. The table compares only the data we have on the breeds.

Flat-Coated Retriever
Photo: Peulle, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
Golden Retriever
Photo: Pete Markham from Loretto, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
Flat-Coated RetrieverGolden Retriever
FCI group8. Retrievers, flushing dogs and water dogs8. Retrievers, flushing dogs and water dogs
Country of originUnited KingdomUnited Kingdom
CategoryLargeLarge
Height at withers56–61 cm51–61 cm
Weight25–36 kg25–34 kg
Life span8–10 years10–12 years
Recognition features
  • Long straight black or liver coat
  • Lean head and long straight tail
  • Elegant, lighter build than a Labrador
  • Medium-long golden to cream coat with feathering
  • Gentle head, dark eyes and drop ears
  • Level back and feathered tail
CoatLong, flat, dense coat.Medium-long flat or wavy, water-repellent coat.
PurposeA 19th-century English gamekeeper's retriever that fetched game from land and water.Developed by Lord Tweedmouth in Scotland in the 19th century as a retriever of waterfowl.

Breed page: Flat-Coated Retriever · Breed page: Golden Retriever

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The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard.