Comparison: Flat-Coated Retriever and Hovawart

Flat-Coated Retriever and Hovawart 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
Hovawart
Photo: Zelda666, Public domain, source
Flat-Coated RetrieverHovawart
FCI group8. Retrievers, flushing dogs and water dogs2. Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoid breeds, Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs
Country of originUnited KingdomGermany
CategoryLargeLarge
Height at withers56–61 cm58–70 cm
Weight25–36 kg25–40 kg
Life span8–10 years10–14 years
Recognition features
  • Long straight black or liver coat
  • Lean head and long straight tail
  • Elegant, lighter build than a Labrador
  • Long slightly wavy coat in black, black-and-tan or blond
  • Strong but refined build
  • Well-feathered tail carried low
CoatLong, flat, dense coat.Long, slightly wavy coat; black, black-and-tan, blond.
PurposeA 19th-century English gamekeeper's retriever that fetched game from land and water.A German farm guard dog recreated in the 20th century after medieval yard-guarding dogs.

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

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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.