Comparison: Flat-Coated Retriever and Labrador Retriever

Flat-Coated Retriever and Labrador 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
Labrador Retriever
Photo: Ballparx, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
Flat-Coated RetrieverLabrador 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 cm54–62 cm
Weight25–36 kg25–36 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
  • Short dense water-repellent coat: black, yellow, chocolate
  • Otter tail and broad head
  • Strong build, strongly water-loving
CoatLong, flat, dense coat.Short, hard, dense, water-repellent; black, yellow, chocolate.
PurposeA 19th-century English gamekeeper's retriever that fetched game from land and water.Developed from St. John's water dogs used by fishermen in Newfoundland; refined in Britain as a retriever; now an assistance dog.

Breed page: Flat-Coated Retriever · Breed page: Labrador 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.