Flat-Coated Retriever vs Labrador Retriever

Side-by-side comparison — size, temperament, traits, costs, and health

Flat-Coated Retriever
Category
Labrador Retriever

📏 Physical Stats

55 - 80
Weight (lbs)
55 - 80
22 - 24.5
Height (inches)
21.5 - 24.5
8 - 10 years
Life Expectancy
10 - 13 years
Sporting
Breed Group
Sporting
England
Origin
Canada
Retrieving game on land and water
Bred For
Water retrieving

⚡ Temperament & Traits

Scores are 1–5 from breed data. Higher = more of that trait. Barking: lower is quieter.

4/5
Energy Level
4/5
4/5
Trainability
4/5
5/5
Good with Children
5/5
5/5
Good with Other Dogs
5/5
2/5
Better
Grooming Needs
4/5

💰 Cost of Ownership

Based on breed-specific cost data at a moderate care level — quality food, routine vet, occasional grooming, standard insurance. Actual costs vary by location and provider.

Annual Cost
$2,844
Flat-Coated Retriever
vs
Annual Cost
$2,668
Labrador Retriever
Flat-Coated Retriever
Expense
Labrador Retriever
$2,844
Annual Cost
$2,668
Lower ✓
$3,564
First Year
$3,388
Lower ✓
$26,316
Lower ✓
Lifetime Total
$31,402
$780
Food (annual)
$780
$735
Vet Care (annual)
$735
$440
Grooming (annual)
$264
Lower ✓
$864
Insurance (annual)
$864
$72
Insurance (monthly)
$72

Over their lifetimes, a Flat-Coated Retriever (~9 yrs) costs approximately $5,086 less than a Labrador Retriever (~12 yrs) in total.

🏥 Health Considerations

Health conditions listed are common concerns for these breeds or breed groups. Not every dog will develop these conditions. Regular vet check-ups are the best prevention.

🐾 Temperament

Flat-Coated Retriever

Optimistic, Cheerful, Loyal, Outgoing, Confident, Intelligent, Friendly, Energetic, Sweet-natured, Active

Labrador Retriever

Kind, Outgoing, Agile, Gentle, Intelligent, Trusting, Even Tempered, Affectionate, Playful, Friendly, Loyal, Independent