Flat-Coated Retriever vs Labrador Retriever
Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
Flat-Coated Retriever
The eternal puppy of the retriever world — joyful, exuberant, and slow to mature. Flat-Coated Retrievers are enthusiastic sporting dogs that bring boundless optimism to everything they do.
VS
Labrador Retriever
America's most beloved family dog, known for a friendly temperament and eager-to-please attitude. Labs excel at everything from hunting to therapy work and are incredibly versatile.
Quick Answer
Choose Flat-Coated Retriever if you want less shedding. Choose Labrador Retriever if you want easier to train and more apartment-friendly.
Quick Comparison
Flat-Coated Retriever
Attribute
Labrador Retriever
large
Size
large
27–36 kg (60–79 lbs)
Weight
25–36 kg (55–79 lbs)
56–62 cm (22–24 in)
Height
55–62 cm (22–24 in)
8–10 yrs
Lifespan
10–13 yrsBetter
4/5
Trainability
5/5Better
5/5
Energy
5/5
5/5
Good with Kids
5/5
Better3/5
Shedding
4/5
3/5
Grooming
2/5Better
1/5
Apartment
2/5Better
2/5
Health
3/5Better
$1,000–$2,500
Price
$800–$2,000Better
Attribute Comparison
Health Profile: Flat-Coated Retriever and Labrador Retriever Compared
Labrador Retriever tends to be the healthier breed overall.
Flat-Coated Retriever
Labrador Retriever
Lifespan (years)
8–10
vs10–13Better
Health Robustness
2/5
vs3/5Better
The lifespan difference is significant. Labrador Retrievers live 10–13 years on average, while Flat-Coated Retrievers live 8–10 years.
Grooming Differences: Flat-Coated Retriever and Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retriever sheds more; Flat-Coated Retriever is easier to maintain.
Flat-Coated Retriever
Labrador Retriever
Shedding
Better3/5
vs4/5
Grooming Needs
3/5
vs2/5Better
The Labrador Retriever sheds a bit more (4/5) than the Flat-Coated Retriever (3/5). It's not a night-and-day difference, but if you prefer a cleaner home, the Flat-Coated Retriever has a slight edge.
Which Is Easier to Train — Flat-Coated Retriever or Labrador Retriever?
The Labrador Retriever has a slight training edge (5/5 vs 4/5). Both respond to positive reinforcement, but the Labrador Retriever tends to catch on a bit faster.
Which Costs More to Own — Flat-Coated Retriever or Labrador Retriever?
Labrador Retriever is less expensive to own annually.
Flat-Coated Retriever
Avg. Purchase$1,750
Annual Food$720
Annual Vet$600
Annual Grooming$150
Annual Total$1,470
Labrador Retriever
Avg. Purchase$1,400
Annual Food$720
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$150
Annual Total$1,370 ✓
Both breeds cost a similar amount upfront — $1,000–$2,500 for a Flat-Coated Retriever versus $800–$2,000 for a Labrador Retriever. Where the real cost differences emerge is in ongoing expenses.
Exercise Needs: Flat-Coated Retriever vs Labrador Retriever
Both breeds have similar exercise requirements.
Flat-Coated Retriever
Labrador Retriever
Energy Level
5/5
vs5/5
Exercise Needs
5/5
vs5/5
Apartment Friendly
1/5
vs2/5Better
Exercise won't be the deciding factor here — both the Flat-Coated Retriever and Labrador Retriever need very high daily activity (5/5). Both are athletic breeds that thrive with active owners.
Flat-Coated Retriever and Labrador Retriever: Size and Appearance Compared
Both breeds are similar in size.
Flat-Coated Retriever
Labrador Retriever
Weight (kg)
27–36
vs25–36
Height (cm)
56–62
vs55–62
These breeds are near-identical in stature. The Flat-Coated Retriever weighs 27–36 kg (60–79 lbs) and the Labrador Retriever weighs 25–36 kg (55–79 lbs) — close enough that size alone won't drive your decision.
Temperament: Flat-Coated Retriever vs Labrador Retriever
Both breeds have similar temperaments.
Flat-Coated Retriever
Labrador Retriever
Playfulness
5/5
vs5/5
Barking Level
3/5
vs3/5
Energy
5/5
vs5/5
If you've spent time around both breeds, the personality gap is unmistakable. A Flat-Coated Retriever greets the world with a optimistic attitude, whereas a Labrador Retriever leans more toward a friendly approach.
Family Fit: Flat-Coated Retriever vs Labrador Retriever With Kids and Other Pets
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
Flat-Coated Retriever
Labrador Retriever
Good with Kids
5/5
vs5/5
Good with Dogs
5/5
vs5/5
Strangers
5/5
vs5/5
Both breeds score 5/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed would make an excellent family dog.
Summary: Flat-Coated Retriever or Labrador Retriever?
On balance, the Labrador Retriever has the edge — it's easier to train (5/5 vs 4/5), more apartment-friendly (2/5), better health profile (3/5). For most families, the Labrador Retriever is the more practical choice, particularly if you value an easy-to-train companion.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The Flat-Coated Retriever and Labrador Retriever are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. Annual ownership costs are broadly similar for both breeds.
Choose Flat-Coated Retriever if...
- ✓You have other dogs at home — Flat-Coated Retrievers tend to get along well with other dogs (5/5).
- ✓Their temperament and lifestyle fit aligns better with your situation — use our quiz for a personalized recommendation.
Choose Labrador Retriever if...
- ✓Long-term health costs concern you — Labrador Retrievers are generally more robust (3/5 health score).
- ✓You have other dogs at home — Labrador Retrievers tend to get along well with other dogs (5/5).
- ✓Their temperament and lifestyle fit aligns better with your situation — use our quiz for a personalized recommendation.
Neither may be right if...
Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and Labrador Retriever have high energy needs (5/5 and 5/5 respectively). If you live in a small apartment without park access or can't commit to 60+ minutes of daily exercise, consider a lower-energy breed like a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Shih Tzu instead.
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Flat-Coated Retriever or Labrador Retriever?
The Flat-Coated Retriever scores 5/5 for being good with kids, tying with the Labrador Retriever at 5/5. The Flat-Coated Retriever is specifically recommended for families.
Is a Flat-Coated Retriever or Labrador Retriever easier to train?
The Labrador Retriever is easier to train, scoring 5/5 versus the Flat-Coated Retriever's 4/5. The Labrador Retriever's forgiving nature makes it ideal for beginners.
Which costs more, a Flat-Coated Retriever or Labrador Retriever?
A Flat-Coated Retriever puppy costs $1,000–$2,500 while a Labrador Retriever costs $800–$2,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,470 for the Flat-Coated Retriever and $1,370 for the Labrador Retriever. The Flat-Coated Retriever is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
Do Flat-Coated Retrievers or Labrador Retrievers live longer?
The Flat-Coated Retriever lives 8–10 years on average, while the Labrador Retriever lives 10–13 years. The Labrador Retriever tends to live longer. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Flat-Coated Retriever or Labrador Retriever live in an apartment?
The Labrador Retriever adapts better to apartment living (2/5) than the Flat-Coated Retriever (1/5). However, neither breed is an ideal apartment dog — daily outdoor exercise is essential.