Friendly
Devoted
Outgoing
Confident
Optimistic
Intelligent

Playful
Loving
Independent
Energetic
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Affectionate
Loyal
Devoted
Fearless
Brave
Bright
Reserved
Suspicious

Flat-Coated Retrievers are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

Box-a-Shars are low shedding dogs, requiring minimal coat care.

Choose a Flat-Coated Retriever if you want a top-notch watchdog. This breed takes guarding seriously, and may not require much training, though obedience or guard dog training can improve their skills.

Avoid Box-a-Shars as watchdogs - they're not effective.

England

​United States

retriever, newfoundland water dog

Boxer, Shar-Pei

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry

ACHC = American Canine Hybrid Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.

1800s

2000s

Brown

Brown

Black
Brown

Black

Black
Brown

Brown
Black
Red
Brindle
Pied

Flat-Coated Retrievers have medium-length coats.

Box-a-Shars have coats that can be either short or medium in length.

A Flat-Coated Retriever can have a litter of 10-13 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

A Box-a-Shar can have a litter of 2-10 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Flat-Coated Retrievers are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Box-a-Shars are known for their adaptability and can adjust well to different environments and lifestyle changes.

The Flat-Coated Retriever breed is generally very healthy, requiring minimal vet visits. Still, it's important to keep an eye on their health and seek veterinary care when needed.

Box-a-Shars typically have low vet costs due to their good health, but it's important to monitor their health and seek vet care when necessary.

Hip Dysplasia
Bloat
Cancer

Bloat
Hypothyroidism
Degenerative Myelopathy
Cancer
Aortic Stenosis

Distichiasis
Glaucoma
Histiocytosis

Patellar Luxation
Hip Dysplasia
Epilepsy
Eye Problems

Eye
Hip
Blood Test
Physical Examination

X-Rays
MRI
Eye Examination
Physical Examination
Allergy Tests
Blood Work
Radiography

Flat-Coated Retrievers thrive on an active lifestyle due to their high-energy nature.

Box-a-Shars are suitable for those with a balanced lifestyle as they have an average energy level.

Flat-Coated Retriever has average social needs and is less independent than other breeds.

Box-a-Shar has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

Flat-Coated Retrievers need high physical activity and are ideal for active individuals, but not suitable for sedentary lifestyles or small apartments.

Box-a-Shars need only a small amount of physical activity, ideal for busy or elderly people or those with limited space.

Flat-Coated Retrievers are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.

Box-a-Shars have moderate energy levels and typical sleep patterns of 12-14 hours per day.

Flat-Coated Retrievers bark moderately when necessary and may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Box-a-Shars are typically quiet and only bark when needed, such as to alert their owner or when in distress.

Chase, Play, Catch treats, Walk

Walk, Hike, Play, Hunt, Tug-of-war, Fetch, Brushing, Playing, Swimming, Snuggling, Wrestling, Play tug-a-war, Go to Park, Run, Frisbee, Chase, Ball throwing, Training, Cuddling, Car rides, Running, Mind games, Walks

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Flat-Coated Retriever, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Box-a-Shar, it's at least 9 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

In general most Flat-Coated Retrievers usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

In general most Box-a-Shars usually need at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Pin Brush
Dematter
Comb
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

For an average 60-80 pound (27 - 36 kg) Flat-Coated Retriever feed 3.2 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

For an average 45-65 pound (20 - 29 kg) Box-a-Shar feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Flat-Coated Retriever is a very intelligent and trainable breed.

Box-a-Shars are average in obedience intelligence but have a high IQ and may cause trouble if left unsupervised.

This breed is sensitive to its environment and best suited for patient and understanding families with a consistent routine.

Box-a-Shars have average emotions and adapt well to different situations.

The Flat-Coated Retriever is not suitable for apartments and requires a large yard to thrive. Pent-up energy in small spaces can lead to destructive behavior.

The Box-a-Shar is a great apartment dog, thriving with sufficient exercise and time outside as part of their daily routine.

Flat-Coated Retrievers are good with kids if socialized and trained from a young age.

Box-a-Shars have an average level of friendliness towards children.

Flat-Coated Retrievers are friendly and active companions, and can be good family pets, though their friendliness towards other dogs may vary.

Box-a-Shars are less friendly towards other dogs, but can improve with socialization.

Flat-Coated Retrievers are friendly but may bark at strangers, and training is easy due to their intelligence.

Box-a-Shars are quick to announce strangers and can be standoffish or suspicious.

Flat-Coated Retrievers are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.

Box-a-Shars are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.

Flat-Coated Retrievers are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.

Box-a-Shars are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.