Flat-Coated Retriever vs. Weston: Breed Differences and Similarities

Hypoallergenic

Are Flat-Coated Retrievers or Westons hypoallergenic, or neither?

Unfortunately, the Flat-Coated Retriever is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Westons are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Temperament

What are the personalities of Flat-Coated Retriever and Weston dogs?

Friendly
Devoted
Outgoing
Confident
Optimistic
Intelligent

Playful
Independent
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Lively
Trainable
Vocal

Shedding Level

Do Flat-Coated Retrievers shed more than Westons, or which breed sheds more, Flat-Coated Retrievers or Westons?

3 / 5

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

2 / 5

Westons are low shedding dogs, requiring minimal coat care.

Watchdog Ability

Which dog breed makes a better watchdog, the Flat-Coated Retriever or Weston?

5 / 5

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.

3 / 5

Westons are decent watchdogs - they'll alert their owner if something seems amiss.

Ancestry

What are the origins of Flat-Coated Retriever and Weston breeds?

retriever, newfoundland water dog

Coton de Tulear and West Highland White Terrier

Breed recognition

Which kennel clubs recognize/register Flat-Coated Retriever and Weston?

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.
IDCR = International Designer Canine Registry®

Date of Birth

When were Flat-Coated Retriever and Weston breeds first developed?

1800s

Unknown

Eye Color Possibilites

What are the eye colors of Flat-Coated Retriever and Weston dogs?

Brown

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What are the natural nose colors of Flat-Coated Retriever and Weston?

Black
Brown

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What are the natural colors of the coat for Flat-Coated Retriever and Weston breeds?

Black
Brown

Brown
White
Cream
Black

Coat Length

What is the typical coat length for Flat-Coated Retriever and Weston breeds?

3 / 5

Flat-Coated Retrievers have medium-length coats.

4 / 5

Westons have longer coats compared to most dogs.

Coat Density

What is the density of the coat of Flat-Coated Retriever and Weston?

2 / 5

4 / 5

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of Flat-Coated Retriever and Weston?

Straight

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Flat-Coated Retriever and Weston?

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 Weston can have a litter of 4-6 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.

Adaptability

5 / 5

Flat-Coated Retriever and Westons are known for their adaptability and versatility. They are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments, making them great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Health Issues

Between Flat-Coated Retriever and Weston, which breed is more prone to health problems?

5 / 5

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.

4 / 5

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

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for Flat-Coated Retriever and Weston breeds?

Hip Dysplasia
Bloat
Cancer

Patellar Luxation
Eye Problems
Craniomandibular Osteopathy
Legg-Calve Perthes Disease

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Flat-Coated Retriever and Weston?

Distichiasis
Glaucoma
Histiocytosis

Allergies
Hip Dysplasia

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Flat-Coated Retriever and Weston breeds?

Eye
Hip
Blood Test
Physical Examination

X-Rays
Physical Examination
Allergy Tests
Eye Examinations
Blood Tests
Hip and Knee

Energy

How do the energy levels of Flat-Coated Retrievers and Westons compare?

5 / 5

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

3 / 5

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

Social Needs

Flat-Coated Retriever vs Weston social needs comparison

3 / 5

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

4 / 5

Weston has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

Flat-Coated Retriever vs Weston exercise need comparison.

5 / 5

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

4 / 5

Westons require significant physical activity and suit those with an active lifestyle.

Sleeping Need

Which of the two sleeps the most/least: Flat-Coated Retriever or Weston?

1 / 5

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

3 / 5

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

Tendency to Bark

Do Flat-Coated Retrievers or Westons bark more/less frequently?

3 / 5

Flat-Coated Retriever and Westons tend to bark moderately, they bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or to communicate something. They may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: Flat-Coated Retriever vs Weston?

3 / 5

Roaming urge

Flat-Coated Retriever vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

4 / 5

3 / 5

Prey Drive

Flat-Coated Retriever or Weston - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?

3 / 5

Activity Level

Which breed has higher energy, Flat-Coated Retrievers or Westons?

Both Flat-Coated Retriever and Weston are medium-energy dogs that enjoy socializing and playing with other dogs. They may engage in casual or sustained games of chase, and occasionally have bursts of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

3 / 5

2 / 5

Walks per Week

How many miles should Flat-Coated Retriever or Weston walk each week?

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 Weston, it's at least 6 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

Do Flat-Coated Retrievers or Westons require more exercise?

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 Westons 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.

Grooming

Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, Flat-Coated Retrievers or Westons?

2 / 5

The Flat-Coated Retriever has low grooming needs and is easy to maintain.

5 / 5

Westons have high grooming needs, requiring regular trims and professional grooming assistance to keep their coat healthy.

Brushing Frequency

What is the recommended brushing frequency for Flat-Coated Retriever and Weston dogs?

Flat-Coated Retriever should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Ideally, Weston should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Brushing Tools

What brushing tools are used for Flat-Coated Retrievers and Westons?

Pin Brush
Dematter
Comb
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Dematter
Comb
Nail Clipper

Cups

How much food should be given to Flat-Coated Retriever or Weston in cups?

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 12-18 pound (5 - 8 kg) Weston feed 1.8 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

Which breed has a higher daily cost, Flat-Coated Retriever or Weston?

The average cost of a Flat-Coated Retriever is somewhere $2.10 - $2.70 per day.

The average cost of a Weston is somewhere $1.00 - $1.40 per day.

Monthly Cost

Which breed has a higher monthly cost, Flat-Coated Retriever or Weston?

The average per month expenses of a Flat-Coated Retriever is between $55 - $73. This makes an average of $660 - $876 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

The average per month expenses of a Weston is between $35 - $42. This makes an average of $420 - $504 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Intelligence

Comparing Intelligence: Flat-Coated Retrievers vs Westons

4 / 5

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

3 / 5

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

Sensitivity Level

How do Flat-Coated Retriever and Weston compare in sensitivity?

5 / 5

These dog breeds are particularly attuned to its environment and the emotions of those around it. Flat-Coated Retriever and Weston can be easily overwhelmed by loud noises, new environments, unfamiliar people, or animals. This dog breed is best suited for individuals or families who are patient, gentle, and understanding of its sensitive nature. It may also benefit from a calm and stable home environment, with a consistent routine and plenty of positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Flat-Coated Retriever vs Weston?

5 / 5

3 / 5

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Flat-Coated Retriever or Weston?

1 / 5

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.

4 / 5

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

Child Friendly

Do Flat-Coated Retrievers or Westons have a friendlier temperament towards children?

4 / 5

Flat-Coated Retriever and Weston are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - Flat-Coated Retriever or Weston?

4 / 5

Cat Friendly

Do Flat-Coated Retriever or Weston breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

3 / 5

Flat-Coated Retrievers are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.

4 / 5

Westons are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

Dog Friendly

Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Flat-Coated Retriever or Weston?

4 / 5

Flat-Coated Retrievers and Westons are friendly, active and loyal companions. They generally love to be around other dogs, making them a good family pet for some.

Pet friendly

How do Flat-Coated Retriever or Weston dogs interact with other pets?

3 / 5

4 / 5

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Flat-Coated Retriever or Weston?

4 / 5

Flat-Coated Retriever and Weston are friendly dogs and typically won't bark at strangers. However, if you wish to change this behavior, training them is easy thanks to their intelligence, making it pretty simple to teach them anything.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between Flat-Coated Retriever and Weston?

5 / 5

Flat-Coated Retriever and Weston are known to be highly playful dogs. So if you're not up for all that, think about adopting slightly older Flat-Coated Retriever and Weston for a mellower experience.

Trainability

How do the trainability levels of Flat-Coated Retrievers and Westons compare?

4 / 5

Flat-Coated Retriever and Weston dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.