| Breed |  Flat-Coated Retriever |  English Cocker Spaniel |
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| Origin | United Kingdom | United Kingdom |
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| Group | Gundog | Gundog |
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| Size | Large | Medium |
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| Coat | Glossy medium-length flat coat with feathering | Silky, flat or slightly wavy coat with feathering |
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| Weight | 25 to 36 kg | 12 to 16 kg |
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| Height | 56 to 61 cm | 38 to 43 cm |
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| Lifespan | 8 to 10 yrs | 12 to 14 yrs |
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| Exercise need | 8/10 | 8/10 |
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| Affection | 9/10 | 9/10 |
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| Grooming needs | 5/10 | 6/10 |
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| Barking | 5/10 | 5/10 |
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| Good with children | 8/10 | 8/10 |
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| Good with other dogs | 9/10 | 8/10 |
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| Trainability | 6/10 | 8/10 |
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| Prey drive | 6/10 | 6/10 |
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| Copes alone | 4/10 | 3/10 |
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| Drool | 4/10 | 2/10 |
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| Shedding | 7/10 | 5/10 |
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| Flat fit | 4/10 | 5/10 |
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| Running cost | €103 / month | €192 / month |
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Flat-Coated Retriever verdict
The Peter Pan of retrievers: cheerful, glossy and forever young at heart.
Get one if
- · Active families with children
- · Owners who want a sociable, everybody-friendly dog
- · Homes near water or with space to run
Think again if
- · Very sedentary households
- · Owners out at work all day
- · People wanting a calm, dignified adult dog quickly
English Cocker Spaniel verdict
A merry, affectionate gundog with a soft, silky coat and a nose that never switches off.
Get one if
- · Active families who enjoy daily walks
- · Owners keen on scent work or gundog training
- · Households able to provide company for most of the day
Think again if
- · Owners who need to leave a dog alone for long hours
- · Households unwilling to manage a moderate grooming routine
- · Owners wanting a naturally calm, low energy dog
