Is the English Springer Spaniel or the Flat-Coated Retriever better for families with children?

Both the English Springer Spaniel and the Flat-Coated Retriever are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the English Springer Spaniel or the Flat-Coated Retriever?

The Flat-Coated Retriever sheds more than the English Springer Spaniel. If shedding is a concern, the English Springer Spaniel is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the English Springer Spaniel or the Flat-Coated Retriever?

The English Springer Spaniel is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is English Springer Spaniel or Flat-Coated Retriever bigger?

Flat-Coated Retriever is the larger breed; English Springer Spaniel is smaller and more compact.

Which barks more, English Springer Spaniel or Flat-Coated Retriever?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

Which is better for apartment living, English Springer Spaniel or Flat-Coated Retriever?

For apartment or apartment living, English Springer Spaniel has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

English Springer Spaniel vs Flat-Coated Retriever: Sheds Less?

English Springer Spaniel vs Flat-Coated Retriever: full comparison

Trait	English Springer Spaniel	Flat-Coated Retriever
Size	Medium	Large
Energy level	Very High	Very High
Trainability	Very High	High
Friendliness	Very High	Very High
Good with children	Very High	Very High
Grooming needs	Medium	Medium
Shedding	Medium	High
Barking	Medium	Medium
Protectiveness	Low	Low
Adaptability	High	High
Typical lifespan	13 years	10 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Key differences at a glance

The Flat-Coated Retriever is a larger dog than the English Springer Spaniel, which affects space, food and exercise needs.

Size and living space

The English Springer Spaniel is a moderately built dog that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. By comparison, the Flat-Coated Retriever is a large and powerful breed that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. If space, transport or budget are tight, the smaller of the two is the more practical choice.

Exercise and energy needs

The English Springer Spaniel requires intense exercise and mental work daily; without it, trouble follows. The Flat-Coated Retriever requires intense exercise and mental work daily; without it, trouble follows. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The English Springer Spaniel wants brushing on a regular schedule to stay tidy and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. The Flat-Coated Retriever wants brushing on a regular schedule to stay tidy and sheds enough that regular cleaning becomes routine. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The English Springer Spaniel learns at a pace few breeds can match, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and is famously gentle and patient with children. The Flat-Coated Retriever takes to training fast and works willingly, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and is famously gentle and patient with children. On guarding instinct, English Springer Spaniel shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers, whereas Flat-Coated Retriever shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, English Springer Spaniel has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, English Springer Spaniel and Flat-Coated Retriever are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, English Springer Spaniel has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, English Springer Spaniel and Flat-Coated Retriever are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, English Springer Spaniel has the edge, as it sheds less dander around the home.

Which should you choose?

Choose the English Springer Spaniel if you want a longer-lived breed, you want an easier dog to train, or you want less shedding around the home.

Choose the Flat-Coated Retriever if you want a bigger, more substantial dog.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the English Springer Spaniel or the Flat-Coated Retriever better for families with children?: Both the English Springer Spaniel and the Flat-Coated Retriever are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the English Springer Spaniel or the Flat-Coated Retriever?: The Flat-Coated Retriever sheds more than the English Springer Spaniel. If shedding is a concern, the English Springer Spaniel is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the English Springer Spaniel or the Flat-Coated Retriever?: The English Springer Spaniel is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is English Springer Spaniel or Flat-Coated Retriever bigger?: Flat-Coated Retriever is the larger breed; English Springer Spaniel is smaller and more compact.
Which barks more, English Springer Spaniel or Flat-Coated Retriever?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, English Springer Spaniel or Flat-Coated Retriever?: For apartment or apartment living, English Springer Spaniel has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

English Springer Spaniel vs Flat-Coated Retriever