A Detailed Comparison of the Carolina Dog and the Flat-Coated Retriever.

by
Carolina Dog versus Flat-Coated Retriever

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Carolina Dog Versus Flat-Coated Retriever: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Carolina Dog and the Flat-Coated Retriever? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Carolina Dog and the Flat-Coated Retriever better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Carolina Dog and the Flat-Coated Retriever.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Carolina Dog and the Flat-Coated Retriever is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Carolina Dog and for the Flat-Coated Retriever. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Carolina Dog and the Flat-Coated Retriever.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Carolina Dog or the Flat-Coated Retriever

Carolina Dog versus Flat-Coated Retriever: Overview

Both the Carolina Dog and the Flat-Coated Retriever are similar in size. The Carolina Dog and the Flat-Coated Retriever are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Carolina Dog belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

On the other hand, the Flat-Coated Retriever belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

Carolina Dog versus Flat-Coated Retriever: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Carolina Dog to the Flat-Coated Retriever based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Factor Carolina Dog Flat-Coated Retriever
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 2/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 12 years
Height 18 to 20 inches at the shoulder 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Easygoing 4/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 2/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 5/5
Weight 33 to 55 pounds 55 to 70 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 5/5
General Health 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 11.0 years
Average Price $500 $1350
Price Range $500 – $500 $1150 – $1800
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•

    *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Carolina Dog in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Flat-Coated Retriever. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for a Carolina Dog is 73 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Flat-Coated Retriever is 78 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Flat-Coated Retriever is a better pet than the Carolina Dog. So, you should get the Flat-Coated Retriever!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Carolina Dog and the Flat-Coated Retriever so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Carolina Dog and the Flat-Coated Retriever

    Below is a list of where the Carolina Dog and the Flat-Coated Retriever are most different:

  • Carolina Dogs are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl. However, Flat-Coated Retrievers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Carolina Dogs are not very sensitive to their enviroment. They can tolerate noisy environments. They are also not very sensitive to the tone of your voice, firm or gentle. However, Flat-Coated Retrievers are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Carolina Dogs are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs. However, Flat-Coated Retrievers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Carolina Dogs are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Flat-Coated Retrievers are very friendly towards strangers.

    • The Similarities Between the Carolina Dog and the Flat-Coated Retriever

    The Carolina Dog and the Flat-Coated Retriever are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Carolina Dog and the Flat-Coated Retriever are most similar:

  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Flat-Coated Retriever do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Flat-Coated Retriever do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Flat-Coated Retriever are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Flat-Coated Retriever do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Flat-Coated Retriever are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Flat-Coated Retriever can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Flat-Coated Retriever can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Flat-Coated Retriever shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Flat-Coated Retriever are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Flat-Coated Retriever gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Flat-Coated Retriever are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Flat-Coated Retriever have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Flat-Coated Retriever require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Flat-Coated Retriever get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Flat-Coated Retriever are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Flat-Coated Retriever do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Carolina Dog versus Flat-Coated Retriever

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Carolina Dog and the Flat-Coated Retriever.

    Carolina Dogs weigh 33 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Carolina Dogs are 18 to 20 inches at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Flat-Coated Retrievers weigh 55 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Flat-Coated Retrievers are 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Price of Carolina Dog versus Price of Flat-Coated Retriever

    The average price of the Carolina Dog puppy is $500. The price of the Carolina Dog typically ranges from $500 – $500. However, the price of a Carolina Dog can be as low as $500 and as high as $500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 6 Carolina Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Flat-Coated Retriever puppy is $1350. The price of the Flat-Coated Retriever typically ranges from $1150 – $1800. However, the price of a Flat-Coated Retriever can be as low as $100 and as high as $2500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 8 Flat-Coated Retriever puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Flat-Coated Retriever is more expensive than the Carolina Dog.

    Carolina Dog Flat-Coated Retriever
    Average Price $500 $1350
    Price Range $500 to $500 $1150 to $1800

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Carolina Dog and Flat-Coated Retriever. For different price points, the charts show how many Carolina Dog puppies or how many Flat-Coated Retriever puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Carolina Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Carolina Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Flat-Coated Retrievers

    A breakdown of the prices of Flat-Coated Retrievers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Carolina Dog puppy or the Flat-Coated Retriever puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking from a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from one of those puppy mills that mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Adopting the Carolina Dog versus Adopting the Flat-Coated Retriever

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Carolina Dogs and many Flat-Coated Retrievers are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male Carolina Dog named Hunter that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Carolina Dogs like Hunter on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Carolina Dogs, Flat-Coated Retrievers are also available for adoption. For example, Palisade is a Male Flat-Coated Retriever that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Flat-Coated Retrievers like Palisade that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Carolina Dog and the Flat-Coated Retriever can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Buddy is the name of another Carolina Dog (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also Clarence, an adorable Male Flat-Coated Retriever on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Carolina Dogs and Flat-Coated Retrievers are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Carolina Dogs and Flat-Coated Retrievers that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Carolina Dog versus Flat-Coated Retriever

    Carolina Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Flat-Coated Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Carolina Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Flat-Coated Retrievers?

    Carolina Dogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Flat-Coated Retrievers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Is the Carolina Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Flat-Coated Retriever?

    Carolina Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Flat-Coated Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Carolina Dog or the Flat-Coated Retriever?

    Carolina Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Flat-Coated Retrievers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Are Carolina Dogs good family dogs? What about Flat-Coated Retrievers?

    Carolina Dogs are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs.

    Flat-Coated Retrievers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Which one drools more, the Carolina Dog or the Flat-Coated Retriever

    Carolina Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Flat-Coated Retrievers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Is the Carolina Dog Easier to Train than the Flat-Coated Retriever?

    Carolina Dogs are not easy to train.

    Flat-Coated Retrievers are very easy to train.

    How Kid-friendly are Carolina Dogs and Flat-Coated Retrievers?

    Carolina Dogs get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Flat-Coated Retrievers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Wanderlust Potential: Carolina Dog vs. Flat-Coated Retriever

    Carolina Dogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Flat-Coated Retrievers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Carolina Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Flat-Coated Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Carolina Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Flat-Coated Retrievers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Can Carolina Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Flat-Coated Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Carolina Dogs can tolerate hot weather.

    Flat-Coated Retrievers can tolerate hot weather.

    Do Carolina Dogs shed more than Flat-Coated Retrievers?

    Carolina Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Flat-Coated Retrievers shed moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Carolina Dog or the Flat-Coated Retriever?

    Carolina Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Flat-Coated Retrievers are very easy to groom.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Carolina Dog or the Flat-Coated Retriever?

    Carolina Dogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Flat-Coated Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Does the Carolina Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Flat-Coated Retriever?

    Carolina Dogs have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Flat-Coated Retrievers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Carolina Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Carolina Dog that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Carolina Dog:

  • Treeing Tennessee Brindle (75 percent match with Carolina Dog). Here is our comparison of the Flat-Coated Retriever vs Treeing Tennessee Brindle.

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Flat-Coated Retriever

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Flat-Coated Retriever that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Flat-Coated Retriever:

  • Wirehaired Pointing Griffon (81 percent match with Flat-Coated Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Carolina Dog vs Wirehaired Pointing Griffon.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Carolina Dog and how the Flat-Coated Retriever compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Carolina Dog and of the Flat-Coated Retriever to other breeds:

    Carolina Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Carolina Dog versus Newfoundland     Carolina Dog versus Boerboel     Carolina Dog versus Brittany     Carolina Dog versus Peek A Poo     Carolina Dog versus Portuguese Water Dog     Carolina Dog versus Miniature Schnauzer     Carolina Dog versus Miniature Poodle     Carolina Dog versus Japanese Chin     Carolina Dog versus Irish Terrier     Carolina Dog versus English Cocker Spaniel     

    Flat-Coated Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Flat-Coated Retriever versus Irish Setter     Flat-Coated Retriever versus German Shepherd Dog     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Alaskan Malamute     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Pomeranian     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Belgian Tervuren     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Boston Terrier     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Komondor     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Komondor     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Airedale Terrier     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Norfolk Terrier     

    Conclusion: Carolina Dog versus Flat-Coated Retriever. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Carolina Dog and the Flat-Coated Retriever better suits you and your family.