A Detailed Comparison of the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Valley Bulldog.

Flat-Coated Retriever versus Valley Bulldog

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Flat-Coated Retriever Versus Valley Bulldog: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Valley Bulldog? 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 Flat-Coated Retriever and the Valley Bulldog 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 Flat-Coated Retriever and the Valley Bulldog.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Valley Bulldog 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 Flat-Coated Retriever and for the Valley Bulldog. 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 Flat-Coated Retriever and the Valley Bulldog.

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

Flat-Coated Retriever versus Valley Bulldog: Overview

A very important difference between the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Valley Bulldog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Flat-Coated Retriever is a medium-sized dog while the Valley Bulldog is a large-sized dog.

Furthermore, 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.

On the other hand, the Valley Bulldog belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

Flat-Coated Retriever versus Valley Bulldog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Flat-Coated Retriever to the Valley Bulldog 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 Flat-Coated Retriever Valley Bulldog
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Height 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder 12 to 25 inches
Life Span 10 to 12 years 8 to 12 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Weight 55 to 70 pounds 50 to 125 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 10.0 years
Average Price $1350 $2050
Price Range $1150 – $1800 $1950 – $2200
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data

    *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 Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Valley Bulldog. 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 Flat-Coated Retriever is 78 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Valley Bulldog is 74 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Flat-Coated Retriever is a better pet than the Valley Bulldog. 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 Flat-Coated Retriever and the Valley Bulldog so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Valley Bulldog

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

  • Flat-Coated Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Valley Bulldogs adapt well to apartment living.
  • Flat-Coated Retrievers can tolerate cold weather. However, Valley Bulldogs cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Flat-Coated Retrievers can tolerate hot weather. However, Valley Bulldogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Flat-Coated Retrievers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Valley Bulldogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • The Similarities Between the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Valley Bulldog

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

  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Valley Bulldog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Valley Bulldog are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Valley Bulldog do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Valley Bulldog are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Valley Bulldog are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Valley Bulldog gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Valley Bulldog are very easy to train.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Valley Bulldog are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Valley Bulldog do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Valley Bulldog 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.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Valley Bulldog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Valley Bulldog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Valley Bulldog are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Valley Bulldog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Valley Bulldog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Valley Bulldog are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Flat-Coated Retriever versus Valley Bulldog

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

    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.

    On the other hand, Valley Bulldogs weigh 50 to 125 pounds when fully grown. Valley Bulldogs are 12 to 25 inches when fully grown.

    Price of Flat-Coated Retriever versus Price of Valley Bulldog

    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 reviewing the prices of 8 Flat-Coated Retriever puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Valley Bulldog puppy is $2050. The price of the Valley Bulldog typically ranges from $1950 – $2200. However, the price of a Valley Bulldog can be as low as $1700 and as high as $2500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 8 Valley Bulldog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Valley Bulldog is more expensive than the Flat-Coated Retriever.

    Flat-Coated Retriever Valley Bulldog
    Average Price $1350 $2050
    Price Range $1150 to $1800 $1950 to $2200

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Flat-Coated Retrievers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Flat-Coated Retrievers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Valley Bulldogs

    A breakdown of the prices of Valley Bulldogs

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Flat-Coated Retriever puppy or the Valley Bulldog 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.

    Is the Flat-Coated Retriever Better for Apartment Owners than the Valley Bulldog?

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

    Valley Bulldogs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Flat-Coated Retriever versus Valley Bulldog

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

    Valley Bulldogs do not like to be left alone.

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

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

    Valley Bulldogs are OK for new dog owners.

    Which one drools more, the Flat-Coated Retriever or the Valley Bulldog

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

    Valley Bulldogs drool moderately.

    Do Flat-Coated Retrievers shed more than Valley Bulldogs?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers shed moderately.

    Valley Bulldogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Does the Flat-Coated Retriever Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Valley Bulldog?

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

    Valley Bulldogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Can Flat-Coated Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Valley Bulldogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Valley Bulldogs cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Can Flat-Coated Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Valley Bulldogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers can tolerate hot weather.

    Valley Bulldogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Flat-Coated Retriever or the Valley Bulldog?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers are very easy to groom.

    Valley Bulldogs are very easy to groom.

    Is the Flat-Coated Retriever Easier to Train than the Valley Bulldog?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Valley Bulldogs are fairly easy to train.

    Do Flat-Coated Retrievers Bark and Howl? What about Valley Bulldogs?

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

    Valley Bulldogs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Wanderlust Potential: Flat-Coated Retriever vs. Valley Bulldog

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

    Valley Bulldogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Are Flat-Coated Retrievers good family dogs? What about Valley Bulldogs?

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

    Valley Bulldogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Flat-Coated Retrievers and Valley Bulldogs?

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

    Valley Bulldogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

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

    Valley Bulldogs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    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 Valley Bulldog vs Wirehaired Pointing Griffon.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Valley Bulldog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Valley Bulldog 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 Valley Bulldog:

  • Rottweiler (74 percent match with Valley Bulldog). Here is our comparison of the Flat-Coated Retriever vs Rottweiler.
  • Boxer (80 percent match with Valley Bulldog). Here is our comparison of the Flat-Coated Retriever vs Boxer.
  • Bulldog (75 percent match with Valley Bulldog). Here is our comparison of the Flat-Coated Retriever vs Bulldog.
  • French Bulldog (73 percent match with Valley Bulldog). Here is our comparison of the Flat-Coated Retriever vs French Bulldog.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Flat-Coated Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Flat-Coated Retriever versus Kooikerhondje     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Lakeland Terrier     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Border Collie     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Affenpinscher     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Border Terrier     Flat-Coated Retriever versus King Shepherd     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Dogue de Bordeaux     

    Valley Bulldog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Valley Bulldog versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Valley Bulldog versus Saint Bernard     Valley Bulldog versus Lakeland Terrier     Valley Bulldog versus Cesky Terrier     Valley Bulldog versus Kuvasz     Valley Bulldog versus Biewer Terrier     Valley Bulldog versus Morkie     Valley Bulldog versus Mountain Cur     Valley Bulldog versus Australian Kelpie     Valley Bulldog versus Bracco Italiano     

    Conclusion: Flat-Coated Retriever versus Valley Bulldog. 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 Flat-Coated Retriever and the Valley Bulldog better suits you and your family.