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Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Boston Terrier Comparison - Dog breed selector: Golden Flat Coat or Lab or American Gentlemen? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Boston Terrier" Compare Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever. Which is better: Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever or Boston Terrier?
 
 
 
Name Golden Retriever Labrador Retriever Boston Terrier
OriginsScotland flagScotland England flagEngland Canada flagCanada United States flagUnited States
Group Gun Dog Gun Dog Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank3121
Reviews16112
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Boston Terrier breeds.
Golden Flat Coat
Yellow Retriever
Lab
Labrador
American Gentlemen
Boston Bull Terrier
Boxwood
Boston Bull
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Boston Terrier? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Boston Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Boston Terrier. Which breed is the largest?
Large Large Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Boston Terrier? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg) Male: 60-75 pounds (27-34kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg) 10-25 pounds (6-11kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg) Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg) 17.5 pounds (8.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever or Boston Terrier? Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Boston Terrier height comparison:
Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm) Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 21-23 inches (53-58 cm) 15-17 inches (38-43 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm) Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 22 inches (55.5 cm) 16 inches (40.5 cm)

Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Boston Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Boston Terrier. Find price differences between these breeds.
$1000-$2000 $1000-$2000 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever or Boston Terrier?
Very frequent: The Golden Retriever is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Labrador Retriever is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Boston Terrier is quite easy to get.

Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Boston Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Boston Terrier. Which breed ranks highest?
Outstanding: Golden Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Outstanding: Labrador Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Boston Terrier. Which is easiest to train?
Golden Retriever dogs are easy to train.
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Labrador Retriever dogs are very easy to train.
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Boston Terrier dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Boston Terrier. Which breed is most alert?
Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
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Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
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Boston Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Boston Terrier. Which breed is most protective?
Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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Labrador Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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Boston Terrier dogs are average defenders.
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Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Boston Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Boston Terrier? Compare temperaments.
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Reliable
Kind
Trustworthy
Playful
Loving
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Loyal
Gentle
Going
Social
Cheerful
Playful
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Aggressive
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Golden Retriever dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Sensitive: Labrador Retriever dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Sensitive: Boston Terrier dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Boston Terrier?
High: Golden Retriever dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Slightly Below Average: Labrador Retriever dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
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High: Boston Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Boston Terrier social needs comparison:
Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Boston Terrier dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Golden Retriever dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Labrador Retriever dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Boston Terrier dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Golden Retriever dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
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Labrador Retriever dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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Boston Terrier dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Boston Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Boston Terrier. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The Golden Retriever rarely barks.
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Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally.
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Low to Average: The Boston Terrier rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Boston Terrier. Which breed is most playful?
The Golden Retriever is a highly playful breed.
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The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed.
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Average: Boston Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Boston Terrier. Which adapts best to small spaces?
It is not recommended to keep the Golden Retriever breed in the home.
It is not recommended to keep the Labrador Retriever breed in the home.
Very house-friendly dog the Boston Terrier breed.

Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Boston Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Boston Terrier. Which breed is most flexible?
Golden Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Labrador Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Boston Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever or Boston Terrier?
Golden Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Labrador Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Boston Terrier dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Boston Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Boston Terrier. Which has lowest bite risk?

Moderate

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Labrador Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Boston Terrier has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Boston Terrier. Which uses mouth most during play?
Golden Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Labrador Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Boston Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Boston Terrier. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Boston Terrier bite force: Weak.

Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Boston Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Boston Terrier. Which breed lives longest?
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Boston Terrier: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Boston Terrier. Which handles climate changes best?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Boston Terrier. Which has fewer health issues?
Golden Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs.
The Labrador Retriever is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Boston Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Rare
The Golden Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Labrador Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Boston Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Boston Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Boston Terrier health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Hemangiosarcoma
Osteosarcoma
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Epilepsy
Ear Infections
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia
Acute Moist Dermatitis
Cold Tail
Myopathy
Cataracts
Heart Murmurs
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Deafness
Cherry Eye
Brain Tumors
Megaesophagus
Reverse Sneezing

Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Boston Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Boston Terrier. Which breed is most active?
Golden Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
Labrador Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
Boston Terrier dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Boston Terrier exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever or Boston Terrier? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.
Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.
Boston Terrier dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever or Boston Terrier?
Golden Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.
Labrador Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.
Boston Terrier dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Boston Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Boston Terrier. Which is most prone to obesity?
High: The Golden Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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High: The Labrador Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Average: The Boston Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Boston Terrier. Which needs most food?
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 2.5 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 0.5 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Boston Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Boston Terrier. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Boston Terrier. What colors are available?
Golden
Light
Black
Yellow
Chocolate
Black
White
Brindle
Seal
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Boston Terrier. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort.
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Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming.
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Effortless: The Boston Terrier requires minimal grooming.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Boston Terrier. Which drools least?
The Golden Retriever drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
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The Labrador Retriever is an average drooler.
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The Boston Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Boston Terrier. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Boston Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Boston Terrier. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Silky
Wavy
Shiny
Straight
Dense
Waterproof
Hard
Short
Fine
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Boston Terrier. Which requires most frequent baths?
2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever or Boston Terrier? Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever or {name3 shedding:
Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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Boston Terrier dogs shed moderately.
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Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Boston Terrier Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Boston Terrier. Which is best with kids?
Golden Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Labrador Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Boston Terrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Golden Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Labrador Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Boston Terrier dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever or Boston Terrier? Which dog is more friendly?
Golden Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Labrador Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Boston Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever or Boston Terrier?
Golden Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Labrador Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Boston Terrier dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever or Boston Terrier?
Golden Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Labrador Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Boston Terrier dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Boston Terrier?
Yes
Golden Retriever dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Labrador Retriever dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Boston Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
Yes
Golden Retriever is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
No
Labrador Retriever is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Boston Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Golden Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Labrador Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Boston Terriers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Boston Terrier As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Boston Terrier. Which is best suited for service work?

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Boston Terrier. Which excels in therapy work?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Boston Terrier. Which has best nose work ability?

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Boston Terrier. Which is best for SAR work?

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Boston Terrier. Which is best suited for water work?

Yes

Golden Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Yes

Labrador Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Not really

Boston Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Boston Terrier. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Boston Terrier. Which has most military use?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Boston Terrier Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Boston Terrier. Which has most puppies?
5-10 puppies 5-10 puppies 3-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Boston Terrier. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Boston Terrier. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever vs Boston Terrier Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Boston Terrier. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1917 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1893 as a Non-Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Boston Terrier. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section. Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Small Molossian type Dogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Boston Terrier. Which has most recognition?
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
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
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

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