Breed comparison
Flat-Coated Retriever vs Keeshond
How the two breeds compare on the American Kennel Club's 1 to 5 trait ratings, and which one suits which home.
Keeshond5Affection with family5
5Good with young children5
5Good with other dogs5
5Openness to strangers5
5Playfulness5
5Energy level4
5Trainability5
4Mental stimulation needs4
5Adaptability5
3Watchdog / protective5
3Barking4
3Shedding3
2Coat grooming3
2Drooling2
The biggest differences
- Watchdog / protective: the Keeshond scores 5 out of 5, the Flat-Coated Retriever 3.
They score the same on affection with family, good with young children, good with other dogs, openness to strangers, playfulness, trainability.
Which one should you choose?
Pick the Flat-Coated Retriever if you want an energetic exercise partner, you want a quieter dog. Pick the Keeshond if you prefer a calmer dog, you want a more protective watchdog.
Ratings are general breed tendencies from the AKC. Every dog is an individual, so meet the dog, and its parents if you can, before you decide. Not sure? Try the breed selector.
Source: American Kennel Club breed ratings (compiled February 2022). How we check.