I would love to own a flat coat but would like some advice.

Will they mix well with Springers I have 4.(3dogs and 1 spayed bitch)

What should I look out for, hips eyes etc.
I know all about eye checks as I have a dog with terrible eye problems so I will certainly check this area but I am not familiar with hip scores and what is acceptable.
Any help would be appreciated.
Sandie.

I've had FC's in the past (gorgeous dogs) and they have lived with all sorts of other breeds, so cannot imagine for one moment why they would not live happily with Springers.

I'm not upto date on the various FC healthchecks but I know there are a few FC experts on here, hope they will be along soon to answer your queries.

Happy FC hunting...I hope I will be in that position one day again soon.  If and when I get one, it will have to put up with my hoard of Staffs! :-)

Hello

I should imagine that a flatcoat with springers would be in seventh heaven - but can you keep up with them??! :-)

Obviously, you would have to go to regular training classes, to instil the basics++ into your pup.    The very most important thing to check with the parents is temperament - should be 500% in all circumstances with a flatcoat, but unfortunately we do see a few exceptions in certain lines.

Hips - (see a post very well answered by John) the breed average (both hips combined) is 9 point something or other, but I wouldn't be too concerned about a little leeway on this so long as the parents have proved themselves in one or more fields, and that they didn't have the same weak point on the scoring.

Eyes - you will need to see the normal eye certificates (very unlikely to be a problem with that) plus the results of the test for gonioscopy (glaucoma).    The results of this last test are sometimes open to debate, though.

Hope this helps, but feel free to e-mail me for further info

Jo and the Casblaidd Flatcoats

Thank you for all the advice.
Sandie.