I have decided I would like to own a flat coat retriever and would like one which is ready for collection approx 19th August (due to holiday commitments).   If you know of any which were born in June (bitch preferably) please get in touch.  Tel 01204 668350.

Call Mrs Johnson - the Flatcoated Retriever Society litter secretary.  01638 718231.

all stock on her books comes from health checked parentage and the breeders comply with the code of ethics.

Becky

I would just add that if you haven't actually met any flatcoats you really ought to meet a few, before you "rush out" and get one. They are a clever active dog and not suitable for everyones lifestyle.

Mrs Johnson will be able to give you advice and may be able to put you in touch with some flatcoat owners who will let you visit their dogs, or put you in touch with an area representive, who will invite you see their dogs. As Becky has said responsible breeders with puppies for sale will let Mrs Johnson know they have puppies available, from health tested stock.

Hello there,

As Polly says, it is a good idea to go and see some and also talk to people that own fcr. A good opportunity to do this is on the Surrey Annual Picnic (near Guildford). Apparently loads of flat coat people will be there and it will be a day of fun and games. Here's the link http://www.flatcoated-retriever-society.org/FT%20&%20GWT%20Files/Area%20Training%20Dates.htm#The_Surrey_Group

Speak to different breeders, ask all the questions under the sun (see how they respond, if they are reserved, then as yourself why?). Ask what they do with the puppies between 3-5 weeks of age (a very sensitive period in puppies). If you want to work/do tests with your dog, then ask if they have a shooting dog certificate. Go see the mom with the pups early on and check the environment the pups are kept (do they have plenty of environmental stimulation or are they just kept in a box?). Ideally go see the dad too. Genetics have as big an influence as environment on the way pups turn out.

I got some numbers from the FCR register but after seeing 3 litters, I actually got my pup from a fantastic breeder, whom I found by researching and not by the litter list. I imagine that this breeder already has all her puppies booked up before they even go in the list (which is a very good sign of a great breeder). So I am very lucky to have gotten there early on and my pup is turning out to be fantastic. She has a wonderful temperament and at 10 weeks is already on hand signals for sit, down, stand, 'touch', and a little bit of a stay. Her retrieving instinct is fabulous too (great, since I want to do working tests with her).

You will have to live with this dog for many, many years, so it is worth getting a pup from good stock (depending on what your requirements are) and perhaps waiting a bit longer, rather than just getting a pup born in June. Don't forget a pet dog's temperament is as important as a working dog's or a show dog's, they will need to deal with a lot of strange situations as a pet, so excellent temperament is essential.

All the best,
Patty

there no guantee a fcr will turn out to be a good show or working dog,it is good to ask all the question but the shooting dog cert of the peanets dos not guantee at the pup going to be a good working dog  if both peanent are good  at work or show dogs
i bought rush my liver dog back in 1995 both dam/sire were good working dogs not show dogs, rush hated working a he had a hard mouth but a show dog he was best at,then i got harley whos dam/sire and all the lines behind him were showing no working guess what he work well got sdc A  but not so good ay showing,
most breeder will let you see the pup from 4 weeks on,i wouldnt let to many people in before that time beacuse of the pups catching any think for from the vistor,after losting two litter one with kennel cough it a heartbreak,
the best is to do your home work ask all the question whats behind the lines  of both dam.sire with health issues.
one thing that i do i have a cd that plays 24 hour to the pup from birth untill they go of all different nosie plus i tell the new owner to buy it as well.
with the good weather we have my puppy  out side on the grass playing and leaning toilet training as well,they got an enclose area so yesterday they were out side for 4 hours.
there no guartee what the pup will turn out to be but as long as you put the work in by training, love and affection it will turn out to be the best companion