i have 2 year old fcr, im hopefully going to breed her next year and now i though id start looking at dogs i could use with her.  shes black from a liver father and black mother, her hip score result is due within 4 weeks, eyes were clear,  when im breeding her should i be looking for some common ancestors on her and the stud dogs lines or a completley different set of lines,  i know one of the dogs i got a pedigree for didnt match name wise until generation 6/7 is that too far back? my bitch was from an outcross mating and is beautiful, ive had her asessed by 2 judges in the fcr world and they have said shes good,  should i really be looking at a dog who is closer to my bitch in generations 3/4 rather than further back? her breeder pointed me in the right direction regarding temperment, health checks etc and my opinion of the dog phisically but is that enough? should there be common relatives closer than 6/7 gens back?
sorry about the long post but i want know what im looking for so im prepared for it happening next year.
thanks

Guest I think you should find out more about the breed and how pedigrees help you to breed a better dog than just hoping for the best. If as you say you have FCR judges opinions on your bitch and your breeder is helping you, then it would be wise to go with their ideas, especially those of your bitches breeder since he/she would know their lines really well and would not want you as a first time breeder making mistakes.
Another question to ask yourself is "Why do you want to breed from her?" There is a lot that can and sadly does go wrong, mating a bitch and ending up with a litter of puppies does not always happen. I have known people lose their bitch and the puppies at whelping, also people myself included who have lost puppies in a litter from fading puppy syndrome or viruses such as kennel cough. These things do happen and it is heart breaking.

She'll also need her eyes and hips checking as I believe that they can have problems.  There are quite a few Flatcoat owners on here whom I sure will help!

I think the guest posted that she had done the necessary BVA tests for glaucoma, PRA & HC and hip scoring. However the guest would be well advised to make sure the stud dog that is used has been tested for these things before the litter is conceived.

Polly
& Foxpath Flatcoated Retrievers.

I would also suggest that you actually take the bitch to a few shows and compare her against other Flatcoats - rather than just rely on the word of 2 other people.

There are a lot of Flatcoats around at the moment and you have to take into consideration as to what you would do if your bitch had 10 dog puppies - they do not sell as well as bitches. 

If your bitch is unknown and you use an unknown stud dog you are decreasing your chances of selling the puppies  - people do tend to buy from known and proven stock.

At present there is a Flatcoat Breeder who has a litter of puppies - 9 weeks old and not sold.  This alone should serve as a warning to anyone who "thinks it might be fun to have a litter".

For more details you should call Mrs Johnson - the Society litter secretary - she can advise on pedigrees, stud dogs, puppies etc.  Her number is 01638 718231.

Becky

Just to confirm what the others have said.

Take her to some shows or working tests and have a good chat to people who have been in the breed for a long time.   Most Flatcoat people are only to pleased to have a good chat, but not just when they're about to go in the ring, or do their test!

It takes a long time to 'get your eye in' with a Flatcoat, and there's really no short cuts.    You are obviously interested in breeding the best, and that's exactly how it should be, so take your time - if it means another year on, so be it - you will learn lots more, and your girl won't suffer through having to wait another year for her litter.

Do check, as well, on breeding endorsements on the pedigree; many, if not most experienced breeders will have put breeding and export restrictions on the pedigree, which may be lifted subject to certain conditions being met.

Becky has given you Mrs Johnson's number - do give her a call and have a talk - she will advise on your pedigree, as she has many years of experience.

Jo and the Casblaidd Flatcoats