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Breed
Info--Right dog for you?--Pros
and Cons
Responsible Breeder--Responsible
Owner
If you wish to receive
more information about the breed, please contact the FCRSA club secretary at
devrfcr@ aol.com. For $6.00 she will mail out information about flat-coats
including what to look for in a breeder, a current list of breeders in your area,
and a list of planned or expected litters.
The FCRSA also has a breed rescue - if you are interested in possibly rescuing a Flat Coat in need, contact the National Breed Rescue Chair at maplemanse@aol.com
Members and breeders of the FCRSA adhere to a Code of Ethics. If you are interested in reading it,please go to http://fcrsainc.org/coe.html
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Is
this the right dog for you?
If
you do not like an exuberant, active dog, this breed may not be for you. If you
get upset if your dog rolls in organic matter, brings home dead animals, or possibly
a 'poop-eater' you may want to find something different. If the thought of your
dog digging in your garden makes you cringe-you may want a different breed. If
it bothers you if a dog is overly affectionate, likes to lick and jump up, you
may want to look elsewhere. If you cannot cope with a dog that may eat things
it shouldn't (socks, paper, potholders, klennex.....) and could possibly require
emergency surgery-you may want to pass on this breed. If you cannot give the dog
attention and daily exercise, you may want a less exuberant breed.
BUT--if
you want a dog that is ready and willing to join you in all sorts of adventures,
who is affectionate, who had a wonderful love of life, you may want to research
this breed a bit more!
THE
PROS AND CONS OF OWNING A
FLAT-COATED RETRIEVER
by Sally Terroux
The Flat-Coated Retriever is extremely versatile as a hunting-flushing retriever and are a responsive family companion. As a pet, the Flat-Coat is an active dog who adapts well to city life but requires considerable daily exercise and activity with family members.
The typical Flat-Coat feels more "worthwhile" and expects to be admired when he is carrying something (anything) in his mouth. He enjoys playing in water, but is basically clean and requires only weekly brushing. He barks at strangers at a distance, but needs to be trained to not jump up joyfully on your guests. He is good natured and loves to play with children but usually needs training to play more gently with toddlers. His natural instincts are strong and he likes to dig and chew, but usually not to excess. He is a bright dog whose intelligence can get him into trouble if not channeled in the right direction. He is a happy dog who keeps his youthful outlook on life into old age.
In the field the Flat-Coat is birdy and usually responsive, but he can be headstrong because of enthusiasm, birdiness or enjoyment of the run. He is very versatile and adaptable and at his best when challenged the most.
Slow to mature (three years or more) early puppy play training is encouraged and good manners can be strictly enforced, but formal training should be kept brief, cheerful and enthusiastic. Flat-Coats are bright, catch on quickly and are easily bored. Bad habits should be PREVENTED through a combination of personal supervision and confinement combined with adequate exercise and attention.
The gene pool is quite small since the breed almost died out in Great Britain during World War II. Breeders have experienced some problems with the patella joint, hip dysplasia and cancer. Breeding stock should be selected and bred only with great care and knowledge. The Flat-Coated Retriever Society of America encourages breeding for the original purpose of the breed (the hunting retriever) in order to preserve its hardiness, longevity and temperament.
The
Flat-Coat is a charming dog to live with and can be trained to excel in a wide
variety
of activities, but HE DOES ABSOLUTELY REQUIRE AND APPRECIATE
CLOSE INTERACTION
WITH MEMBERS OF HIS FAMILY.
What to look
for in a breeder
There
are many good links on what to look for in a good breeder.
Some of them are
listed below
http://www.hsus.org/ace/11758
http://www.iupui.edu/~ihls400/responsible_breeder.html
http://www.pageweb.com/graenit/breedfaq.htm
Responsibilities of ownership
Again--the links below give more information more concisely than I can!
http://www.dogscouts.com/responsibleowners.shtml
http://www.akc.org/life/family/ways.cfm
http://www.resteddoginn.ca/responsible.php