LIST OF BREEDERS - FCRSC

Finding a Breeder

An ethical breeder considers every dog they breed to be their responsibility for the entirety of its life. This means that you can expect to be in contact with your dog’s breeder through the duration of its life, so it’s important to meet the breeder you plan to buy from to make sure they’re the right fit for you and your family. Here are a few hallmarks of a responsible and ethical breeder:

• They are in good-standing with their respective breed club and the Canadian Kennel Club

• Their dogs are titled, health tested, and registered with the Canadian Kennel Club 

1. 1. It is generally recommended that dogs used for breeding have a conformation title 
   2. Breeders should be registered with the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) Canine Health Information Centre (CHIC) and have a CHIC number. In order to have a CHIC registration number, breeders are required to conduct eye, hip dysplasia, and patellar (knee) luxation exams as recommended by the *OFA and CHIC for Flat-Coated Retrievers. Some breeders may also elect to test for heart and thyroid conditions. Health test results are available via the CHIC website 

• They evaluate structure, working ability, and temperament, and based on these assessments match puppies to homes (buyers do not get to choose their puppy) 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What if I specifically want a black or liver dog?

Breeders do not place puppies based on coat colour alone. Responsible breeders prioritize sound structure, temperament, working ability, and health above all else when breeding. Puppy placements are based on temperament (i.e. energy level, birdiness, pack drive) and lifestyle (i.e. activity level of family, owner’s goals for their dog). Breeders will take preferences into account (i.e. gender, coat colour), however, please note that only about 7% of Flat-Coats are liver as it is a recessive gene, so if you have your heart set on a liver puppy you should expect a much longer wait time for a puppy placement. 

How long is the wait for a puppy?

Waitlists for a puppy can be up to 2 years depending on demand and availability. 

When can I expect to hear back from a breeder?

It’s important to note that most preservation breeders breed dogs as a hobby and otherwise live full professional lives outside of their kennel. This means that they may not get back to you right away, especially if there is a high volume of inquiries or there are no litters on the ground. Be patient, you will hear from them asap!

What should I do  ***BEFORE***  filling out a puppy application?

i.  Meet a Flat-Coat 

If you haven’t met a Flat-Coat, you should meet and spend time with some Flat-Coats before purchasing one. The breeder that you are buying from can help facilitate this or you can head to your local dog show.

ii.  Find a reliable veterinarian

Much like finding a breeder, it’s important to find a veterinarian that feels like the right fit for you as they will be an invaluable resource throughout your dog’s life. 

iii. Be in Agreement 

Make sure everyone in your home is in agreement on welcoming a Flat-Coat puppy to your family. Welcoming a puppy into your family is a decade long commitment. 

How are Flat-Coated Retrievers different from Golden and Labrador Retrievers?

Flat-Coats, like all retrievers, love to carry things in their mouths. This includes underwear, shoes, sticks, rocks, birds….whatever they can carry, they will. While they share many similarities with other retrievers, like a love for water, birdiness, and desire to please, there are key differences that potential owners should consider. 

Appearance 

Flat-coats are not “black goldens” or “shaggy labs.” They are their own distinct breed with unique traits. While similar in size to Goldens and Labs, Flat-Coats are leaner and racier in build with a weatherproof coat. Since Flat-Coats have not separated into show and field lines, they remain working dogs at heart and love the outdoors. They will crash through bushes and bogs with gusto, the more mud the better.

Training 

Flat-Coats are curious, inventive, and independently minded. This means that they are quite adept at creating their own agendas and projects, especially when bored. When training a Flat-Coat, variety is key; this breed does not tolerate monotonous repetition or subscribe to blind devotion the same way Labs or Goldens are content to do. They get bored easily (which sometimes means they have short attention spans) so they do best with brief, upbeat training sessions that engage them both mentally and physically. 

Temperament 

Flat-Coats are slow maturing dogs and retain their playfulness and curiosity as they mature. They are lifelong learners, excellent athletes, and steadfast companions. Flat-Coats thrive on being with their people and love working with their owners, making them ideal partners for hunting, obedience, agility, and other dog sports.  A mature Flat-Coat may become calmer and wiser, but always with a mischievous, playful spark. 

What’s it like to Live with a Flat-Coated Retriever?

Life with a Flat-Coat is joyful, exuberant, and endlessly entertaining. Flat-Coats are perpetual puppies, forever bouncy and playful, and they charge through life like every day is a party. They are remarkably clever dogs that can be equally stubborn and mischievous, making them exciting to train for those who love comedy and a challenge. Flat-Coats are hilariously self-amused, flinging toys, rolling in puddles, and parading around with your shoes like life is one big comedy routine. A Flat-Coat will bring muddy pawprints into your home but they’ll also fill it with endless love, laughter, and friendship.