Flat-coat Retriever ???

I have been considering getting a dog for quite some time. Primarily to be a companion for me, I want a dog who will also be good as a grouse and duck hunting dog. I have two small grandchildren so any dog that I get must be good with children.

I regularly care for my neighbour's Golden and find the breed to be a great match for me, but a little bigger than I like. I have also considered a Labrador, Springer Spaniel and Brittany.

Several members have given me advice on which breed and breeder would be right for me. I was pretty much decided on a Brittany but am now rethinking that because of some insight one member shared with me.

A breed that I haven't seen mentioned here is the Flat-coat Retriever. Based on my research the past couple of days, it seems this might be the "perfect" dog for me. I would really appreciate any comments or advice from any of you who are familiar with this breed.

Martin

Aquaterra flatcoats nice dogs with some go

Don't know much about the FCR,
but why don't you entertain the thought of a similar dog.. The Dutch Partridge Dog....

Attachment 27027Attachment 27028Attachment 27029

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by NorthernGrouse

I have been considering getting a dog for quite some time. Primarily to be a companion for me, I want a dog who will also be good as a grouse and duck hunting dog. I have two small grandchildren so any dog that I get must be good with children.

I regularly care for my neighbour's Golden and find the breed to be a great match for me, but a little bigger than I like. I have also considered a Labrador, Springer Spaniel and Brittany.

Several members have given me advice on which breed and breeder would be right for me. I was pretty much decided on a Brittany but am now rethinking that because of some insight one member shared with me.

A breed that I haven't seen mentioned here is the Flat-coat Retriever. Based on my research the past couple of days, it seems this might be the "perfect" dog for me. I would really appreciate any comments or advice from any of you who are familiar with this breed.

Martin

---

Know little about that breed- which says something in itself. Never hear of them winning much- if anything- in retriever trials - which also says something.

Based on all I've read on your search , you may be looking for the impossible dog.

I don't believe a dog that is good on grouse and a duck/goose retriever(particularly late season) has been bred yet. They are in two classes - bird dogs and retrievers for goose /duck for a reason.
Recommend you go with a dog that is bred to be good at your favourite hunting activity, and get a second dog later on . :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sharon

Based on all I've read on your search , you may be looking for the impossible dog

---

I have been starting to wonder if this was the problem :(
As always, I appreciate and value your insight Sharon.

Martin

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 3 black dogs

Aquaterra flatcoats nice dogs with some go

---

Thank you, I'll check it out.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Outdoorsman

Don't know much about the FCR,
but why don't you entertain the thought of a similar dog.. The Dutch Partridge Dog....

---

Thank you, I'll look into that breed.

Patricia Robertson out of Lakefield Ontario has beautiful flat coats and has imported field stock from Europe. Google DueNorth kennels. She also does various types of training.

A friend has had flat coats for years. She has had some really nice dogs but not all have had the ability to do the type of hunting you want. She has imported from Alaska and her latest is from Florida. This latest one is a quick learner and is high energy. We have been trying to talk her into doing more field work with her. The one thing that I have noticed about the flat coats is they do not seem to have the longevity of life that some of the other retriever breeds do.

As ebenezer said, short life span. 8 yrs is common.
I have helped train a few of them. They are capable of great work, especially with experienced trainers.You will work a lot harder to get success, than you might with a well bred dog of another breed.
If it was my first time training I would not choose this breed.
If companionship is your first priority, and you will not train with high expectations, then do your best to find a flat from recent working lines.