Flat-coat Retriever ???

Heather Stewart's HuggaMugga Max is one of the few Flatcoats that did well in the Fieldtrial game . He was exceptional. There are Flat Coats in the Hunt tests but not all are really enthusiastic about the work. Remember longcoats mean burrs.

Am I ever glad I posted the question, you guys have been very helpful. I really appreciate you taking the time to share your insights with me. Clearly I need to do more research before making a decision on which breed will be best for me. Flat-coats are now off the list.

http://www.fishercreekflatcoats.com/about-us/

Their dogs have done very well in all aspects. Conformation, obedience and field.

You should post that you are searching over at Canadian hunting dog forum.
Everybody's dog is the best, so it is tough to really make the right decision.
If really tough and regular hunting is what you will do, then it's pretty important to get the right breed and pedigree.
But if you are casual, then health clearances should be a focus for you.
Find out what the biggest health issues are for the breed, and ask the breeder what they are doing to avoid them.
Every breed has issues.

NorthernGrouse I wouldn't eliminate the Flat coat off your list yet. DueNorth kennels has exceptional flat coats that she imported from the Netherlands at least ten years ago and has had great success.Patricia is a very responsible breeder, trainer and would tell you if the breed would fit into your lifestyle. She has a new training facility in Peterbourough Ontario if you want to see her dogs in action.

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Originally Posted by Labber

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.

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There are always exceptions YD, but generally speaking , especially for a new trainer , Labber is right on.... and VERY experienced when it comes to retrievers.

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Originally Posted by Sharon

There are always exceptions YD, but generally speaking , especially for a new trainer , Labber is right on.... and VERY experienced when it comes to retrievers.

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DueNorth has had great success with this particular line out of the Netherlands and was the main reason for going out of the country. I don't know Labber Sharon and take your word on it . Patricia Robertson from DueNorth is a top notch trainer and has chosen this particular line because of the trainability. Patricia is a very kind caring breeder and takes great pride with this particular breed. I think NorthernGrouse as well as others would be surprised with what she has. Good luck NorthernGrouse

From what I can see on the web site they are a proffessional obediance training facility not a field trainer.

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Originally Posted by 3 black dogs

From what I can see on the web site they are a proffessional obediance training facility not a field trainer.

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That appears to be the case. A beautiful dog(albeit long haired) but not the choice if you are at all serious about field work.

Pat does field with her flat coats as well as tracking, scent work and obedience.
deb