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Welcome to FlatOut Kennels
We
are a small kennel located on 30 acres in the Midlands
of South Carolina. We have owned Flat Coated Retrievers
and been active in AKC events since 1999. We
are dedicated to the breeding of dual purpose Flat
Coated Retrievers. Our goal is to breed sound, healthy
dogs that display correct temperament and type as well
as maintaining the desire and will to spend the day out
hunting birds. We are members of the
Flat Coated
Retriever Society of America (FCRSA) and abide by the
FCRSA's breeder's code of ethics. We started breeding
Flat Coated Retrievers in 2005. We are not a commercial
kennel and only have puppies occasionally.
Our
first Flat Coat, Ch. Riverly Rocket
to the Sky CD, JH, WCX, came from Elizabeth
Montgomery in 1999. Nikki was only interested in showing
in AKC obedience trials but thanks to Liz's
encouragement Nikki entered her first AKC conformation
show and soon after became interested in field training
as well. Once we had one Flat Coated Retriever, we were
hooked on the breed. In 2001, we got our second Flat Coat,
Ch. Bertschire Absolut Decision CDX,
JH, WC, from Andrea Holsinger and Kass Goulding. It
wasn't until 2005 that we had our first litter. It was
very important to us and the well being of the breed to
learn as much as possible about Flat Coats before we
started breeding. We wanted a nice foundation for our
breeding program and in order to attain our goal we
needed to meet and talk to longtime Flat Coat breeders.
We have traveled all around the United States
and Europe to learn more about the breed and meet
different breeders and their dogs. We feel there is
always more to learn about the breed and breeding.
The
Flat Coated retriever is a wonderful family companion,
although it is not suited for everyone. Flat Coats have
not split into show and field lines as have most of the
retriever breeds and have therefore maintained a rather
high energy level and desire to retrieve. The Flat Coat
is known as the "Peter Pan" of the dog world. The breed
matures slowly and keeps a whimsical outlook on life
until the very end. They are not just a "black Golden".
The Flat Coat is in general a high energy breed with
lots of intelligence, a sweet disposition and a
willingness to please. They are happiest with their
family and something in their mouth. They do not make
good yard or kennel dogs, they need to be part of the
family. We call ours "velcro" dogs, as they follow us
everywhere through the house, even into the bathroom!
Unfortunately, cancer is a problem in the breed. The
average life span of a Flat Coat is generally 7-9 years.
There are no cancer free lines and if a breeder tells
you that, we would suggest you contact another breeder.
As with most other large breeds, there are incidences of
hip and elbow dypslasia. Patella luxation (slipping
kneecaps) can also be a problem. Inherited eye disorders
such as PRA, cataracts and glaucoma can also affect the
breed. All of our dogs are screened for hip and elbow
dysplasia, patella luxation, and hereditary eye diseases
before being bred. Please check our
upcoming litters page
or contact us for more
information about our dogs or Flat Coats in general.
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