Rescue/Referral

Fortunately, rescue (dogs in urgent need of a new home) and referral (dogs unable to stay with their current owners) flat-coated retrievers are relatively rare. This is a happy result of the care and diligence breeders usually take in placing a puppy and because most breeders will offer or require a puppy/dog be returned if unexpected circumstances develop. Also the family, friends and neighbors of flatcoat owners tend to become flatcoat admirers as well and will often be the first in line when one needs a new home.

When available, rescue/referral dogs offer a wonderful way to obtain a great flatcoat, give a dog the love they deserve and graciously sidestep the considerable work of raising a puppy. The Flat-Coated Retriever Society of America has built a network of regional rescue coordinators that along with their FCRSA rescue/lost dog facebook page is the best place to explore the availability of flatcoat rescues.

There are many local and national animal welfare organizations that are also a great source of intelligent, happy and healthy black dogs. It has been suggested, however, that many such dogs labeled flatcoat-mix or even just flatcoat may actually have very few flatcoats in their family tree. While they may become loving family pets and excellent working dogs there is no assurance of flatcoat temperament and traits. The Flat-Coated Retriever Society of America has a short downloadable guide to help assess characteristics.