The Working Flatcoated Retriever

The Working Flatcoated Retriever – A Comprehensive History and Guide to the Working Breed A landmark 450-page, richly illustrated volume (300+ paintings, drawings, and photos) offering the most detailed exploration yet of the working Flatcoated Retriever and the shared origins of all retriever breeds. A must-read for work oriented retriever owners. Inside this book, readers will discover: The most complete history of the retriever family – how the breeds evolved together, interbred, and remained varieties of one breed far longer than commonly believed. The birth and development of the field trial movement in Britain and the US is told with clarity and historical depth. The dramatic rise, decline and comeback of the working Flatcoat, including the factors that shaped its fortunes over 150 years. Profiles of the key breeders who continually reshaped the Flatcoat across decades and countries. A vivid account of the post-WWII restoration of the breed and how dedicated fanciers brought it back from the brink. A unique international perspective covering working Flatcoats in Britain, the Nordic countries, and North America today. An honest discussion of the challenges facing a minority gundog breed as it attempts to stay competitive in modern fieldwork. Critical analysis of testing and evaluation methods – what they measure, what they miss, and how they could better support smaller working breeds. A detailed, working-based interpretation of the Flatcoat breed standard, explaining the functional purpose behind each characteristic. A thought-provoking examination of conformation showing, and how show trends have drifted away from the ideal working retriever. A broader debate on genetic sustainability in minority breeds, and practical actions needed to preserve health and working ability. Note: This edition includes extensive appendices (approximately 100 pages) documenting the most merited working Flatcoated Retrievers from the early years to the present, including all prize-winning Flatcoats at British field trials, Nordic Field Champions, and American Flatcoats with field trial merits and Master Hunter titles, organised by country. Beautifully designed in US Letter format, this major work is essential reading for Flatcoat enthusiasts, retriever historians, working dog trainers, gundog handlers, and anyone interested in the future of sustainable dog breeding.