Flatcoated Retriever Society UK

21/09/2026

The FCRS will hold a Royal Kennel Club Show Gundog Working Certificate (SGWC) assessment on Tuesday 10 November 2026, Crediton, Devon.

Please PM Jenny Campbell or email via [email protected] to express your interest.

Further information and guidance regarding the Show Gundog Working Certificate can be found here: https://www.royalkennelclub.com/activities/heritage-sports/field-trials-and-working-gundogs/already-competing-in-field-trials/royal-kennel-club-show-gundog-working-certificate/

21/09/2026

On the 20th September 2026 the Flatcoated Retriever Society and the Southern Flatcoated Retriever Club jointly held a Competitive Training Day, Walked Up on Field Trial Lines at Covers Farm, Westerham, by kind permission of the Squerrys Estate. We had a card of 10 dogs - six Flatcoats, two golden retrievers and two Irish Water Spaniels. Once again I am most grateful to my counterpart Jacquie Thomas from the SFRC whose support and enthusiasm made this day possible.

The results were as follows:
1st, Judges Choice and the Larksburn Salver - Helen Cobby and Waverton Ice And Fire (FCR)
2nd - Katie Aldred and Bakerstreet Charlie (FCR)
3rd - Liz Pope and Chilzer Crosby (GR)
COM - Judy Hempstead and Scrumpy Dabinett At Cuvana (IWS)

Many congratulations to all in the awards and many thanks to our judges Kelvin and Mandy. The day had a great atmosphere with participants reflecting that they had had a lovely day in like minded company and learned a good deal, both about field trials and about their partnership with their own dog, which at the end of the day is what it’s all about!

A full report is on the FCRS website. Here. https://www.flatcoated-retriever-society.org/2026/09/21/walked-up-on-field-trial-lines-competitive-training-day-held-on-20-9-26/

19/09/2026

FCRS SHOOTING DOG CERTIFICATE (SDC) - UPDATE

Two SDC’s will be scheduled this coming season.

Date; 8th January, Bretby Estate, Derbyshire (changed from Shropshire)

Date; xx January, Sussex area (date being finalised, changed from December)

Please PM Jenny Campbell or email via [email protected] to express interest and preferred location.

Maximum 6 handlers/dogs at each event.

Further information and guidance regarding the Shooting Dog Certificate can be found herehttps://fcrs.lon1.digitaloceanspaces.com/uploads/2007/06/sdc2018.pdf

19/09/2026

We are excited to announce that our new Flatcoated Retriever Society, Puppy Page is up and running.
Brought about because we have heard many times off Flatcoat owners that they just did not know where to go to buy a health tested puppy from a reputable breeder. So they searched the internet which can be a lottery sadly for good people and the breed.
With all your help who, love and care for the ‘Best Breed in the World’, we hope that the FCRS, Puppy Page will be the first point of call for people searching for a Flatcoat puppy and ethical breeders wishing to advertise a litter or imminent litter.
When someone asks you where they can buy a Flatcoat puppy from , send them to the Flatcoated Retriever Society, Puppy page.
The process is quite simple for Breeders who abide by the Royal Kennel Club,Best Practice and our Code of Ethics, all which have the best interests of the health and welfare of our breed in mind.
A quick call to Shirley Johnson or Jenny Bird our litter Secretaries to start with ,who will take details for phone enquiries. You will then be directed by them to download and fill in the form on the FCRS Puppy Page website and you will send it to the email address on the form.
The administrators will check the details from the Royal Kennel Club health checker, check the fee has been paid, before advertising the litter on our website.
The fee of £20 to advertise a litter is also going to the Flatcoated Retriever Society Health Fund, presently earmarked for DNA research into Renal dysplasia in the Flatcoated Retriever.
This is a service to our breed, so as long as the criteria is met, all are very welcome to advertise.
We presently have 2 litters advertised, so check it out.

https://www.flatcoated-retriever-society.org/puppy/visual-composer-10985/

14/09/2026

Introducing your flatcoat to game.

On 8th and 15th November 2026 and the FCRS will be running Working Flatcoated Retriever Development Programme Level 2A Training Days, aimed at dogs who have not previously picked fur or feather (or have minimal experience of picking fur or feather). The training on 8th November will be held near Dunnington, in the Cotswolds/S Midlands Area. The Training on 15th November will be near Worksop in the East Midlands.

These training days will be suitable for novice (or more experienced handlers) with young or novice Flatcoats, who wish to progress their dog into a ‘live game environment’. A variety of fresh, previously shot game will be used and blank shot will be used to simulate the shooting environment. There will be the opportunity to do individual retrieves, marks and memories, some walked up training and potentially simulated drives.

Dogs taking part will be expected to have a complete retrieve and delivery to hand, and should be capable of some off lead heel work, be steady to shot, thrown dummies and other dogs working, and be able to hunt effectively in different cover and conditions. If you are uncertain whether this is the appropriate training for you please contact Andrew Sweeney ([email protected]) for advice

The cost of the training to FCRS members will be £65 per day. (Non members are also welcome. The cost to non members will be £70 per day.)

Please apply for a place on this training day via the attached link.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DR2NJXR

14/09/2026

On 13.9.26 the FCRS and the Eastern Counties Golden Retriever Club jointly held a Royal Kennel Club Working Gundog Certificate Assessment day at Rickneys; judged by Andrew Wright (A-Panel), Julia Reed (B-Panel), Sarah Young (NP) and Mike Hamilton (NP).

The assessment was based on several exercises mimicking shooting scenarios and evaluating Control, Hunting, Retrieving, Obedience and Temperament during a walk up, a drive, jumping fences, hunting cover and retrieving from water.

Out of 15 dogs (3 Labrador Retrievers , 3 Golden Retrievers, 2 Chesapeake Bay Retrievers and 7 Flatcoated Retrievers) 4 handlers and their dogs achieved the required assessment standard.

Congratulations to:
Gemma Jacobs with Gemswin Handbags N Gladrags (FCR)
Sarah Phipps-Baker with Bramleyholme Betty’s Nomad (Lab)
Cathy Acheson with Great River Ticino of Eastering (CBR)
Sam Davis with Gwyddgia Blackwood (Lab), and
on their achievement.

Thank you too to our dummy throwers Sarah Hamilton, Christine Wolstenholme, Michael Hamilton and Shaun Baker who made this day possible.

11/09/2026

Live Game Training 7th October near Sherborne Dorset

****** TWO PLACES AVAILABLE DUE TO CANCELLATIONS ******

FCRS walked up live game training (plus some mini driven), 60 bird day, refreshments provided.

Suitable for novice and open dogs with prior experience of picking game * and no known eliminating faults. £135 per dog, please contact Jane Manley at [email protected] for more details and to book a place. **

Eligible for the Society’s Live Game Training Subsidy (£50 per day), which can be reclaimed after attending the training day, subject to the rules of the subsidy. Please contact the FCRS Treasurer
Heather Harley for a claim form, which will need to be signed on the day of attendance and returned to Heather.

* If your dog has not picked game before, please also contact Jane who may be able to provide training to introduce your dog to game prior to the day.

Both the live game day and any introduction to game training with Jane may be appropriate for those following the WFRDP pathway on game to achieve items on the checklist for Levels 2A and 3A (Level 2A being the introduction to game for dogs that have not previously picked fur or feather and Level 3A being Shoot Experience and Control, Obedience, Hunting and Retrieving Game). More details about the WFRDP on Game are available on the Society’s website under the heading “Training.”

** Members of the society will have preference if the day is oversubscribed.

07/09/2026

07/09/2026

Well that’s a wrap!
This spring and summer some 50 dogs and handlers have taken part in 14 Working Flatcoated Retriever Development Programme training days ranging from Foundation Level to Level 2B.

Our trainers have been fantastic, providing some fantastic ground and really informative training. With their support and encouragement all the dogs have made progress and the handlers have clear ideas on what to work on and how to achieve their goals. Thank you! And really well done to all who took part!

The groups have been delightful, really friendly, supportive and keen to learn.

With the start of the shooting season, do watch out for our WFRDP Level 2A “introduction to Game” training days with will be advertised shortly.

Meanwhile here are some photos of the Southern group training near Redhill yesterday.

05/09/2026

A reminder that the 2027 FCRS Calendar is available , details on the Shop page of the Society website.

https://www.flatcoated-retriever-society.org/shop/

A few will be at ‘City of Birmingham’ see Jan.