Page 297 - ShowSight - July 2019

THE
FLAT- COATED RETRIEVER
1. Where do you live? What do you do “outside” of dogs?
2. How many years in the Flat-Coated Retriever? Showing? Judg- ing? Breeding?
3. What, in your opinion, is the secret to a successful breeding program?
4. Flat-Coats are currently ranked #91 out of all AKC breeds. Do you think this position fosters a responsible
breeding program?
5. Do you feel the breed gets its fair share of attention in the group ring?
6. What is your favorite dog show memory?
7. Is there anything else you’d like to share about the breed?
Please elaborate.
KURT ANDERSON
My involvement in purebred dogs began in 1974 with the
purchase of a Golden Retriever. I purchased our first Flat-Coated Retriever in 1985.
A life member of the FCRSA, I currently chair the Judge’s Education program for the Flat-Coated Retriever Society of America. I have also held the offices of President, Recording Sec- retary and Board Member and chaired the 1999 and 2009 FCRSA National Specialties.
I am currently approved by the AKC to judge the Sporting group, 5 Herding breeds and Junior Showmanship.
I live in Connecticut and am retired after a 40 year career with a global telecommunications company. I’ve owned purebred dogs for over 40 years, starting with Golden Retrievers. I have owned Flat-Coated Retrievers for just over 34 years, and have exhibited in the breed ring for pretty much the entire time. I have judged the breed for 18 years.
The secret to a successful breeding program is having great men- tors, keeping an open mind, never stop learning and being ruth- lessly honest with yourself and others regarding both the successes and challenges you face in your breeding program.
Do I think the breed’s ranking fosters a responsible breeding program? I’m not sure the Flat-Coat ranking has a bearing on what fosters a responsible breeding program. I do feel the Flat-Coat breeder community for the most part is quite collegial and most folks are more than willing to lend advice and assistance to those new to the breed.
Do I feel the breed gets its fair share of attention in the group ring? I think any “lesser known” breed faces some challenges get- ting attention and recognition in the group ring. The Sporting Group is a large group very often with many worthy choices, many from breeds that are shown in larger numbers. That said, judges who appreciate the Flat-Coated Retriever do seem to be awarding them placements in the group more often now than was the case 15 or 20 years ago.
I have many wonderful memories of both dogs and individuals I have met through my involvement in pure-bred dogs. My favor- ite memory is likely the privilege afforded me judging our national specialty a few years back.
Two things I’d like to share about the breed: I think new judg- es misunderstand proper substance, which translates into proper
silhouette. I also think judges don’t fully understand or appreciate the importance of one of the hallmarks of our breed, the unique long, strong, clean, “one piece” head, which is unique to the Flat- Coated Retriever. I see more and more generic heads being reward- ed in the show ring. Additionally, temperament is of paramount importance. Please don’t reward dogs that exhibit any signs of aggression or excessive timidity.
JAKE CASSADY
I live in New Jersey. I have a health and nutrition business, I have been an electrician for 30 years. I have 16 years with Flat- Coats, 13 years showing and 13 years breeding.
The secret to a successful breeding program? That would first depend on what you mean by successful. I think many factors go into creating a great Flat-Coat. Starting with pick- ing the appropriate dog and bitch, raising puppies, find-
ing great homes, picking the next generation that will bring or keep inline to the standard, not to mention coaching new fami- lies, coaching new show owners and many more items for a good breeding program. It takes many people to work together over many years. The one thing above all probably is a dedication to the con- tinuing of our breed.
Do I think the breed’s ranking fosters a responsible breeding program? I am not sure how this impacts being responsible.
Do I feel the breed gets its fair share of attention in the group ring? That is always an interesting question, I am not exactly sure how to answer. I think Flat-Coated Retrievers are becoming a more noticeable breed in groups for a number of factors: better dogs, great handlers and, again, dedication.
“I think Flat-Coated Retrievers are becoming a more noticeable breed in groups for a number of factors: better dogs, great handlers and, again, dedication.”
ShowSight Magazine, July 2019 • 291