BVA Canine Health Schemes (CHS) are introducing updated hip and elbow scheme certificates designed to make results clearer and easier to understand for everyone involved in health testing. The updated certificates feature a refreshed design, and clearer presentation of hip scoring results. One of the key enhancements is the introduction of separate reporting for Primary and Secondary Changes within hip scores, helping breeders, owners, and veterinary professionals better understand how scores are assessed and reported. The updated certificates will be introduced shortly and will be available through the BVA online portal from 10th June. To find out more about CHS…
News and Articles
Shirley Radburn National Working Tests Report
The 2026 Shirley Radburn National Working Tests for Novice and Open Flatcoated Retrievers took place on 31st May at Tythe Barn in Worcestershire by kind permission of Mr Jeff Byrd. Our judges were Tim Brain, Laura Marsh, Robert Fisher and Morton Redpath and we are grateful to each of them for generously giving up their time to judge for us. Some challenging tests were set for the dogs, making great use of the ground available, which included a lake, grassy rides between orchard trees, hedges, ditches and banks of cover. The weather was warm (but thankfully not as hot as…
Walked Up on Field Trial Lines Competitive Training Day – on 20th September 2026
Walked Up on Field Trial Lines Competitive Training Day – on 20th September 2026, the Southern Flatcoated Retriever Club, in conjunction with the Southern Area of the Flatcoated Retriever Society, will hold a Competitive Walked Up on Field Trial Lines Training Day, near Westerham, Kent. Please see the schedule below. The day is suitable for those of good Novice standard and will be non competitive in the morning and competitive in the afternoon. WUOFTL Schedule 2026…
Report of the Inter Area team Challenge 2026 and link to Earthdog Photography photos
The Inter Area Team Challenge took place on Sunday 17th May 2026 at The Willows, Standlake, Oxfordshire. We were lucky with the weather which was sunny intervals and not too hot for the dogs. Thank you to all the helpers without which these events cannot take place. This event is probably the hardest because we are running Open, Novice and Special Puppy or ND/NH in the teams and so you do not have people helping in the morning and running their dog in the afternoon. So a special thanks to Louise, Carolyn and Nicola who agreed not to put themselves…
STOP PRESS! Walked up live game training on 2nd and 11th September 2026 near Woodbridge, Suffolk.
STOP PRESS Due to popular demand a second live game training day has been added on 2nd September. This forthcoming shooting season the Society will be running walked up live game training on 2nd and 11th September 2026near Woodbridge, Suffolk. Both training days will be suitable for novice and open dogs but the dogs MUST have prior experience of picking game, and no known eliminating faults (squeaking, hard mouth etc). The cost will be £110 per dog/handler/day, payable to the FCRS. (The cost of this training would be eligible for the Society’s Live Game Training Subsidy, which could be reclaimed…
FCRS Patellar screening session
The Flatcoated Retriever Society has a screening scheme for patellar luxation, assessments are carried out by Veterinary Surgeon Jane Alexander. The stifle (knee) joints are examined, and any abnormalities noted, a certificate is issued to owners of assessed dogs and this can be made available for prospective puppy purchasers to view. Patellar luxation is a developmental condition, but it is thought that there may be breed related inherited factors that predispose dogs to this condition. The aim of assessment is to give breeders knowledge to enable them to make informed choices in their breeding programmes without narrowing the gene pool,…
The FCRS Working Flatcoated Retriever Development Programme Code of Ethics
The FCRS Working Flatcoated Retriever Development Programme has developed a Code of Ethics for the training scheme, which has recently been published. It covers dog welfare, health and training standards, conduct in the field and general courtesy and you can read the full code of ethics here Code of ethics for the WFRDP…
FCRS Southern Area breed specific working tests for Flatcoated and Golden Retrievers
On 25th April the FCRS Southern Area held breed specific working tests for Flatcoated and Golden Retrievers on the Penshurst Estate in Kent, by kind permission of the landowners Lord and Lady de L’Isle. Our judges Chris Marshall and Dick Pettett set four interesting and challenging tests for Special puppies, NDNH, Novices and Open dogs, each of which was based upon a shooting scenario. Although we had a smaller entry than we had hoped for the judges reassured our competitors that they were competing against the tests, not each other and that any awards would be made to worthy winners….
**Training day on Water with Walked Up Training**
**Wessex Area Test and Training Organisers Jane and Keith Manley will be running a Training day on Water with Walked Up Training** Date: Sunday 5th July Venue: Avon Tyrrell Estate, near Christchurch, Dorset. (Further details will be given on registration of interest). Abilities: All abilities but must already have some experience in water. Numbers: up to 12 handlers. Handlers may only work one dog at a time but there will be the opportunity to change dogs at midday. Cost: £20/ handler payable on the day. For more details and to book a place please contact Jane Manley: [email protected] While this…
Flatcoated Retriever Midland Area Working Gundog Test
The Midland Area held their Special Puppy, NDND, Novice and Open Tests on Saturday 11th April 2026 at Byrds Retreat, Harvington by kind permission of Mr & Mrs Bob Byrd. Generously sponsored by Skinners Pet Food LTD. The weather was perfect during the morning, although the dogs were running into a strong wind on Test 2. The afternoon competitors endured a short sharp storm but conditions remained good. The Judges were Mr Tim Brain (3226) Mrs Sandra Onens (NP), Mrs Helen Chatterton (NP) and Mr David Godding (NP). Paul Egginton was Chief Steward. Entries were, in the morning 7 Special…
FLATCOATED RETRIEVER SOCIETY 51st Breed Championship Show Sunday 5th April 2026
Critiques. FCRS Bitch Critique Karen Joyce FCRS Dogs Critique Ray Strudwick Referee Critique for Brace, Progeny and Junior Handling – Judge Victoria Goldberg The Show Secretary and the Show Sub Committee would like to congratulate all those who competed yesterday at the Show. It was lovely to see so many flatcoats and their owners and really encouraging to see lots of new faces. There was alovely atmosphere, and we also had a number of trade standsso plenty for all to see. As it was Easter Sunday there was an Easter theme with bunnies, chicks and of course chocolate with each…
YEAR BOOK PHOTOS
Another reminder to everyone for photos for the Year Book please. Deadline 30th April… Good quality pictures are needed, with strong contrast between the background and your dog, and the dog should be the main part of the picture – and preferably not standing on long grass so his/her legs look short! Here are the pictures I need: Society trophy winners awarded at the latest AGM, new Champions and new Show Champions for 2025, Junior & Veteran Warrant winners 2025, and dogs awarded Show Certificates of Excellence 2025, RKC Show Gundog Working Certificates 25/26, Shooting Dog Certificates 25/26, RKC Working…
FCRS AGM Report and Award Winners 2025
Thank you to all who attended the Flatcoated Retriever Society Annual General Meeting on 29th March and congratulations to all the main award winners. At our AGM on 29th March the following officers were re-elected; Chairman Mrs Jane Jones Vice Chairman Mrs Anna Crampton Secretary Mrs Sharon Henesey Treasurer. Mrs Heather…
THE EURO CHALLENGE at The Game Fair, Ragley Hall, 24-26 July 2026
We have been approached by Huw Jones regarding the THE EURO CHALLENGE at The Game Fair, Ragley Hall, 24-26 July 2026 If you have a flatcoated retriever of open or good novice standard please consider attending the selection day for this competition. Entry form available by email from Huw – [email protected] GB Euro Challenge team selection Saturday April the 18th Venue Miserden Estate, Stroud, Gloucestershire (The exact postcode/what3word will be given to all of those entered) The team will consist of the following 1 x Labrador Retriver 1 x Golden Retriever 1 x of the following Retriever Breeds Flatcoated, Chesapeake,…
South West FCR Working Test 2026
Sunday 22nd March was the South West FCR Working test which we held at VB Farms, Spreyton near Crediton. We were blessed again this year with beautiful weather; the sun was shining all day. Our Judges were Steve Ashby, Charlotte Wear and Reece Merry.Reece made the long journey down from Kent early that morning and did a great job! All Judges were so encouraging and positive all day. The tests set were enough to test you and your dog but achievable. Tests were varied and used the undulating hills we have in Devon also woods and a stream crossing as…
FCRS Calendar 2027 – Photos required
Photos📸photos🎞️photos📸 We are looking for photographs for inclusion in our 2027 FCRS Calendar. Please no photos of Flatcoats carrying sticks, in show poses or with people in the photo. Please send all your lovely photos of your Flatcoats for consideration to [email protected] Closing date: 11 May 2026…
Chairman of the General Committee update.
Jane Jones was going to formally retire as Chairman from the General Committee of the FCRS at the AGM on 29th March 2026. As there has been no nominations from any person to replace Jane, it is the intention for Jane to withdraw her retirement resignation and resume the position of Chairman for the next year. The General Committee and Sub Committees would like to thank Jane for staying as Chairman for another year….
The Inter Area Team Challenge
The Inter Area Team Challenge for 2026 will be held on Sunday 17th May at The Willows, Standlake, Oxfordshire, by kind permission of Vivienne Gatter. If you are interested in taking part, please contact your local Area Gundog Working Test and Training organiser. Further details about the day can be found here….
PUPPY ENQUIRIES
Could you please note that Shirley Johnson is unfortunately unable to take puppy enquires at the present time. Should you wish to register a litter or it you are a prospective puppy owner can vou please direct your enquires to our other Litter Secretary Jenny Bird – 0116 2793203…
Colette Greenwood
The FCRS is very sorry to hear of the passing of Colette Greenwood. Collette had her first Flatcoat Torwood Jollification in 1984 and had a lasting interest in training and working her dogs. Collette ran in many working tests during the 80’s and took part in the Dogs for Life demonstration at Crufts. Always supportive of beginners in the working field, Collette will be missed by many of her Flatcoat friends. Sincere condolences to John, Izzy and Ed. Collette’s funeral will be at Prestwold Church; 12 noon on Wednesday 4th March….
Trophies and Cups Points System. Updated 2026
Society Trophies Trophies are awarded for a variety of disciplines, and are awarded to Society members who have earned the most points gained from Kennel Club Approved Events. For details on how points are gained and how to apply for these trophies, select this link: Trophies and Cups Points System Trophies are awarded annually at the Society’s AGM….
Working Flatcoated Retriever Development Programme training dates for 2026 (On Dummies)
What are you hoping to achieve with your Flatcoat this spring and summer? Would you like to strengthen your relationship with your dog and improve his/her Control, Obedience, Hunting and Retrieving? Then the WFRDP has something for you and your flatcoat. This spring and summer the Society will be running training for each of the Working Flatcoated Retriever Development Programme levels on dummies. If this interests you, please click one of the links below to take you to the booking form for the appropriate level. Foundation Level and Level 1 Foundation Level and Level 1 training days will be held…
Working Flatcoated Retriever Development Programme awards top accolade
In the 2025/26 shooting season the Flatcoated Retriever Society launched its WFRDP game training pathway, to sit alongside the WFRDP training on dummies that has been running since 2024. We are delighted to announce that at the very end of the season we were able to make our very first Level 4 award. Congratulations go to Jane Gould and her home bred bitch Etti (Halangydown Tean) who worked towards this ward consistently all season, undertaking live game training in a variety of different shoots. If you would like to know more about what Jane and Etti have achieved please take…
Show Working Gundog Certificate (SGWC) successes
On Tuesday 13th January the Eastern Counties Golden Retriever Club held a Show Gundog Working Certificate (SGWC) assessment at the Ampton Estate in Suffolk. There were 16 retriever breeds entered including 7 flatcoats, 4 goldens, a labrador, a curly coated retriever, an irish water spaniel, a nova scotia duck tolling retriever and a chesapeake bay retriever. The judges were Sara Gadd and Mike Hamilton. We are delighted to announce that all 7 flatcoats passed; Campbell’s Ronevorg Whisper A Dare Kiddell’s Diamante Blu Regina Della Pace to Hameldowntor (handled by Andrew Wilson) Jacobs and Reynolds’ Secret Blue Dress Basteta for Gemswin…
Safeguarding
Following an incident where a photograph of one of our general committee members was stolen from the Society website and used on a scam Facebook group, the FCRS Safeguarding team have made the difficult decision to remove all photos of minors from the Society website and Social Media. We want to support our Junior Handlers and recognise their achievements but we have come to the conclusion that sharing photos on the internet is no longer a safe way to achieve this. Photos of our Junior Handling winners will still be published in the Yearbook and we encourage our Juniors members…