Darkwater Flatcoats
- Elkton, VA
- Responds within a few days
Upcoming litters
Planned Flat-Coated Retriever litter
Due Apr. 2026
Meet the breeder
I'm Penny W., the breeder behind Darkwater Flatcoats located in Elkton, VA. My focus is on bringing back the strong lines of working Flatcoats that have longevity and good temperaments. Puppies from these lines are suitable for people who are looking for good hunting and/or performance companions. My dogs are healthy, active, and quick to learn.
Q. & A. with Penny
Why did you start breeding?
In 2003, I acquired a very nice quality female with good temperament, conformation, and field ability. When the time came for another puppy, she was bred. Since then, I have been researching pedigrees to attempt to bring back some old genetics to a very narrow gene pool.What makes your program special?
My goal is to breed for longevity, temperament, and working ability. I am always learning more and striving to use the best techniques in my breeding programWhat are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Our puppies include yellow, liver, and black. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Getting a puppy from Penny
Penny has been certified by Good Dog's screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you're ready to reach out, feel free to ask any questions about the breed, their program, or specific puppies.
Together, you’ll choose the puppy that’s right for you, stay in touch with regular updates, and plan how to bring your new puppy home.
Price
"Depost of $500 to hold puppy once application is approved and I have a puppy for you. Deposit is refundable under certain circumstances."
Contract & health guarantee
Penny may provide a written contract or health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you both have a clear understanding of the terms of your puppy purchase. If Penny offers a contract or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them. If you have any questions or want to know more, don't hesitate to reach out to Penny directly.
What's included
From Good Dog
- Lifetime support from Good Dog’s Care Team
- 10% lifetime discount on Figo pet insurance
- Puppy Training Program & private community
Enrichment & socialization
- Various sounds
- Car rides
- Surface & tactile stimulation
- Socialized with children
- Socialized in new places
- Scent introduction
- Daily handling
- Socialized with other dogs
- Introduced to people of different ages and appearances
Puppy health practices
- Vet check
- First round of shots and deworming
- Vet records
- Microchip
Extras
- Puppy starter kit
- Toys
- Food & treats
- Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent
- AKC registration
Location & pick-up
You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Penny.
Breeder's location
Meet in Elkton, VA
More about Penny
Club memberships
Penny is a member of Capital Region Flat-Coated Retriever Club, Rappahannock River Retriever Club, Commonwealth Dog Training and Obedience, Shenandoah Valley Kennel Club, and Flat Coated Retriever Society of America.
Certifications & recognitions
Agility Trial Trainer, AKC Judge, CHIC Certified.
Penny has been a member of Good Dog for over 5 years
Penny was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2020.
Penny is a trusted Good Dog breeder
Darkwater Flatcoats meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
- Responsible breeding practices
- Health of breeding dogs and puppies
- Puppy environment and enrichment
- Buyer education and policies
Parent dogs
Crimson, mom
Flat-Coated Retriever
About Crimson
Crimson is a German import. Her pedigree is from old working stock from the UK and Swedish lines.
Great health testing
Dentition, Patellar Luxation, +7 more.
Neon, dad
Flat-Coated Retriever
About Neon
Neon is a very outgoing and intelligent flat-coat that fits the breed standard. His lines are from old English dogs out of the Heronsflight kennel going down to Tongreen Sparrowboy. He stands 24.25". Frozen Semen available to approved bitches only.
Excellent health testing
Gonioscopy, Patellar Luxation, +4 more.
Parent health testing
Excellent level
Darkwater Flatcoats reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for Flat-Coated Retrievers.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip testing reduces the chance of passing down hip dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause hip pain and the eventual loss of the function of the hip joint.
Elbow Dysplasia Finals (OFA, BVA, SV, FCI)
Elbow testing reduces the chance of passing down elbow dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause arthritis in the elbow joint and front leg lameness.
Gonioscopy, Eye Certification (CAER, registered with OFA)
Eye testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide range of hereditary eye illnesses including retinal dysplasia, lens luxation, and glaucoma, which can cause impared vision or blindness.
Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA)
Heart testing reduces the chance of passing down congenital heart disease, which can cause a range of symptoms ranging from trouble exercising to heart failure.
Patellar Luxation
Knee testing reduces the chance of passing down Patellar Luxation, which results in the kneecap becoming displaced or dislocated and can cause mild to severe joint pain.
Thyroid (Autoimmune Thyroiditis, registered with OFA), Canine Good Citizen (CGC), Brucellosis
A breeder may perform additional tests on their dogs that do not fall into these general categories. These tests may be more uncommon or very specific to a particular breed.
Genetic Diversity Test, VHL Genetics
Genetic testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide variety of hereditary diseases of differing prevalence and severity such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye disease) and Von Willebrand's Disease (a blood disease).
