I'm Sharmin & Mark D., the breeder behind PrairieFlats located in The Colony, TX. We breed for *GREAT* pups for therapy and sports, but also beautiful show dogs. We look for just the right mate with proven longevity, structure, and personality. This is where amazing temperament, intelligence, and elegance meet in a world class companion dog, competition dog, ...and your best buddy.
Q. & A. with Sharmin & Mark
Why did you start breeding?
In November 2019 we completed renovations on our house (which included a dog door and large spray shower) and knew it was time to find our next Flat-Coated Retriever. It had to be a companion that Sharmin could use as a therapy dog partner, Mark could run with, and that would join them for family adventures and movie nights by the fire. Then we got our *All the Things* dog, and the rest is history.
Suzie is our third FCR and our first breeding quality girl.
What makes your program special?
We are breeding for GREAT family companions that happily do *All THE THINGS* from hunting and tracking to agility and disk dog; from rally and obedience to Fast CAT and dock diving; from nosework and farm companion to hiking and kayaking; and, make great therapy and mental health service dogs who can chill by the camp fire or lay by the fireplace while you read.
Temperment+Structure+Intelligence!
What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Our puppies are black. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.
Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Getting a puppy from Sharmin & Mark
Sharmin & Mark 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
Puppy prices include a $500 non-refundable deposit and between $2,500 - $3,000 final payment, before taxes & fees.
“All puppies cost the same and include vet visit, microchip, dewclaw removal, deworming. The difference is in services/equipment you request. We may collect tools and start training that will be part of the foundation to fit your life-style. A few co-owner contracts may be available. We return deposits only if we do not have a puppy for you.”
Contract & health guarantee
Sharmin & Mark 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 Sharmin & Mark 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 Sharmin & Mark directly.
PrairieFlats 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
SuzieQ, mom
Flat-Coated Retriever
About SuzieQ
SuzieQ is a female Flat-Coated Retriever almost 6 years old. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Sharmin & Mark decided to make her part of their program. Sharmin & Mark has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Parent health testing
Breeder-Reported Testing
Excellent level
PrairieFlats 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.
Eye Certification (CAER, registered with OFA), Gonioscopy
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.
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.
DNA Disease Panel, Genetic Diversity Test
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).