Hehe, thanks for the links I already had all of those bookmarked (I'm just a wee bit obsessive about researching everything to death before making a decision). The encyclopedia info was helpful though to put it in a categorical context.
We're hoping to purchase a home next year (and subsequently when we will get a dog shortly there after) and my partner and I have pretty much decided on a flat coat. The other alternative may be to adopt a flat-coat mix.
Our next step is to make certain my partner isn't allergic (we don't believe so, but we want to rule that out), and for him to meet some flat coats if at all possible (going to shows may not be, but there's a couple breeders within a day trip of us we are hoping will help out).
Just wish getting a dog wasn't so far off. It's been hard to adjust to be dogless
I have a friend who has an 8 yr old black one and he's great. He's very friendly and still playful for an older dog. They have young children (had the dog first) and he does very well with them. He's calmer now but I remember the first few years he was very active and they had to exercise him often. They also live off the lake which he still loves. He's really a beautiful dog. But with those "feathers" he has he really brings in the great outdoors - meaning mud, etc sticks to him!
