I took my Valley Crest puppy home on March 31. One month later I'm delighted to say this was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Throughout the process, Donna was helpful, honest, and attentive to what I wanted in a puppy and an adult dog I had flat-coats as a kid, and know that they are the best all-around companion pet breed there is. My flats were friendly, amusing, eager-to-please dogs, who both passed early due to cancer. I deliberated long and hard about getting flats again, but it really wasn't even a choice. I initially chose Valley Crest as a breeder because most of its dogs live into their teens, as well as their proximity to Seattle. They'd just done a breeding, and our litter was born on January 31 from Bella and Brownie. I read the other reviews here around that time, and asked Donna what had happened with Bella's last litter. She was candid and forthcoming about discussing it, explaining both what had happened then and the steps that she'd taken since. She also discussed her reasons for not currently being a member of the Northwest Flat-Coated Retriever Club, and I finished the conversation satisfied that I'd made the right choice. We made our first visit to the litter when they were about five weeks old. They were all friendly and well-socialized, happily climbing into our laps and playing. The adult dogs were friendly and social, in the pushy way of good flat-coats. Donna's six-year-old granddaughter played often with the litter, socializing them well to children. In the next few weeks, Donna and I conversed regularly via email, especially in regards to what personality I was looking for. I didn't have an answer at first, as most of what I want in a dog are just typical flat-coat qualities. I finally decided, thinking of one of my childhood dogs, that I wanted a dog with "steadfastness, or a quiet sense of dignity." I also said that would probably hard to find in a seven-week-old puppy, but darned if Donna hadn't seen a puppy exhibiting that kind of quality, and sent a photo. When we came to choose our puppy and take him home, Donna told us about each one. Of the litter of seven, two had gone to new homes, and one was reserved for a show-dog home. We had four puppies to choose from and she told us about the personalities of each -- the one nicknamed "Mischief," the one who amused himself, the one who would want to be our shadow. We settled on this puppy, as he was the patient, steadfast one she'd told us about. Since we've brought him home, Skagit has been a delight. He reacts very well to strangers of all kinds, to other puppies and adult dogs, and to different situations and places. He's learning easily and enthusiastically, not just basic obedience but also things like how it's okay to chase geese at the park but not okay to chase the chickens at home. Like a good flat-coat, when we bring him to playtimes he first checks in with the people to see if they have treats or want to pet him, and then goes and plays with the puppies wrestling on the floor. He is a little timid in new environments, which Donna warned us about -- it took him two weeks to enjoy going on walks, since our busy Seattle neighborhood with damp grass and lots of joggers is a far cry from Eastern Washington -- but quickly warms to them. He's definitely our shadow, always wanting to be in the same room with his people. Sometimes the best way to coax him out for a walk or down a flight of stairs is to just move out of his sight so that he'll follow. I'm pretty impressed by how well Donna was able to predict his behavior and personality at such an early age, and he's definitely the right fit for our household. In the interests of full disclosure, Skagit did have worms, diagnosed at his initial checkup. The vet said that this was pretty common in puppies, and set him on a course of Panacur and Strongid. We've done two fecal tests since, which came back clean. We sent the test results back to Donna so that she could follow up with her vet, as the litter had all been dewormed. She found that a vet tech had given her the wrong dosing information, so that the puppies received a diluted treatment. Skagit has been happy and healthy since, aside from one bout of diarrhea and vomiting from eating a bad egg. We've changed his primary food twice, expecting a messy transition each time, with no issue. He's put on 10 pounds in four weeks and continues to be a favorite in the neighborhood, at the pet food store, and at puppy obedience classes. He's very easy to socialize, since we can't walk twenty feet without someone wanting to pet him, and we've told many people that "you know, the breeder has three left!" If anyone interested in Valley Crest Kennels would like to discuss our experience further, I am happy to speak with you -- just send me a message through Yelp. I cannot recommend this breeder highly enough, both for the quality of the dogs and the care and attention put into matching dogs with people. read more

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I'm sad to say that our puppy, Scupper, passed away yesterday at 1.5 years old. He battled the parasites from the breeder's kennel throughout his short life. Please read the Yelp filtered review (click "1 filtered" below) about Roddy, who was one of Scupper's litter-mates. There are at least 3 puppies that we know of who have had untimely deaths from health issues related to the parasite and were immune compromised. Bella of Valley Crest Kennel was the mother of this litter and it's my understanding that they are still breeding Cantu Bella's Syrah. If you are considering a flat coated retriever puppy - I do not recommend getting one from this breeder. She has been removed from the breeders list at the Northwest Flat Coated Retrievers Club. read more

Thank you Valley Crest Kennels. We looked long and hard through out the country for the right breeder to purchase our 4th flat coat retriever. Looking for a liver flat coat many breeders suggested contacting Valley Crest Kennels and they were right. Donna is responsible and caring breeder. She answered all our questions about her dogs. We did our research and found that her dogs are healthy and had great longevity in her dogs line. It was fun to get updates on pups development and photos. We were excited to have such a dedicated breeder that was willing to take the time to share. When we went to pick out our pup Donna let us take our time and was kind and passionate. She knows her pups and directed to the temperament that we were looking for in a pet and family member. Now our liver flat coat has been home for five weeks. She is getting along with our senior flat coat and cat. Our vet was very impressed with her temperament and how healthy she is. Great eye contact and is so alert he suggested training her bird hunting. My husband has been pleased with her eagerness to please and how she is so easy to train in our home! Thank you Donna for a great healthy happy puppy. We will be back as time goes on to get our next flat coat. read more

Having known Valley Crest dogs for over 20 years, when it was time for a new flat coat puppy I was delighted that they had a litter coming up. We brought our puppy home in June and she has been such a great addition to our family. She is easily the easiest puppy I have ever had. She is calm at all the right times and very playful at the right times. Did I mention she is beautiful too? When meeting the pups for the first time, I appreciated Donna bringing up the issue mentioned in another yelp review before I even asked. I had no doubts that I would be taking home a healthy puppy after hearing the details of that particular situation. I would encourage anyone thinking of a puppy to talk to Donna and Carla. They are so conscientious, knowledgeable and passionate about the breed. Their dogs have great temperaments and live up to all that a flat coat should be! They don't breed often, but if they have a litter available you could not go wrong with one of their pups! Update...realized I was logged on as my daughter when leaving my review and figured I should give you the heads up that the review was written by an adult. Although the kids would love to tell you how awesome "Juno" is too! read more

I would like to say that I have known Donna and her daughter Stacey, since 2003 when I got my second Flat-Coat from Valley Crest Kennels. They have been very supportive of all of my efforts from my first time in the show ring thru my efforts to improve my breeding program. Mona is now 12 years old and doing beautifully. She is still very active though one of her favorite activities is nap time. It's one of my favorites too! I have no reservations at all in recommending Donna as an excellent breeder. She is caring and helpful, and has bred of some of the best Flat-Coats in the country. read more

i recently got my fourth puppy from valleycrest kennels. no parasites no giardia present, very healthy little boy.the mother was zoey. all of my flatties from donna have been wonderful and healthy, as well as the joys of my life. i have never had an issue with this breeder., she has always been helpful and courteous to me.these flatties are great agility dogs as well as my best friends. read more