Carolee Anita Boyles | Magnolia Flat-Coated Retrievers

Interview with Carolee Anita Boyles, Breeder of Magnolia Flat-Coated Retrievers

1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. Where do you live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder? What is your kennel name?
2. What are the hallmarks of your breed and why are they important for maintaining breed type?
3. In your opinion, are there enough puppy homes to support breeding a litter this year?
4. How have you implemented new technologies in science and communications as a breeder?
5. In your community, have you noticed a change in the public’s perception of purebred dogs?
6. Have you noticed any trends in the sport? Anything to be concerned about?
7. What are some of the positive changes you’ve seen in the sport in recent years?

Carolee Anita Boyles

1. I am Carolee Anita Boyles. I started in Golden Retrievers in 2002, and got my first Flat-Coated Retriever in 2011. I began showing in Conformation, Scent Work, Obedience, and Rally in 2012, and in Agility shortly after. Today, I still compete in all those events, plus Field with my current dogs, and I am an AKC (American Kennel Club) Obedience and Rally Judge.

My husband and I currently live in Salt Springs, Florida, just east of Ocala. We moved there on June 1, 2025. Before that, we lived in Loxahatchee, Florida.

I bred my first litter of Flat-Coats in 2019; I breed under the kennel name Magnolia Flat-Coated Retrievers.

2. The most important hallmark of “Flat-Coats” is the head. Our Breed Standard states, “The impression of the skull and muzzle being ‘cast in one piece’ is created by the fairly flat skull of moderate breadth and flat, clean cheeks, combined with the long, strong, deep muzzle which is well filled in before, between and beneath the eyes.” And “Stop must be evaluated in profile so that it will not be confused with the raised brow.”

If the head does not conform to these criteria, it is not correct for a Flat-Coat. Unfortunately, we are seeing a lot of dogs with more square heads like a Labrador Retriever, and with a perceptible stop, which is not correct for this breed.

3. Tough question. I’m seeing quite a few litters being produced, and it seems that breeders are finding adequate homes, but I haven’t had many inquiries and I only have a few names on my waiting list right now. It seems to me that we still have not completely recovered from the high demand for puppies during COVID. Partly as a result of this, I’m not planning to breed again until 2026.

4. Progesterone testing isn’t new, but I rely heavily on it to be sure that I’m hitting the window of fertility and so that I know exactly when the litter is due. I’m always open to learning about new technologies that become available.

I would really like to see researchers develop genetic testing that would give us some predictors of the big cancers.

5. I would have to say, no. The general public really does not understand the difference between a puppy mill and a preservation breeder, at least where I live. Retail rescue of mixed breeds is big business in southern Florida, and the popularity of “designer” mixed breed dogs certainly has not decreased.

6. I’m seeing a couple of trends that concern me. One is the increasing lack of civility and sportsmanship at Conformation shows. I know, any time you put adults and competition in the same room you’re going to see a few people being poor sports, but the viciousness and backstabbing at shows is becoming epidemic.

We’re seeing show and cluster chairs select and hire judges, socialize with them before and during shows, and then exhibit their dogs to those judges. When they take Best of Breed and Group placements, it looks like they are influencing judges, whether they actually are or not. Show and cluster chairs need to refrain from showing at events where they are hiring and socializing with judges.

Another trend is the insularity of national breed clubs, as they exclude newer members from positions of responsibility in their clubs. The same dozen or so long-time members shuffle around board and executive positions without allowing any new blood into their ranks. New members can bring a fresh perspective to all aspects of a club’s activities.

7. Local and regional clubs seem to be more welcoming of new members than national clubs. The Southern Skies Flat-Coated Retriever Club has welcomed quite a few new members over the past couple of years, which has helped lead to an increase in the activities we have available for our members. Some of these new members are in their 30s and 40s, which is vital for the continuation of our sport. I’m also seeing a lot of seasoned members willing to mentor young people.

Another thing I’ve noticed is an increase in the number of people of color at shows and trials of all kinds. It’s very nice to see our sport welcoming these exhibitors.