Our Story
Flying By Retrievers has been a growing passion of ours over the last few years, and we are excited to see it finally begin. Although the beginning of a breeding program technically begins when the first litter is born, it truly begins years before that with research and planning. When we picked out our first female, a chocolate Labrador named Brook, our priority was a hunting partner for Jon with the possibility of breeding down the road. With the help of trusted friends who bred high quality Labradors for years, it was confirmed that Brook's sire and dam brought to the table the looks, bloodline, and performance we wanted, so off to Virginia we went to pick up the cutest chocolate nugget from James River Retrievers.
Since we wanted to train her to hunt, we sought out a local HRC club to join to to get some help bringing her along and that is when our addiction to dog training began. Jon now not only wanted Brook as a hunting partner, but he wanted to train her well enough to compete, earn titles, and move up the ranks. As of today, Brook has her Started Hunting Retriever Title, Hunting Retriever Title, and is one pass away from earning her Hunting Retriever Champion Title through HRC.
We had now turned into a full fledged hunt test household, so I finally decided I wanted to join in on the action. As a former horse trainer, I’ve always had a passion for training, and it was time for me to find my own partner and test my transition from horse trainer to dog trainer. While I adore Brook and Labradors, my heart ultimately belongs to spaniels. When I discovered the Boykin Spaniel breed at a hunt test, I knew I had found my perfect match. The breed retrieves with the best of them, has the happy-go-lucky signature spaniel attitude, and is the perfect size in my opinion - between 30-40 lbs. After trip to Over The Mountain Kennels in North Carolina, I brought home Rhetta, whose impressive pedigree and joyful spirit are making this adventure truly rewarding. As of today, she has earned her Started Retriever Title and we look to compete at the seasoned level later this year (2026).
We dedicate countless hours to training and competing with our dogs, ensuring that we not only uphold but also enhance the breed. We prioritize the health of our dogs and are committed to responsible breeding practices. To support this, we complete all recommended health testing and proudly share the results on the OFA website for transparency. Your trust in our program means everything, and we strive to make a positive impact on the breed.
Why the name "Flying By Retrievers"?
Our name comes from our farm name, Flying By Ranch, a cherished haven located in Ford City, PA that embodies our love of nature. After searching for years, we found our forever home in late 2020, complete with fields, ponds, and woods. While it was just a house on land at first, we've gradually transformed it by adding structures and fencing. Our ranch's name is a heartfelt tribute to my first horse, "Chicks Flying By," who may no longer be with us but will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Thank you for taking the time to read our story and learn more about us. We are excited to watch our puppies thrive in their new homes and hope they receive as much love and care as we give to our girls.
- Jon & Nicole Cammuso
