These are two very nice bitch heads. (Photo by Cheryl Ertelt)
lean, hard-working condition. Fat does not equal substance. The most important things that make a Flat-Coat what he is are his “silhouette, both moving and stand- ing, smooth effortless movement, head type, coat and character.” The silhouette of the Flat-Coat is that of a dog with a “Long, strong clean one- piece head” well set on a moderately long neck, flowing into a level topline. The body should be strong with a deep chest, prominent forechest, well-angled shoulder, long ribcage and a moder- ate tuck up. The rear should be strong and in balance with the front. That tail should come off the back as an extension of the topline and should be carried level or slightly above the level of the back. In the water, the tail acts as a rudder and a gay tail is not a very efficient rudder. The Flat-Coat is described as being longer than tall. The length should be in the ribcage and the loin relatively short. He should never look square or cobby. All of these attributes describe a capable, work- manlike dog able to work all day under difficult conditions. The head of the Flat-Coat is distinc- tive and very different from most other Sporting breeds. The skull and muzzle give the impression of being “cast in one piece.” The skull is fairly flat and
FCR retrieving to hand. (Photo by Wendy Tisdall)
S how S ight M agazine , M ay 2017 • 275
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