Exhibiting The Flat-Coated Retriever

With it's unique character, the flat-coat is presented in the ring as naturally as possible.  This means that they are shown on a loose lead, not stacked and posed.  A wagging tail is preferable to a dog held in place by its handler, and it is normal for the FCR to move its feet while baiting for the handler.  It's discouraging when judges reward FCRs that are statue-still, showing little animation.  The FCR should also be minimally trimmed (ears, feet and hocks neatened) when presented for judging. 

As with any breed, the future of the flat-coated retriever in the AKC show ring is largely dependent on the decisions of breeders, exhibitors, and professional handlers in choosing which dogs to present and, more importantly, on the decisions of judges in choosing which dogs to put up. Serious breeders hope that judges adhere to the wishes of the breeders and select only dogs who exhibit the temperament and type which is stressed in the standard of our breed. We also hope that fanciers new to our breed will adhere to the standard when beginning a breeding program and will ask for guidance from successful, established breeders in order to preserve the temperament and type that is so essential to our breed. The welfare and advancement of the FCR depends on all of us .

Upon entering the ring, the FCR should present a picture of balance and symmetry, tail wagging and alertly looking to the handler for guidance.  The eye should take in the silhouette first, noting that the dog's bone and substance match its size.  The ribcage should be long and deep, with a short loin, and there should be a visible forechest.  Exhibits with straight up and down fronts are not desirable, and this usually indicates a major front fault.  The topline should be level, definitely not sloping, and puppies may be forgiven for being slightly higher in the rear.

Besides being a racy retriever, the flat-coat's head will make it instantly different from the other retrievers.  Longer and narrower than a Labrador or golden head, our breed has a unique head in the sporting group.  The standard describes a "'one-piece' head....free from exaggeration of stop or cheek".  Further, the stop is described as "barely perceptible".  "Fill" is often misunderstood in our breed.  When using your hands to feel the muzzle, there should be plenty of bone under the eye sockets.  All too often, we see FCRs with heavy heads, almost indistinguishable from a golden or Labrador. 

Many judges seem to find our breed difficult to judge.  One judge recently commented to me that he found our breed hard to judge, because the type varied so much in the entry.  This should not be why our breed is difficult to judge!  When quality exhibits are not available, the judges will choose winners based less on correct type, and more on correct movement.  How many of us have seen beautifully balanced mixed breeds that float across the ground?  Lovely to watch, but what breed is it?  We must pay attention to the overall dog, and let the breed standard guide the direction of our breeding programs.