Flat Coated Retriever FCI-Standard N° 121 / 29.01.1999 / GB

General Appearance: a bright and active dog of medium size with an intelligent expression showing power without lumber, and raciness without weediness.

Characteristics: generously endowed with natural gundog ability, optimism and friendliness demonstrated by enthusiastic tail action.

Temperament: confident and kindly.

Head and Skull: head long and nicely moulded, flat and moderately broad with a slight stop between eyes, in no way accentuated, avoiding a down or dish-faced appearance. Nose of good size, with open nostrils. Jaws long and strong, capable of carrying a hare of pheasant.

Eyes: medium size, dark brown or hazel, with a very intelligent expression ( a round prominent eye, highly undesirable). Not obliquely placed.

Ears: small and well set on, close to side of head.

Mouth: jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth and set square to the jaws. Teeth sound and strong.

Forequarters: chest, deep and fairly broad, with well-defined brisket, on which elbows should move cleanly and evenly. Forelegs straight, with bone of good quality throughout.

Body: fore ribs fairly flat. Body, well ribbed-up showing a gradual spring and well arched in centre but rather lighter towards quarters. Loin short and square. Open couplings highly undesirable.

Hindquarters: muscular, moderate bend of stifle and hock, latter well let down. Should stand true all round. Cow hocks highly undesirable.

Feet: round and strong with toes close and well arched. Soles thick and strong.

Tail: short, straight and well set on, gaily carried, but never much above level of back.

Gait / Movement: free and flowing, straight and true as seen from front and rear.

Coat: dense, of fine to medium texture and good quality, as flat as possible. Legs and tail well feathered. Full furnishings on maturity complete the elegance of a good dog.

Colour: black or liver only.

Size: preferred weight in hard condition:
dogs 25/35 kg (60-80 lbs); bitches 24/34 kg (55-70 lbs).
preferred height: dogs 58-61 cm (23-24 ins); bitches 56-59 cm (22-23 ins).

Faults: any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.
Note: male animals should have to apparently normal testicles fully descended in the scrotum.