When a dog’s topline is strong and fine, it’s said that it could serve cocktails without spilling a drop. A level topline combined with deep and long ribcage (to give lungs plenty of capacity) that taper to the belly’s “tuck up” give the Flat-Coated Retriever the impression of a “blunted triangle.” The marvelous qualities of “Flatties” include high intelligence, an eagerness to learn, and perseverance, but also independence and a certain smugness that they know their job better than you do. Most who hunt with Flat Coats adhere to the motto: “Life is too short to hunt with an ugly dog.”

Image: Flat Coated Retriever by Maud Earl (1864-1943)