How do the coats of Field Line (Working-bred) dogs typically differ from Show Line counterparts?
They often sport shorter, coarser coats with less extensive feathering
The divergent selection pressures applied to the two lines result in noticeable physical variations, particularly concerning coat texture and feathering. Field-bred dogs are generally built for sustained activity across rugged terrain, leading them to possess lighter bone structures and coats that are functionally optimized—often shorter and coarser, accompanied by less extensive feathering. Show dogs, bred for visual standards, frequently exhibit the opposite traits, such as longer, wavier coats and more pendant ears. This functional difference means a field dog's appearance is more utilitarian and sometimes described as having a 'feral' look compared to the highly groomed appearance often associated with show specimens.
