Floating Rib: The last (or 13th rib), which is unattached to the other ribs.

Fluffies: A coat of extreme length with exaggerated feathering on ears, chest, legs and feet, underparts, and hindquarters. Trimming such a coat does not make it any more acceptable.

Flush: To drive birds from cover, to force them to take flight; to spring.

Flushing Breeds: Term commonly applied to those spaniel breeds that typically flush or force a bird from cover.

Flyball: A dog sport in which teams of dogs race against each other from their handlers, over a line of hurdles, to a box that releases a tennis ball to be caught when the dog presses the spring loaded pad, then back to their handlers while carrying the ball.

Flying Ears: Any characteristic drop ears or semi-prick ears that stand or fly.

Flying Trot: A fast gait in which all four feet are off the ground for a brief second during each half stride. Because of the long reach, the oncoming hind feet step beyond the imprint left by the front. Also called suspension trot.

Folded Ears: As seen on the Fox Terrier, an ear which stands erect at the base and folds forward.

Follicle: A crypt or minute cul-de-sac or lacuna, such as the depression in the skin from which the hair emerges.

Forearm: The portion of the forelimb between the arm and the wrist.

Foreface: The front portion of the skull that articulates with the cranium.

Forequarters: The combined front assembly from its uppermost component, the shoulder blade, down to the feet.

Foster Mother: A bitch used to nurse puppies not her own.

Foul Color: A color or marking not characteristic for the breed. Color definitions may vary by breed. Always check the breed standard for the definitive color description.