The Different Types Of Golden Retrievers
The following information should help you in Navagaiting what is available for you in the Golden Retriever breed.
In the Golden Retriever breed there are variations in coat, color, temperament and cost that can be really
confusing to figure out for the average person that just wants a nice family pet. You may have already come
across many other Golden Retriever breedings that boast all sorts of attributes with some noticeable differences
in price, color, and quality.
While a good breeder should fit a puppy with you that will fulfill your hopes, no one can dictate the amount of
money you must spend, or the function of a dog in our home. Most importantly, money can not protect you
from some very common canine ailments. A puppy is a commitment. Not to mention a Living Breathing being
do your research for yourself your family and most importantly your puppy !
Classic American Golden Retrievers
What Is It - The look that most people think of when the breed is mentioned; " Light to Medium Gold type to
deeper Golden Color sometimes Red Golden look.
Color/ Temperament Often described as: True, Honey, or Dark Golden. These are the "oldest" type in America.
These puppies often represent decades of American breedings. Most often the Champion dogs found in these
pedigrees are hunting champions.
Cost Typical Range: $200-$1200. This is the hardest category of Goldens for the average client to figure out.
You must take into consideration and have knowledge about things such as: Pedigree, Health, and Look of the
puppy, Quality, Experience, and Ethics of the breeder. It is nearly impossible for a person to discern these
things. Most often the only factor a puppy purchaser has to go on is the cuteness of the puppy and niceness of
the breeder. Unfortunately, this has allowed breeders to charge all sorts of prices on puppies. The breedings
that are more costly in this type will show a trend of Confirmation/Show Champions in the last couple of
generations. Only those that have some sort of Champions in the first 2 generations should be priced over
$800.
You really need to Meet the parents for this kind of breeding to confirm a calm personality and good look. If
there are field Champions in the line the puppies will be more athletic. Although very smart, an American
breeding must be done well to prevent a hyper or unattractive dog. A bad breeding could produce puppies that
are more energetic and harder for the average family to handle. If ever found to be a problem with a Golden's
temperament it is typically the field line dogs.
American and English style Blend - Golden Retrievers
What Is It - This is the crossing of an Foregin-Imported line to a American lines. It must be at least 50%
Imported lines. (Terms often used in advertising to describe; English blend, Creme', English American
breeding)
Color/Temperment Puppies are born rather light and can increase in color as they get older. A well bred
English blend puppy will be a very light blonde, to ultra light palest blonde with good bone and a soft ( not shy)
personality.
Cost Typical Price Range: $1000-$2200.
Watch out for Crème puppies are being produced much like Golden-Doodles. There are breeders that will try to
compensate for being a low quality breeder by breeding an English male to really low quality Badly bred
American dam ( female) . They might then advertise "crème" puppies. Look to see if the mother of the puppies
is a darker color the puppies may not stay crème, they will be the same color as any lighter golden, but the
breeder will be charging a high price with a misconception that they have puppies that will be "crème" as a full
grown dog. Be very careful, Ask to see pictures of the adult puppies from previous breedings Better yet, get
phone numbers of past puppy buyers ( Any good breeder who knows what they are doing will be proud to share
this)- You have to do your research to find a well bred "English blend puppy" The genetics of these breedings
lend towards fixed Dominate traits " In Lay mans term the puppy will most likely be taking on the
characteristics of the American dog in color and bone. The American genes are Dominate- The aggressive
American genetics can often over ride the more recessive English genetics and produce what is simply A
costly American looking Golden THATS A BIT LIGHTER THEN HIS/HER COUNTERPARTS..
When well bred; BY SOMEONE WHO UNDERSTANDS CANINE GENETICS These breedings can offer the
best of all worlds. They can be the best pets for households with children because they are likely much calmer
than the Goldens of years ago . They have the very light colored coat without the top price p of the pure
Creme coat that a 100% English,TYPE pup would have.
What Is It -This would be a breeding that is believed to produce puppies that are 75% (creme) Imported lines
or more. Their lineage should show an equal amount of foreign dogs behind it. (Terms often used in
marketing to describe; Platinum, Ultra-light, Pale, English, White. English, European, Nordic )
Color/Temperment Puppies are white or show very little shadowing. The should have nearly foreign names in
their pedigree. Their parents or grandparents should have been imported from a good breeder. In our
experience the imported lines are no different in temperament to any variation of American breedings.
Cost Typical Price Range: $1500-$4000.
I have seen that there are many people who are now breeding "White Goldens" ( and by the way, White
goldens is not the right term Its..- Cream!) These breeders figure it is easier money; more expensive puppies
mean more money Period- However, without becoming a study of the breed and knowing how to work
with the recessive traits of the "white" lines it is very easy to breed dogs with health issues. Clients that
buy these puppies need to understand these facts and be prepared to accommodate their needs.
Ask how long the person has been breeding AND if they started their breeding career with "White Goldens"
You need to make sure your breeder has a passion for the Golden Retriever breed, not just the color of this
one type.
Unfortunately, the American Kennel Club a believe that the lighter white Golden is a "mutant". The fact that AKC
does not accept this type of Golden into the ring has contributed to a lack of regulation. Look carefully at the
parents of "white puppies" they should have just as high quality confirmation, coat, personality and health as
their American counterparts. In most foreign countries the breeder themselves have to be certified before
breeding.
"
Golden doodles are mutts. Go pick up a bichon or poodle mutt from your local humane
society.
There is NO guarantee that any mixed breed dog will not shed. PLEASE, PLEASE!! As a dog
groomer who has groomed many, MANY golden doodles. Do not go get this dog because
you think they don’t shed and are hypoallergenic.
Unless you see the mother and father of these dogs, you don’t know what off the street
golden or poodle this animal has been bread to. There are no standards for non-purebred
dogs. Any backyard breeder or puppy mill can produce these dogs with horrible
bloodlines and charge up to $2000 for them.
Please make sure if you are selecting a cross breed (aka…mutt) that you are seeing the
parents and that they are top of the line for their breed. Read up on the best and worst
traits both physically and temperament wise to be CERTAIN you are getting the best of
both breeds!!
And finally, PLEASE PLEASE remember, that just because it says the dog is non shedding
does not mean NO or LOW maintenance. These dogs need to be groomed at or around 12
weeks of age and then have regular trips to the groomer every 6-8 or 8-10 weeks,
depending on the dog and type of haircut it receives. From - Julie a Dog groomer
society.
There is NO guarantee that any mixed breed dog will not shed. PLEASE, PLEASE!! As a dog
groomer who has groomed many, MANY golden doodles. Do not go get this dog because
you think they don’t shed and are hypoallergenic.
Unless you see the mother and father of these dogs, you don’t know what off the street
golden or poodle this animal has been bread to. There are no standards for non-purebred
dogs. Any backyard breeder or puppy mill can produce these dogs with horrible
bloodlines and charge up to $2000 for them.
Please make sure if you are selecting a cross breed (aka…mutt) that you are seeing the
parents and that they are top of the line for their breed. Read up on the best and worst
traits both physically and temperament wise to be CERTAIN you are getting the best of
both breeds!!
And finally, PLEASE PLEASE remember, that just because it says the dog is non shedding
does not mean NO or LOW maintenance. These dogs need to be groomed at or around 12
weeks of age and then have regular trips to the groomer every 6-8 or 8-10 weeks,
depending on the dog and type of haircut it receives. From - Julie a Dog groomer
Golden Retriever Hybrids- "Designer dogs"
Well.....- A good pedigree isn't everything, but it is a very good place to start when you want to
learn something about a dog or it's line. Even if all you want is a good family pet, you still want a
healthy dog, a beautiful dog, and a smart, trainable dog right? And you probably also want to
know that the pup was well bred and did not come from an uneducated breeder or a puppy mill
right?
Well, a pedigree can tell you a lot about a dog. For example, an AKC certified pedigree will show
you the health clearances, if any, of each dog in your pup's family tree. You will be able to see if
the parents, grandparents, and great grandparents were tested for their hips, elbows, eyes, etc.
This is extremely important if you want a healthy dog.
You can also see if any of your dog's parents, grandparents, or great grandparents earned any
titles. Again, if you don't want to show, hunt, or breed your dog you may wonder why this is
important, however when there are a lot of champion show dogs in your dog's pedigree you can
see that your pup comes from a long line of beautiful dogs with correct conformation. It also means
that you have a reasonable expectation of how tall and heavy your pup will grow to be since
champions must meet the AKC's breed standard in size and weight, so you can be assured that
your pup will not grow to be twice the size it's supposed to. For example, many Goldens today
come from back yard breeders and puppy mills and average size is now somewhere around 90 to
110 lbs without being overweight, however the AKC's breed standard for a Golden Retriever is
actually just around 65 -70 lbs--much smaller than poorly bred Goldens.
Also, if your dog has a lot of field titles in his or her pedigree this shows that your pup will most
likely have a fondness for swimming and retrieving; which is nice if you ever plan to play ball or
take the dog to a lake to enjoy the water. Despite their reputation as water dogs, not all Goldens
or Labs love the water. In fact, some show dogs today have lost that fondness because it was
inadvertently bred out of them when their breeders concentrated too much on conformation and
too little on field work or retrieving ability.
A CD or CDX title in your dog's pedigree means that dog earned a title in obedience, meaning it's
a smart, eager-to-please dog, and that is capable of learning commands and pleasing it's owner.
If your dog doesn't have any titles in his or her pedigree, how do you know how he or she will turn
out? Will she weigh 65 lbs or 105 lbs? Will she be pretty or smart? Just because she's a Golden or
a Lab, and just because she's AKC registered does not guarantee any of those things. It only
means her parents were purebred. Also, if your dog's pedigree only has titles on one area, such
as all show dogs and no hunting or obedience titles, then it may be pretty, but also pretty dumb
and maybe even hard to train. Visa versa, if you dog has a lot of field or obedience titles and no
show dog titles, it may be smart, enthusiastic, and playful but look like something that crawled out
of who knows where. It may even have health problems steaming from the fact that it's body is
improperly proportioned or caring too much weight for its breed.
If you are looking for a dog with certain expectations in mind as to how the dog will look, how big it
will get, if it will be healthy, and if it will be smart and trainable, carefully examining its pedigree is
very, very important.
learn something about a dog or it's line. Even if all you want is a good family pet, you still want a
healthy dog, a beautiful dog, and a smart, trainable dog right? And you probably also want to
know that the pup was well bred and did not come from an uneducated breeder or a puppy mill
right?
Well, a pedigree can tell you a lot about a dog. For example, an AKC certified pedigree will show
you the health clearances, if any, of each dog in your pup's family tree. You will be able to see if
the parents, grandparents, and great grandparents were tested for their hips, elbows, eyes, etc.
This is extremely important if you want a healthy dog.
You can also see if any of your dog's parents, grandparents, or great grandparents earned any
titles. Again, if you don't want to show, hunt, or breed your dog you may wonder why this is
important, however when there are a lot of champion show dogs in your dog's pedigree you can
see that your pup comes from a long line of beautiful dogs with correct conformation. It also means
that you have a reasonable expectation of how tall and heavy your pup will grow to be since
champions must meet the AKC's breed standard in size and weight, so you can be assured that
your pup will not grow to be twice the size it's supposed to. For example, many Goldens today
come from back yard breeders and puppy mills and average size is now somewhere around 90 to
110 lbs without being overweight, however the AKC's breed standard for a Golden Retriever is
actually just around 65 -70 lbs--much smaller than poorly bred Goldens.
Also, if your dog has a lot of field titles in his or her pedigree this shows that your pup will most
likely have a fondness for swimming and retrieving; which is nice if you ever plan to play ball or
take the dog to a lake to enjoy the water. Despite their reputation as water dogs, not all Goldens
or Labs love the water. In fact, some show dogs today have lost that fondness because it was
inadvertently bred out of them when their breeders concentrated too much on conformation and
too little on field work or retrieving ability.
A CD or CDX title in your dog's pedigree means that dog earned a title in obedience, meaning it's
a smart, eager-to-please dog, and that is capable of learning commands and pleasing it's owner.
If your dog doesn't have any titles in his or her pedigree, how do you know how he or she will turn
out? Will she weigh 65 lbs or 105 lbs? Will she be pretty or smart? Just because she's a Golden or
a Lab, and just because she's AKC registered does not guarantee any of those things. It only
means her parents were purebred. Also, if your dog's pedigree only has titles on one area, such
as all show dogs and no hunting or obedience titles, then it may be pretty, but also pretty dumb
and maybe even hard to train. Visa versa, if you dog has a lot of field or obedience titles and no
show dog titles, it may be smart, enthusiastic, and playful but look like something that crawled out
of who knows where. It may even have health problems steaming from the fact that it's body is
improperly proportioned or caring too much weight for its breed.
If you are looking for a dog with certain expectations in mind as to how the dog will look, how big it
will get, if it will be healthy, and if it will be smart and trainable, carefully examining its pedigree is
very, very important.
Mo Most People say to me -" We are not Looking for a Show Dog,
just a Good Family Pet ... So," Why Should I care about a
pedigree"?
just a Good Family Pet ... So," Why Should I care about a
pedigree"?
The golden retriever is a relatively young breed. It originated in Scotland during the late 1800s where it was
developed by a British aristocrat, Lord Tweedmouth. Since hunting provided both sport and sustenance on Scottish
estates, Tweedmouth and other British lords sought to develop effective hunting dogs for upland game. However,
because the original breeders were gentlemen, they demanded more than just practicality in their dogs. They also
sought to create handsome animals who were a pleasure to watch work. The result was the golden retriever, a
breed with both hunting skill and beauty.
The foundation of the golden retriever was the now-extinct Tweed water spaniel. Over the years, crosses were
made to numerous other breeds, most of which differ significantly from the dogs we know today by the same names:
red setters,
black wavy-coated retrievers
Labrador retrievers
Newfoundland or St. John's dogs, and
bloodhounds.
From these combinations came the goldens exception scenting ability, strong prey drive and affable temperaments.
By the early 1900s, the golden retriever had developed into a superb hunting retriever. In addition to its hunting
traits, the goldens most distinguishing features were its luxurious golden coat and sweet disposition.
Today's golden retrievers are descendents of these companion hunters. Specifically, they are non-slip retrievers,
dogs who walk quietly at heel or sit patiently in a blind until released on command to retrieve fallen game, on land or
in the water. They are also used to search out game for walking hunters. This purpose requires a dog of above
average intelligence and trainability with moderate physical attributes.
First and foremost, non-slip retrievers like goldens need to be biddable dogs, willing to take direction from their
handlers. They must have natural intelligence and keen noses to efficiently find hidden or fallen game. While they
must be strongly driven to find and retrieve game animals, they also need soft mouths (to carry and deliver them
gently) so the game is fit to eat. Finally, golden retrievers need to be confident, friendly dogs that can work well in
groups of hunters and dogs.
However, coupled with these exceptional mental characteristics, the golden retriever also must be a dog of moderate
physical attributes. Hunting small game in cool/cold weather and water requires a dog between 60 and 70 pounds,
with the strength and athletic ability to pursue game through rough cover while not being too heavy or large to work
all day or accompany the hunter into blinds and boats. It needs a moderate energy level--enough to work all day in
the field while remaining within range of the hunters' guns. Finally, it must have a wash 'n wear coat that enables it
and the hunter to focus on hunting. This means the coat cannot attract burrs and briers, and must shed dirt and
water easily.
Although today goldens are proclaimed by some to be the "perfect" family pet, we do not support this belief.
Although the historical characteristics that made goldens into the breed that we enjoy today also made them
pleasant companions, this was during a time when dogs were given land to run on, plenty of exercise and mental
stimulation. Correct goldens need all of these things in their lives and should not be content to spend their days
alone in an apartment, house or backyard with little to do and no one to do it with.
developed by a British aristocrat, Lord Tweedmouth. Since hunting provided both sport and sustenance on Scottish
estates, Tweedmouth and other British lords sought to develop effective hunting dogs for upland game. However,
because the original breeders were gentlemen, they demanded more than just practicality in their dogs. They also
sought to create handsome animals who were a pleasure to watch work. The result was the golden retriever, a
breed with both hunting skill and beauty.
The foundation of the golden retriever was the now-extinct Tweed water spaniel. Over the years, crosses were
made to numerous other breeds, most of which differ significantly from the dogs we know today by the same names:
red setters,
black wavy-coated retrievers
Labrador retrievers
Newfoundland or St. John's dogs, and
bloodhounds.
From these combinations came the goldens exception scenting ability, strong prey drive and affable temperaments.
By the early 1900s, the golden retriever had developed into a superb hunting retriever. In addition to its hunting
traits, the goldens most distinguishing features were its luxurious golden coat and sweet disposition.
Today's golden retrievers are descendents of these companion hunters. Specifically, they are non-slip retrievers,
dogs who walk quietly at heel or sit patiently in a blind until released on command to retrieve fallen game, on land or
in the water. They are also used to search out game for walking hunters. This purpose requires a dog of above
average intelligence and trainability with moderate physical attributes.
First and foremost, non-slip retrievers like goldens need to be biddable dogs, willing to take direction from their
handlers. They must have natural intelligence and keen noses to efficiently find hidden or fallen game. While they
must be strongly driven to find and retrieve game animals, they also need soft mouths (to carry and deliver them
gently) so the game is fit to eat. Finally, golden retrievers need to be confident, friendly dogs that can work well in
groups of hunters and dogs.
However, coupled with these exceptional mental characteristics, the golden retriever also must be a dog of moderate
physical attributes. Hunting small game in cool/cold weather and water requires a dog between 60 and 70 pounds,
with the strength and athletic ability to pursue game through rough cover while not being too heavy or large to work
all day or accompany the hunter into blinds and boats. It needs a moderate energy level--enough to work all day in
the field while remaining within range of the hunters' guns. Finally, it must have a wash 'n wear coat that enables it
and the hunter to focus on hunting. This means the coat cannot attract burrs and briers, and must shed dirt and
water easily.
Although today goldens are proclaimed by some to be the "perfect" family pet, we do not support this belief.
Although the historical characteristics that made goldens into the breed that we enjoy today also made them
pleasant companions, this was during a time when dogs were given land to run on, plenty of exercise and mental
stimulation. Correct goldens need all of these things in their lives and should not be content to spend their days
alone in an apartment, house or backyard with little to do and no one to do it with.
The Golden Retriever Club of America is dedicated to the health and welfare of the Golden
Retriever breed while conserving the original breed function - that of a "working retriever." A
purebred dog offers to his owner the likelihood that he will be a specific size, shape, color and
temperament.
The predictability of a breed comes from selection for traits that are desirable and away from
traits that are undesirable. When a breed standard or type is set, the animals within that breed
have less heterozygosity than do animals in a random population. The Goldendoodle is nothing
more than an expensive mongrel. Because the genetic makeup is diverse from the Poodle
genes and the Golden Retriever genes, the resultant first generation (F1) offspring is a
complete genetic gamble. The dog may be any size, color, coat texture and temperament.
Indeed Goldendoodles do shed. Their coat may be wiry or silky and may mat. Body shape varies
with parentage but tends to be lanky and narrow. Behavior varies with the dog and within a
litter with some puppies poodle-like in attitude and others somewhat like the Golden Retriever.
The Golden Retriever Club of America is opposed to cross-breeding of dogs and is particularly
opposed to the deliberate crossing of Golden Retrievers with any other breed. These
crossbreds are a deliberate attempt to mislead the public with the idea that there is an
advantage to these designer dogs. The crossbred dogs are prone to all of the genetic disease
of both breeds and offer none of the advantages that owning a purebred dog has to offer.
Permission to amend the Labrador Retriver Club statement to Golden Retrievers given by:
Frances S. Smith DVM, Ph.D.
LRC, Inc. Board of Directors
Diplomate American College of Theriogenology
Original Author of Labradoodle statement
Retriever breed while conserving the original breed function - that of a "working retriever." A
purebred dog offers to his owner the likelihood that he will be a specific size, shape, color and
temperament.
The predictability of a breed comes from selection for traits that are desirable and away from
traits that are undesirable. When a breed standard or type is set, the animals within that breed
have less heterozygosity than do animals in a random population. The Goldendoodle is nothing
more than an expensive mongrel. Because the genetic makeup is diverse from the Poodle
genes and the Golden Retriever genes, the resultant first generation (F1) offspring is a
complete genetic gamble. The dog may be any size, color, coat texture and temperament.
Indeed Goldendoodles do shed. Their coat may be wiry or silky and may mat. Body shape varies
with parentage but tends to be lanky and narrow. Behavior varies with the dog and within a
litter with some puppies poodle-like in attitude and others somewhat like the Golden Retriever.
The Golden Retriever Club of America is opposed to cross-breeding of dogs and is particularly
opposed to the deliberate crossing of Golden Retrievers with any other breed. These
crossbreds are a deliberate attempt to mislead the public with the idea that there is an
advantage to these designer dogs. The crossbred dogs are prone to all of the genetic disease
of both breeds and offer none of the advantages that owning a purebred dog has to offer.
Permission to amend the Labrador Retriver Club statement to Golden Retrievers given by:
Frances S. Smith DVM, Ph.D.
LRC, Inc. Board of Directors
Diplomate American College of Theriogenology
Original Author of Labradoodle statement
GOLDENDOODLES Continued -from The Golden Retriever
Club OF America
Club OF America
Abbreviation Key
AFC= Amateur Field Champion
Am.= American
BIS= Best In Show
Can.= Canadian
CD= Companion Dog
CDX= Companion Dog Excellent
CH= Champion
Eng= English
FC= Field Champion
FDHF= Field Dog Hall of Fame
Jap= Japanese
Mex= Mexican
NFC= National Field Champion
OD= Outstanding Dam
OS= Outstanding Sire
OTCH= Obedience Trial Champion
SDHF= Show Dog Hall of Fame
UD= Utility Dog
WC= Working Certificate
AFC= Amateur Field Champion
Am.= American
BIS= Best In Show
Can.= Canadian
CD= Companion Dog
CDX= Companion Dog Excellent
CH= Champion
Eng= English
FC= Field Champion
FDHF= Field Dog Hall of Fame
Jap= Japanese
Mex= Mexican
NFC= National Field Champion
OD= Outstanding Dam
OS= Outstanding Sire
OTCH= Obedience Trial Champion
SDHF= Show Dog Hall of Fame
UD= Utility Dog
WC= Working Certificate
Just a Few of The Champion Ancestors of Quiet winter
Puppies!
*BISS BIS Am-Can Ch. Amberac's Asterling Aruba OD, SDHF
*Am. CH. Asterling Austin-Healey OS SDHF
*BISS Am. CH. Asterling Go Getm Gangbuster OS SDHF
*Am CH Asterling's Buster Keaton OS
Am. CH. Asterling F'Eight'l Atraction
*BIS BISSAm-Can CH. Asterling's Jamaica Verdict OS, SDHF
CH. Asterling's Just Buster Loose CD OD
CH Sunshine Hills National Cowboy
CH Sunshine Hills True Grit
CH Goldenbears Catch The Wave
CH Winsum THis Buds For You CD
American/Canadian Champion Laurell's Especial Jason UDT
WC OS & SDHF !
*
*Am. C
Puppies!
*BISS BIS Am-Can Ch. Amberac's Asterling Aruba OD, SDHF
*Am. CH. Asterling Austin-Healey OS SDHF
*BISS Am. CH. Asterling Go Getm Gangbuster OS SDHF
*Am CH Asterling's Buster Keaton OS
Am. CH. Asterling F'Eight'l Atraction
*BIS BISSAm-Can CH. Asterling's Jamaica Verdict OS, SDHF
CH. Asterling's Just Buster Loose CD OD
CH Sunshine Hills National Cowboy
CH Sunshine Hills True Grit
CH Goldenbears Catch The Wave
CH Winsum THis Buds For You CD
American/Canadian Champion Laurell's Especial Jason UDT
WC OS & SDHF !
*
*Am. C
Although the Golden Retriever is one of the most recently developed retrievers it was not until 1960 that
the true origin of the breed became known.
Prior to Mrs Elma Stonex's book. The Golden Retriever, published in 1952, the most commonly accepted
origin of the breed was that it had been developed from a troupe of Russian circus dogs bought by Lord
Tweedmouth during a visit to Brighton. The Russian circus dog story of origin became the accepted
version of the beginnings of the breed and appeared in the Crufts catalogue until 1960. One of the
greatest proponents of this theory was Colonel Le Poer Trench who had his St. Hubert's strain
registered with the Kennel Club as retrievers (Russian Yellow).
Certainly Caucasian sheepdogs of the time did appear to bear a resemblance to the early goldens and
Atwood Clark in his book Gundogs and their Training (1938), reports seeing a Russian Retriever at one
of the earliest dog shows which he attended. Many authoritative canine writers of the day also upheld
this theory including Croxton Smith, Robert Leighton and Mrs Charlesworth. However the most
romantically written version of this story must certainly be the account of Patrick Chalmers in his book
Gundogs (1931).
Chalmers states that the golden owes to the collie or sheepdog his "lion sable and the comb and waving
feather of his stern". He subscribes to the circus dog origin primarily because as he states "and the extra
ordinary thing is that he just occurred like a mushroom, and no man knows, for certain, the how or the
why of his coming." He then goes on to quote from Sir Hilary Saxmundham's Diary of a Sportsman in
reporting that "my Lord Panmure owned a wavy coated straw coloured retrieving dog at his castle near
Carnoustie in 1865". Writing in 1877 Sir Hilary apparently refers back to the dog Tarf and says how
comparatively common the type is becoming.
Goldens from the Ruadth Kennels
However the true history of the breed was first published by Lord Ilchester in 1952 in an article in the
Country Life entitled "The Origin of the Yellow Retriever". This was based on over ten years of research
by Mrs Stonex and in 1959 she and Lord Ilchester put their findings to the Kennel Club.
In 1960 the Crufts catalogue carried the true origins of the breed as approved by the Kennel Club:
"Description of the Golden Retriever
'The origin of the Golden Retriever is less obscure than most of the Retriever varieties, as the breed
was definitely started by the first Lord Tweedmouth last century, as shown in his carefully kept private
stud book and notes, first brought to light by his great-nephew, the Earl of Ilchester, in 1952.
In 1868 Lord Tweedmouth mated a yellow Wavy-Coated retriever (Nous) he had bought from a cobbler
in Brighton (bred by Lord Chichester) to a Tweed Water Spaniel (Belle) from Ladykirk on the Tweed.
These Tweed Water-Spaniels, rare except in the Border Country, are described by authorities of the
time as like a small Retriever, liver-coloured and curly-coated. Lord Tweedmouth methodically line-bred
down from this mating between 1868 and 1890, using another Tweed Water-Spaniel, and outcrosses of
two black Retrievers, an Irish Setter and a sandy coloured Bloodhound. (It is now known that one of the
most influential Kennels in the first part of the century which lies behind all present day Golden
Retrievers was founded on stock bred by Lord Tweedmouth.)"
From this description it can be seen that all Golden Retrievers go back to the yellow retriever Nous who
himself was obviously the produce of Flat - coated Retrievers. Many canine authorities of the day
including Rawdon Lee in his Modern Dogs (1893) referred to brown retrievers including pale chocolate
coloured dogs being bred from black parents.
In the pedigree of Prim and Rose, the last two yellow retrievers recorded in Lord Tweedsmouth's
records, one can see the influence of both the Flat-coated Retriever and the Tweed Water Spaniel in
the development of the Golden Retriever.
The Tweed Water Spaniel is now extinct but writers of the time including Stonehenge in The Dog (1859),
Vero Shaw The Book of the Dog (1890), give detailed descriptions of the Tweed Water Spaniel as a
small type of retriever used by fishermen in the borders between Scotland and England. The type of
flatcoats used in the breeding programme to produce Prim and Rose were very much of the old golden
type in head and conformation rather than having the construction and head of the modern flatcoat.
Zelstone, Think and Tracer were all from the breeding of S.E. Shirley and photographs of Ch Moonstone
(Brother to Tracer) published in Nancy Laughton's "A review of the Flat-coated Retriever" (1968) and
Thoughtful (sister of Tracer) published in Sir Henry Smith's, "Retrievers and how to break them" (1898)
show dogs very much of the early golden type.
One other throw back to the flat coat ancestry is the presence of a few black hairs on some of even the
lightest goldens. More uniquely one of our more experienced breeders has told me that in one of her
very early litters she had an almost totally black puppy. Unfortunately she put this puppy down at birth.
The link between Prim and Rose to Culham Viscount Harcourt's Cluham Brass (the dog behind most of
today's pedigrees) is via a bitch called Lady who was thought to be a daughter of Prim or Rose. Other
Guisachan bred dogs that can be traced through early pedigrees are Conan and Rock.
To summarise the origins of the breed, I think it fitting to quote from Mrs Stonex's book:
"The influential recorded links of Guisachan bred Lady, Conon and Rock, prove the descent of today's
Goldens from the first Lord Tweedmouth's thoughtfully planned matings on a foundation of a yellow
retriever of unknown antecedents (Nous) and two Tweed water spaniels (Belle and Tweed). The roots of
the breed lie in Scotland and the Border Country."
PEDIGREE OF PRIM and ROSE
The last two yellow Retrievers recorded by Lord Tweedmouth
Breed: Yellow Retrievers
Sex: Bitches
Colour: Yellow
Breed by Owner: 1st Lord Tweedmouth Guisachan, Beauly, Inverness-shire
Date of Birth: 1889
NOUS (1884)Yellow. One of four yellow puppies Jack(1875)Hon E.Marjoribanks 2nd Lord
Tweedmouth
SAMPSON, Red Setter, Hon E. Marjoribanks and Lord Tweedmouth
COWSLIP(1868).
yellow, one of four yellow puppies
NOUS, yellow Retriever, bought 1864, died 1872
BELLE, Tweed water Spaniel, given 1867, from Ladvkirk
ZOE (1877)
SAMBO (Sir Henry Meux's presumed black flat or wavycoated Retriever)
TOPSY(1873)
TWEED, Tweed Water Spaniel, given 1872, from Ladykirk
COWSLIP (1868)
NOUS, Yellow Retrieverl864-1872
BELLE. Tweed Water Spaniel
QUEENIE(1887)Black. One of ten black puppies TRACER,black flatcoat or wavy coated Retriever,
full brother to Ch.Moonstone
ZELSTONE(1880),black, said to be half-bred Labrador
BEN (1877)
SHOT,half-brother to Old FagBENA, litter sister to Ben (Labrador)
BRIDGET
Think, black
DUSK (1877)
THORN (late Bob), 1873, by Victor (1869) X Young Bounce
LADY IN BLACK by Paris, (1870) x Ladv Bonnie
Ch. WISDOM (late Jenny), black (1875) MOLIERE (1896)
MAUDE
GILL (1884), yellow
JACK (1875) COWSLIP (1868) NOUS, Yellow Retriever, 1864-1872
BELLE, Tweed Water Spaniel
ZOE (1877) SAMBO (presumed black)
TOPSY(1877) TWEED,Tweed Water Spaniel
COWSLIP(1868) by Nous X Belle
Books On The Golden Retriever include:
The Golden Retriever in Ireland by Albert Titterington and Michael Gaffney available from
a.j.titterington@btinternet.com
the true origin of the breed became known.
Prior to Mrs Elma Stonex's book. The Golden Retriever, published in 1952, the most commonly accepted
origin of the breed was that it had been developed from a troupe of Russian circus dogs bought by Lord
Tweedmouth during a visit to Brighton. The Russian circus dog story of origin became the accepted
version of the beginnings of the breed and appeared in the Crufts catalogue until 1960. One of the
greatest proponents of this theory was Colonel Le Poer Trench who had his St. Hubert's strain
registered with the Kennel Club as retrievers (Russian Yellow).
Certainly Caucasian sheepdogs of the time did appear to bear a resemblance to the early goldens and
Atwood Clark in his book Gundogs and their Training (1938), reports seeing a Russian Retriever at one
of the earliest dog shows which he attended. Many authoritative canine writers of the day also upheld
this theory including Croxton Smith, Robert Leighton and Mrs Charlesworth. However the most
romantically written version of this story must certainly be the account of Patrick Chalmers in his book
Gundogs (1931).
Chalmers states that the golden owes to the collie or sheepdog his "lion sable and the comb and waving
feather of his stern". He subscribes to the circus dog origin primarily because as he states "and the extra
ordinary thing is that he just occurred like a mushroom, and no man knows, for certain, the how or the
why of his coming." He then goes on to quote from Sir Hilary Saxmundham's Diary of a Sportsman in
reporting that "my Lord Panmure owned a wavy coated straw coloured retrieving dog at his castle near
Carnoustie in 1865". Writing in 1877 Sir Hilary apparently refers back to the dog Tarf and says how
comparatively common the type is becoming.
Goldens from the Ruadth Kennels
However the true history of the breed was first published by Lord Ilchester in 1952 in an article in the
Country Life entitled "The Origin of the Yellow Retriever". This was based on over ten years of research
by Mrs Stonex and in 1959 she and Lord Ilchester put their findings to the Kennel Club.
In 1960 the Crufts catalogue carried the true origins of the breed as approved by the Kennel Club:
"Description of the Golden Retriever
'The origin of the Golden Retriever is less obscure than most of the Retriever varieties, as the breed
was definitely started by the first Lord Tweedmouth last century, as shown in his carefully kept private
stud book and notes, first brought to light by his great-nephew, the Earl of Ilchester, in 1952.
In 1868 Lord Tweedmouth mated a yellow Wavy-Coated retriever (Nous) he had bought from a cobbler
in Brighton (bred by Lord Chichester) to a Tweed Water Spaniel (Belle) from Ladykirk on the Tweed.
These Tweed Water-Spaniels, rare except in the Border Country, are described by authorities of the
time as like a small Retriever, liver-coloured and curly-coated. Lord Tweedmouth methodically line-bred
down from this mating between 1868 and 1890, using another Tweed Water-Spaniel, and outcrosses of
two black Retrievers, an Irish Setter and a sandy coloured Bloodhound. (It is now known that one of the
most influential Kennels in the first part of the century which lies behind all present day Golden
Retrievers was founded on stock bred by Lord Tweedmouth.)"
From this description it can be seen that all Golden Retrievers go back to the yellow retriever Nous who
himself was obviously the produce of Flat - coated Retrievers. Many canine authorities of the day
including Rawdon Lee in his Modern Dogs (1893) referred to brown retrievers including pale chocolate
coloured dogs being bred from black parents.
In the pedigree of Prim and Rose, the last two yellow retrievers recorded in Lord Tweedsmouth's
records, one can see the influence of both the Flat-coated Retriever and the Tweed Water Spaniel in
the development of the Golden Retriever.
The Tweed Water Spaniel is now extinct but writers of the time including Stonehenge in The Dog (1859),
Vero Shaw The Book of the Dog (1890), give detailed descriptions of the Tweed Water Spaniel as a
small type of retriever used by fishermen in the borders between Scotland and England. The type of
flatcoats used in the breeding programme to produce Prim and Rose were very much of the old golden
type in head and conformation rather than having the construction and head of the modern flatcoat.
Zelstone, Think and Tracer were all from the breeding of S.E. Shirley and photographs of Ch Moonstone
(Brother to Tracer) published in Nancy Laughton's "A review of the Flat-coated Retriever" (1968) and
Thoughtful (sister of Tracer) published in Sir Henry Smith's, "Retrievers and how to break them" (1898)
show dogs very much of the early golden type.
One other throw back to the flat coat ancestry is the presence of a few black hairs on some of even the
lightest goldens. More uniquely one of our more experienced breeders has told me that in one of her
very early litters she had an almost totally black puppy. Unfortunately she put this puppy down at birth.
The link between Prim and Rose to Culham Viscount Harcourt's Cluham Brass (the dog behind most of
today's pedigrees) is via a bitch called Lady who was thought to be a daughter of Prim or Rose. Other
Guisachan bred dogs that can be traced through early pedigrees are Conan and Rock.
To summarise the origins of the breed, I think it fitting to quote from Mrs Stonex's book:
"The influential recorded links of Guisachan bred Lady, Conon and Rock, prove the descent of today's
Goldens from the first Lord Tweedmouth's thoughtfully planned matings on a foundation of a yellow
retriever of unknown antecedents (Nous) and two Tweed water spaniels (Belle and Tweed). The roots of
the breed lie in Scotland and the Border Country."
PEDIGREE OF PRIM and ROSE
The last two yellow Retrievers recorded by Lord Tweedmouth
Breed: Yellow Retrievers
Sex: Bitches
Colour: Yellow
Breed by Owner: 1st Lord Tweedmouth Guisachan, Beauly, Inverness-shire
Date of Birth: 1889
NOUS (1884)Yellow. One of four yellow puppies Jack(1875)Hon E.Marjoribanks 2nd Lord
Tweedmouth
SAMPSON, Red Setter, Hon E. Marjoribanks and Lord Tweedmouth
COWSLIP(1868).
yellow, one of four yellow puppies
NOUS, yellow Retriever, bought 1864, died 1872
BELLE, Tweed water Spaniel, given 1867, from Ladvkirk
ZOE (1877)
SAMBO (Sir Henry Meux's presumed black flat or wavycoated Retriever)
TOPSY(1873)
TWEED, Tweed Water Spaniel, given 1872, from Ladykirk
COWSLIP (1868)
NOUS, Yellow Retrieverl864-1872
BELLE. Tweed Water Spaniel
QUEENIE(1887)Black. One of ten black puppies TRACER,black flatcoat or wavy coated Retriever,
full brother to Ch.Moonstone
ZELSTONE(1880),black, said to be half-bred Labrador
BEN (1877)
SHOT,half-brother to Old FagBENA, litter sister to Ben (Labrador)
BRIDGET
Think, black
DUSK (1877)
THORN (late Bob), 1873, by Victor (1869) X Young Bounce
LADY IN BLACK by Paris, (1870) x Ladv Bonnie
Ch. WISDOM (late Jenny), black (1875) MOLIERE (1896)
MAUDE
GILL (1884), yellow
JACK (1875) COWSLIP (1868) NOUS, Yellow Retriever, 1864-1872
BELLE, Tweed Water Spaniel
ZOE (1877) SAMBO (presumed black)
TOPSY(1877) TWEED,Tweed Water Spaniel
COWSLIP(1868) by Nous X Belle
Books On The Golden Retriever include:
The Golden Retriever in Ireland by Albert Titterington and Michael Gaffney available from
a.j.titterington@btinternet.com
English Cream Golden Retrievers, also called English
Crème Golden Retrievers, English Golden Retrievers,
European Golden Retrievers Blond Golden
Retrievers, Light Golden Retriever or White Golden
Retrievers
Crème Golden Retrievers, English Golden Retrievers,
European Golden Retrievers Blond Golden
Retrievers, Light Golden Retriever or White Golden
Retrievers
All of The puppies, born at Quiet Winter experience our Developmental protocol,
including:
Bio sensor exercises from 3-15days of age
Regular socialization with people and other Animals of all ages and sizes
A physically and mentally stimulating environment appropriate to their age
Problem solving exercises, again, appropriate to their age
Socialization with dogs other than their dam
Introduction to solid food after 4 weeks of age followed by natural weaning, often not until 8
or 9 weeks
Daily walks in the woods and Fields (weather permitting)
Regular opportunities to swim (weather permitting)
Rides in the Car and Introduction to Crates and Housebreaking to make the New
Transition to their new Homes and families as stress free as possible. J Skadeland
including:
Bio sensor exercises from 3-15days of age
Regular socialization with people and other Animals of all ages and sizes
A physically and mentally stimulating environment appropriate to their age
Problem solving exercises, again, appropriate to their age
Socialization with dogs other than their dam
Introduction to solid food after 4 weeks of age followed by natural weaning, often not until 8
or 9 weeks
Daily walks in the woods and Fields (weather permitting)
Regular opportunities to swim (weather permitting)
Rides in the Car and Introduction to Crates and Housebreaking to make the New
Transition to their new Homes and families as stress free as possible. J Skadeland
To protect their immature immune systems, the pups receive only a single distemper-parvovirus
vaccine while they are with us. We do homograph's on their mother's titers to determine exactly
when the pups should be inoculated. We send them home with strong recommendations for follow
up titers and vaccinations. The pups are also wormed regularly from four weeks of age on. Each
pup also receives an individual examination by our veterinarian, a skilled practitioner ..IN addition
we are ALWAYS available for non judgmental advice and assistance with any puppy problem you
may have, We also make house calls!
vaccine while they are with us. We do homograph's on their mother's titers to determine exactly
when the pups should be inoculated. We send them home with strong recommendations for follow
up titers and vaccinations. The pups are also wormed regularly from four weeks of age on. Each
pup also receives an individual examination by our veterinarian, a skilled practitioner ..IN addition
we are ALWAYS available for non judgmental advice and assistance with any puppy problem you
may have, We also make house calls!
Golden Retriever Club Of Scotland Guisachan Gathering 2006
We will take any dogs of our breeding back at any time for Any
reason. We will place the animal into a new, loving home
reason. We will place the animal into a new, loving home
I only breed Dogs that are lovely movers with a correct, ground covering gait. That have correct bone
and substance with a strong topline and correct tail carriage. They carry excellent muscle tone
naturally. They always need to have a lovely head and expression, with excellent pigment in the eye and
nose..
and substance with a strong topline and correct tail carriage. They carry excellent muscle tone
naturally. They always need to have a lovely head and expression, with excellent pigment in the eye and
nose..
Am. CH. Misty Morn's Sunset CD TD WC OS SDHF Am. CH. Sunset's Happy Duke OS AmCH Cragmount's Peter
OS SDHF
Glen Willow's Happy Talk OD
Amber Lady Of Tercor Farm Am./Can. CH. Cragmount's Double Eagle
Am. CH. Cragmount's Golden Wallis
Autumn Lodge's L'Il Indian Am. CH. Aureal Woods Okemo * CanCD Aureal Woods Autumn Fury *
Am. CH. Aureal Wood's Chickadee
Am. CH. Lorelei's Fez-Ti Zu-Zu Am. CH. Golden Pine's High Farms Fez WC OS
Am. CH. Lorelei's Happy Ti-Ji-Gee OD
CAm. CH. Sunset's Happy Duke OS
Am./Can. CH. Cummings Golden Princess OD
Bevin's Brandywine Am. CH. Misty Morn's Sunset CD TD WC OS SDHF
Ranaqua's Goldie of Bevin WC
Gold-Rush Sarah Lee OD BISS Am./Can.
Am. CH. Golden Pine Glorybe's Angel OD
Am CH Wochica's Gold-Rush Bonanza OD Am./Can./Bda. CH. Cummings' Gold-Rush Charlie OS SDHF
Am. CH. Wochica's Sand Piper * OD
OS SDHF
Glen Willow's Happy Talk OD
Amber Lady Of Tercor Farm Am./Can. CH. Cragmount's Double Eagle
Am. CH. Cragmount's Golden Wallis
Autumn Lodge's L'Il Indian Am. CH. Aureal Woods Okemo * CanCD Aureal Woods Autumn Fury *
Am. CH. Aureal Wood's Chickadee
Am. CH. Lorelei's Fez-Ti Zu-Zu Am. CH. Golden Pine's High Farms Fez WC OS
Am. CH. Lorelei's Happy Ti-Ji-Gee OD
CAm. CH. Sunset's Happy Duke OS
Am./Can. CH. Cummings Golden Princess OD
Bevin's Brandywine Am. CH. Misty Morn's Sunset CD TD WC OS SDHF
Ranaqua's Goldie of Bevin WC
Gold-Rush Sarah Lee OD BISS Am./Can.
Am. CH. Golden Pine Glorybe's Angel OD
Am CH Wochica's Gold-Rush Bonanza OD Am./Can./Bda. CH. Cummings' Gold-Rush Charlie OS SDHF
Am. CH. Wochica's Sand Piper * OD
Some Famous Relatives of our well Bred Puppies- Including CHAsterlings Aruba Winningst dam in
The Golden Retriever Breed- Ever/ ChBuster Keaton American and Canadian CH True Grit ,
CH Puppy Kid, etc etc.....
The Golden Retriever Breed- Ever/ ChBuster Keaton American and Canadian CH True Grit ,
CH Puppy Kid, etc etc.....
Normanby Balfour (7/18/1911-) ( Red
Golden ) One Of our Dogs relatives!
Golden ) One Of our Dogs relatives!
Culham Brass (3/1/1904-) One of Our
Golden Relatives!
Golden Relatives!
Eng. CH. Noranby Campfire (7/24/1912-)
Eng. CH. Noranby Campfire First Golden
Retriever Champion ! (7/24/1912-) One
Of Our Goldens Relatives
Eng. CH. Noranby Campfire First Golden
Retriever Champion ! (7/24/1912-) One
Of Our Goldens Relatives
Culham Rossa (2/8/1903-)
Call name:
Gender: F
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Registration: Other KCSB 82168
Breeder: Mr. Beechgrove or W. Wareham
Owner: Viscount Harcourt
Image: (none) [Click to link an image]
Pedigree:
Culham Rossa Harold (Arnliffe's) Earl (Portsmouth) Duke
(Wareham)
Countess (Wareham)
Lena (Marjoribanks) Parson (Papal)
Flighty (Tweedmouth)
Nellie (unreg.; Beechgrove's) Amber II (Tweedmouth) Gentile
(Cunliffe)
Julia (Beechgrove's)
Polly (Alexander) Petrarch (Portsmouth)
Beatrice (Ilchester)
Call name:
Gender: F
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Registration: Other KCSB 82168
Breeder: Mr. Beechgrove or W. Wareham
Owner: Viscount Harcourt
Image: (none) [Click to link an image]
Pedigree:
Culham Rossa Harold (Arnliffe's) Earl (Portsmouth) Duke
(Wareham)
Countess (Wareham)
Lena (Marjoribanks) Parson (Papal)
Flighty (Tweedmouth)
Nellie (unreg.; Beechgrove's) Amber II (Tweedmouth) Gentile
(Cunliffe)
Julia (Beechgrove's)
Polly (Alexander) Petrarch (Portsmouth)
Beatrice (Ilchester)
III have traced my Goldens Pedigree back to More then
145 Years ago !
145 Years ago !
Nous (yellow; 1864)Primrose (yellow; 1868) Nous (yellow; 1864)
(Unknown) (Unknown) (Unknown) (Unknown)
(
Belle (Tweed Water Spaniel)
(Unknown) (Unknown) (Unknown) (Unknown)
(
Belle (Tweed Water Spaniel)
My Final Thoughts-Anyone can breed or sell AKC registered dogs. Your best source is a dedicated
breeder with a long-term commitment to the breed, and a reputation to uphold.
Many dogs of all breeds live long, healthy lives if given proper care and routine veterinary attention.
However ANY dog can fall victim to a wide range of acquired problems, and each breed of dog has its own
hereditary problems; some minor, some impairing, and some fatal. These problems multiply as a breed gains
popularity and there is an increase in indiscriminate breeding, and unfortunately, the Golden Retriever is no
exception. Because current knowledge of genetics is limited, genetic testing is not an absolute guarantee of
soundness; however, failure to screen for hereditary defects before breeding increases the likelihood of
"doubling up" on unfavorable genes, and the results are often expensive and tragic for the buyer and the
dog.
breeder with a long-term commitment to the breed, and a reputation to uphold.
Many dogs of all breeds live long, healthy lives if given proper care and routine veterinary attention.
However ANY dog can fall victim to a wide range of acquired problems, and each breed of dog has its own
hereditary problems; some minor, some impairing, and some fatal. These problems multiply as a breed gains
popularity and there is an increase in indiscriminate breeding, and unfortunately, the Golden Retriever is no
exception. Because current knowledge of genetics is limited, genetic testing is not an absolute guarantee of
soundness; however, failure to screen for hereditary defects before breeding increases the likelihood of
"doubling up" on unfavorable genes, and the results are often expensive and tragic for the buyer and the
dog.
Mrs Cottingham with her 'Woolley' Golden
Retrievers
Retrievers
Guisachan House was
the birthplace of the
Golden Retriever, and is
at Tomich near
Inverness (Scotland). It
was the home of Lord
Tweedmouth, who
rebuilt the whole village.
This photo shows
Guisachan House as it
was in 1898 with Lady
Tweedmouth centre and
the gamekeeper. Lord
Tweedmouth was a
minister of Gladston's
government. Winston
Churchill learnt to drive
here. King George V &
Queen Mary stayed
here. So did Gladstone.
Lord Tweedmouth kept
meticulous stud records
but when he died there
is a ten year gap and
missing records. In the
Standfast database
there is a known record
of 1889 'Prim & Rose'
which gives some of the
ancestry.
the birthplace of the
Golden Retriever, and is
at Tomich near
Inverness (Scotland). It
was the home of Lord
Tweedmouth, who
rebuilt the whole village.
This photo shows
Guisachan House as it
was in 1898 with Lady
Tweedmouth centre and
the gamekeeper. Lord
Tweedmouth was a
minister of Gladston's
government. Winston
Churchill learnt to drive
here. King George V &
Queen Mary stayed
here. So did Gladstone.
Lord Tweedmouth kept
meticulous stud records
but when he died there
is a ten year gap and
missing records. In the
Standfast database
there is a known record
of 1889 'Prim & Rose'
which gives some of the
ancestry.
