NORTHERN NEIGHBORS--Concluded

   The GRCC is correct to include cream within the permissible color spectrum for the breed-- however I would prefer to see the word appear in the Breed Standard itself as it appears in the British and FCI versions. The United States stands alone in its refusal to consider cream as desirable or acceptable in the breed. It seems ironic that members of the GRCA leadership who judge our breed throughout the world select cream-coated Goldens for the winners circle; meanwhile, back at home, they view cream as undesirable at American show venues and place such dogs accordingly. That would be at the back of the line.
   It is encouraging to see that on both sides of The Pond-- despite the wording found in the breed standards --some born-red Goldens are chosen to take a victory lap around the conformation ring.  This selective inattention to the wording of a particular breed standard may be good for the breed. But would it not be more honest to consider ALL colors--gold, cream and red --on an equal basis? ALL are Golden Retrievers. ALL deserve to contribute to the advancement of our beloved breed.
   The tenor of the Canadian article upon which this essay is based suggests that breeders who concentrate on offering only cream-coated Goldens for sale are to be viewed with greater if not great skepticism. The author(s) rightly suggest that  breeders may falsely advertise their dogs as rare, white and less cancer prone and in possession of superior temperament attributes. This is most definitely true of SOME breeders. And most certainly their prices may seem astronomical to most observers. But you cannot say that this is true of ALL who choose to breed the cream coats. In my opinion the article comes across as a "Buyer Beware" rant-- at least upon first view. Perhaps because I am used to seeing such information displayed on the GRCA website.Was the article added to the GRCC website because of some pressing current situation or rather as a cautionary tale for all potential puppy buyers? Motive matters. Especially in the dog-eat-dog world of dog breeders.