The STATUE is a Wonderful Thing...BUT...

   There is an abiding SADNESS in Scotland, origin of our beautiful Golden Retriever breed. Fortunately, through the tireless efforts of many fanciers, there now stands a statue representing our monumental breed of dog. Thanks go to Dudley and Tweedmouth. And he had the good sense NOT to call them Dudlies or Tweedmouths.
   Someone asked why I posted a photo of a castle in ruins. Actually that building is what remains of the Guisachan estate or manor house. Some Scotsman named Dudley once lived there with his black, brown and yellow hunting dogs. The rest, as they say, is history.

You AUSSIES Must Be COLOR-Blind

   The dogs pictured above are a perfect example of how a breeder should be COLOR-blind when he/she makes decisions about future litters. The dog at the top left is the culmination of choices made by an Australian breeder in the pursuit of excellence. The dog identified as (G)-- perhaps for gorgeous? --"journeyed" from Sydney, Australia to his forever home in Canada, where he has already attained his Canadian championship at a tender age. One hopes and expects to see great things happen in the future.
   His sire (F) is a magnificent born-gold dog; his dam (E) is a cream by birth. The paternal grandfather (D) is likewise a cream-coated Golden imported from Sweden. He was mated to a top-winning gold bitch (C). On the left below is (B-- everybody knows my name, Ritzilyn Brandon) who was bred to (A)-- a light gold bitch and champion in her own right. Together they are responsible for bitch (E).
   Of the youngster's 14 relatives in his three-generation pedigree, I was able to identify a dozen in photographs. Six were cream-coated Goldens, while six were clearly born gold.
   No less than four of his elders were BISS winners in Australian shows. And his background-- in addition to the renowned Ritzilyn Brandon -- includes Erinderry Gaelic Minstrel, Inassicas Song of Songs, Perrimay Hugo of Fenwood and Ritzilyn Cockney Robin. Not too shabby a heritage.
  

Everything I Ever Wanted To Know About Coat Color In GOLDEN RETRIEVERS I Found On The GRCA Website

   There is a wealth of information to be found at the GRCA website. My particular interest was in finding out more about the CREAM-coated Golden Retriever. I discovered that there are numerous references to this birth color, mostty stated in negative terms. One article links them with Goldendoodles and puppies being raffled off at auctions or such. It cautions buyers against being duped into believing that there are rare "white" Goldens and that they are worth a hefty price.
   But I was more concerned with the Breed Standard and efforts made by the Club to clarify the meaning of terms and phrases included in that document. So I looked elsewhere on the site.
   First, what does the Breed Standard say about coat color? It should be rich, lustrous gold. But what does that mean? Further, Predominant body color which is either extremely pale or extremely dark is undesirable. Then there is some nonsense about puppy ear color indicating adult coat color. Basically, that's all it says. But nowhere are the terms lustrous gold or extremely pale ever DEFINED. And if the extremes-- whatever they may be are UNDESIRABLE, WHY is that so? Are there structural issues; perhaps temperament concerns; or even, and most especially, health factors which fanciers should know about?
   The Standard itself is SILENT. Offers NO answers. So I must look elsewhere. There's a section on the website called--The Golden Retriever: An Illustrated Study Guide. That looks like fun.
   There are fourteen different subheadings. That's where you find the AKC Breed Standard, but ALSO TWO articles which raise the subject of color.
   One is identified simply by the word COLOR. It says, Dogs whose body color is predominantly cream or off-white, or dark setter-red, are not truly "golden" and should be judged accordingly.
   But what does judged accordingly mean? It doesn't say. Are we to guess what possible punishment awaits the unsuspecting and NOT TRULY "GOLDEN" cream Golden Retriever? Again, NO answer.
   So let's move on. Perhaps the answers lie elsewhere on the website.
   There's a third section called JUDGING THE GOLDEN RETRIEVER.There are FIVE Articles and Letters to Judges found here. Under the heading Golden Retrievers: Prioritizing Faults EIGHT categories are identified by the writer. There are Disqualifications, Excusal from the ring issues, SERIOUS faults, Very undesirable factors, things To be faulted, aspects To be penalized proportionately according to the amount of deviation from ideal, and one item which appears out of place-- Permitted but not preferred.
   And then there's Undesirable. Bingo! This must be it.
          Predominant body color that is either extremely pale or extremely dark. That's it? If a fault, HOW should it be faulted? And what's the difference between VERY UNDESIRABLE and merely UNDESIRABLE? This is written supposedly for the benefit of the judges.
   Moving on, there is an article entitled, Judging the Golden Retriever by Jeffrey G. Pepper. This is NOT an OFFICIAL statement issued by the GRCA, but rather one which appeared elsewhere and since has found its way to the Club website. The author opines that...
          Basically a coat that is so light that it appears to be cream-colored (what I tend to call a "vanilla retriever") or so dark that it approaches an Irish Setter red should be faulted. After all the breed is called Golden Retriever....
   I am not sure why one man's personal OPINION ended up on this website-- unless a GRCA committee deemed it worthy of inclusion. But once again, there are no FACTS to support his view.
   In August of 2012 I found the following on the GRCA website.
       Coat and Color: Color is probably one of the most common variants seen in the breed. The standard specifies "lustrous golden of various  shades" ranging from cream to a coppery gold, with allowable lighter feathering. This variation in color is one of the breed's attractions. Extremes of light and dark of the predominant body color are considered undesirable. 
   According to this document issued by the GRCA Judges' Education Committee and posted for all to see, as you can see,  CREAM was no longer UNDESIRABLE.
   But barely two weeks later, the same document was edited and the word CREAM expunged and replaced with PALE GOLD. And COPPERY GOLD became DEEP COPPERY RED.
   A breed authority has written that all Golden color is to be found in the yellow extension series. This can produce color ranging from  a VERY PALE CREAM that appears almost white, to the deepest red. This concept of all Golden Retriever birth colors being found on this YELLOW construct seems to have been converted to the idea that YELLOW and GOLD are synonymous terms. Ergo, ALL Goldens are born some SHADE or intensity of GOLD. Following this reasoning, CREAM is NOT REALLY PALE GOLD, though they often appear identical to the observer. Cream is beyond the pale-- pale gold, that is. It is simply too far to the left on this color spectrum. But why? Personal preference? Opinion? FACTS, please.
   In any case,  just like magic, a GRCA committee of five ( the SAME chairman and the SAME members) had REDEFINED the COLOR SPECTRUM allowed under the Standard. No need to mess with amending that Standard through a long, laborious process (subject to approval by vote of the Club membership as a whole) when five people on a committee-- or three in the majority --have the power and claim the right to dictate the DESIRABLE color range for our breed.  And the leadership (that would be the Board) claims it is merely intended to explain the Standard but in no way is it going to change that document in any way. Stay tuned; perhaps in the future this same GRCA committee will pontificate that  the Standard  consists of a patriotic red, white and blue color range. Wait a sec. That will NEVER DO-- can't have WHITE Goldens or RED Goldens. Sadly, that would leave them all blue.
   Prior to being elevated to the U.S. Supreme Court, Governor Charles Evans Hughes remarked, "We are under a Constitution, but the Constitution is what the judges say it is...."
   Do we have a Breed Standard which says what the GRCA Judges' Education Committee says it is? 
   You're a better man than I am Gunga Din!...if you can make any sense out of the mixed and confusing messages which emanate from the Club leaders. Whether committees or the Board itself. The GRCA President admonishes us to follow the dictates of our Breed Guardians-- the Old Guard and their wealth of experience, knowledge and years in the Golden Retriever community. But often they have old ideas and viewpoints firmly entrenched in the last century.  There is a book about our breed, titled The New Golden Retriever. Must reading if you care about our breed. But it was published in 1996. Nearly two decades have passed since then. And with this passage of time, new issues have arisen which require our attention.
   But the question of coat color still divides us. And it affects the size of the gene pool in America. at a critical time. Not to mention the fact that the American Type and the English Type continue to move in opposite directions. And a discussion of these two will only find an audience in the United States or Canada. In Europe or among the Aussies and Kiwis there is no need for such discussion, since there are virtually no imports of the American Type to speak of.  The world market for American Goldens is for all intents and purposess non-existent. That should give one pause; but it does not. Place blame wherever you wish. The fact remains that the question of COLOR was SETTLED BY THE BRITISH in 1936. Under FCI leadership, national breed standards throughout the world exhibit near total uniformity. Only ONE nation stands apart as an outlier. It defies simple logic.
   There is a problem with false consistency. With unexamined tradition.
        "A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines." --Ralph Waldo Emerson 
   And if that doesn't work for you, how about brushing up on your Shakespeare?
         "The fault,...is not in our stars, But in ourselves, that we are underlings." 
   Is the general membership of the GRCA listening? Does it care? I'm not suggesting an "Et tu, Brutus" moment; but shouldn't all of us care enough about our delightful Goldens to speak out and speak up on behalf of the concept of ONE Breed/ ONE Standard?
   I rest my case. 
  
 
  

Golden Retriever Conformation Champs

   Every now and then you come across something on the internet that borders on the silly to ridiculous. I found this on a Rifleman blog/ Canis Lupis Hominis, The Retriever, Dog, Wildlife.
   The contributor was lamenting the fact that lithe, red field dogs had devolved into "whites" lacking the ability to get the job done. He asks, "So which breeders are conserving the golden retriever?"
   The black and white photo represents the first conformation champion in the golden retriever breed, one of Mrs. Charlesworth's Noranby line. The other is not named, but said to be from Sweden. I think Jane Wild and his breeders would take issue with that. "Thomas" is shown here winning BOB in 2002 at Crufts.
   With all the talk about type (American or English) or coat color dividing the breed, we tend to forget that in all nations there is a widening gap between the field Goldens and those bred for the show ring. Regardless of how this author expresses his concern, that is a fact of life. If form should follow function, what in the world are we doing? Not so many years ago seeing a Golden on the grooming table for an hour or two to "prepare" him for the conformation ring....Let's face it; it just didn't happen.
   Some nations insist on linking a show title to tests proving hunting ability. Certainly this has great merit. Perhaps it is time to place less emphasis on our breed's FIRST name and concentrate on the RETRIEVER half.
   The GRCA offers little in this regard. One article suggests that a Golden should "LOOK LIKE" he could hunt. Appearance is reality(?)  Another suggests that before entering the conformation ring to judge Goldens it would be helpful if he attended at least ONE field trial prior to that. Or even watch a Golden actually doing his job in a real-life situation. Heady stuff.
   I'm just sayin.'
  

ACE and REX Take TOP HONORS at the Purina Farms IABCA SHOW in Missouri

   Santi Gadea (Thevenet kennel of Spain) took time out from his own busy show activities (he won BOB with his Golden Retriever "Sasha"at the World Dog Show in Finland)  to judge the Golden Retriever Specialty at Purina Farms fairground in Missouri-- one of five shows sponsored by the IABCA under FCI rules held June 21-22 of this year.
   BOB Adult honors went to "Rex" who is officially known as Nenuoramos Wings of Wind-- imported to the States after having won many titles and honors throughout Continental Europe.
   The top award for youngsters-- BOB Puppy --went to Break of Dawn Eternal Legacy.
   "Ace," as he is called, has an interesting background. He was born in the Netherlands; sired by a British-born male who has taken up residence in Canada.
   Dad had traveled to Europe to appear at various show venues, and did quite well indeed. Then he took some vacation time to date the ladies. "What Happens In Holland Stays In Holland." That's all I will say about that. But while taking his Grand Tour of Europe and BREAKing some hearts along the way, it was a lucky BREAK for the folks at BREAK of Dawn kennel. He returned home to Canada with a smile BREAKing out on his face. And Ace was one of the "souvenirs" left behind in the Netherlands. Fast forward, and the pup landed in northern California to enjoy life with his new playmates.Then showtime in the Midwest.
   Sadly, I do not know the names of the BOS winners; if someone will let me know, I will be happy to add them to this blog.
   Meantime, these guys really SHOWED 'EM in the SHOW-ME state of Mizzu..

"EDDIE" Makes Some AKC History As Third(?) Ever CREAM-Coated Champion

   Apparently I was wrong in thinking that "Eddie" was the first cream coat to win in the AKC conformation ring. Forgot about CH Crarae 4U2NV (Country Lane Top This x Crarae Amazing Grace)-- a lovely young lady. Also failed to mention another male, Chris Ti N The Fastlane At Calvo, who is either pale gold or possibly cream by birth. Both are American bred using English Type lines.

   Pictured here is SCANDAL LOVER DE ZELKOVA, an import from Spain, who earned his AKC championship at the Kenai Kennel Club show in Alaska held on July 14 of this year. To my knowledge, he is the first foreign- born cream Golden Retriever to have done so in three quarters of a century. KUDOS to this outstanding young representative of the breed. And special thanks to his owner who was willing to campaign this dog, despite current views on proper coat color.
   Two other males of  pale gold coloration have been awarded AKC titles in the conformation ring. But each appears to be more likely born-gold Goldens, although their coats approach the color which we call "cream." One is Australian import, Goldtreve Sydney Traveler. The other is Chris T N The Fastlane At Cal-Vo.
   At the Westminster Kennel Club Show Eddie was placed second in Open Dog Class and won the Reserve Dog designation. This, to my knowledge, is the highest achievement yet for a cream coat at America's most prestigious event for dogs. And that is saying a great deal, if true.
   I believe that the following statement, from Eddie's owner says it all.
          "He is presently being shown in the AKC show ring to make a difference in the minds of Judges in the USA. A well-bred Golden Retriever with a CREME coat IS NOT undesirable."
   There are any number of quality cream-coated Golden Retrievers to be found practically within walking distance from this year's National Specialty in North Carolina. Let us hope that some at least can find their way to the conformation ring at this venue. As they say, "Ya gotta be IN it to WIN it!"

TAKE A BOW...LOVELY LADIES

   While admiring the lovely ladies, I remembered that I had forgotten my favorite Stanroph bitch. So I've added six more. (A) A very regal looking Kai Taseot Bonni Pa Floprym, (B) My favorite Festival girl Rosemary, (C) the very pretty bitch Gladtail Power Of Love, (D) Stanroph So Be It, (E) All The Way To Floprym Av Vervik and (F) one of many quality bitches from a French kennel--Tommy Girl du Bois de la Rayere.This is what it's all about.

PICTURED ABOVE are twenty nine photos of Golden Retriever bitches which I have admired over the last decade or so. Among them are personal favorites. My selections-- with one exception --are based upon these snapshots in time. I did have an opportunity to see Bibi-Blues when I visited her owner (van de Beerse Hoeve). While she was beyond breeding age at the time of my visit, her overall quality was evident to the eye. Some of my choices reflect the fact that they were outstanding in the ring, some for the pups they added to the Golden community, but all for their exceptional beauty.
   For the record I do not own any of their offspring. So I'm not playing favorites. I think it would be difficult to select my top five from this group-- or even a top ten. I left the number 30 spot blank? Who might you add?
   I will identify each one week from today on this same post.
   Okay, here we go-- I think.
     (1) Styal Silksilla
     (2) Remington Requisite of Ramchaine
     (3) Cheer's Newtown Bee
     (4) Trewater Harriet
     (5) Imperium Salonae Silba
     (6) Prinsesse Askepott av Vervik
     (7) Gatchells Royal Orchid
     (8) Imperium Salonae Warm Smile
     (9) Samsara of Glen Sheallag
   (10) Gunhills Dancing Mandolin at Meloak
   (11) Thevenet Vanidad Mistica
   (12) Bibi-Blues of the Hellacious Acres
   (13) Remington Remember Me
   (14) Dewmist Shaquille
   (15) Ballerina of the Famous Family
   (16) Ossien of Glen Sheallag
   (17) Zampanzar Baby Love
   (18) Lollapalooza van de Beerse Hoeve
   (19) Zampanzar First Time
   (20) Ramchaine Green Glow by Fenwood
   (21) Dewmist Star of the Blue Hope
   (22) Thevenet Frutica Picada
   (23) Zampanzar Sky at Night
   (24) Fenwood Libertine Glitters
   (25) Dolce Candy de Ria Vela
   (26) Brithnous Agate
   (27) Styal Sugar D Shooting Star over Fenwood
   (28) Sandwich van de Beerse Hoeve
   (29) Xanthos Orange Blossom
   (30) Add your personal favorite

COAT COLOR COMES WITH NO GUARANTEES

   Why post these five very attractive dogs? To illustrate the point that the broad color range in Golden Retrievers (some would say from cream to chestnut) can produce surprises. Sometimes the litter will have darker pups than either of the parents; sometimes the pups will mature to colors which are lighter than either sire or dam. In fact, it is not unusual for a Golden litter to contain both light and dark pups. So much depends upon the dogs in their background. French breeding is behind the bitch featured at the bottom.
    My favorite Dewmist-bred dog, Silkventure,was from a litter of cream-coated pups. And his parents were both either born-cream Goldens or very light gold-born specimens.Any one who has seen and admired "Sidney" knows that he is without doubt gold in color.
   Your wish is my command. So I've added a photo of Sidney along with another personal favorite of mine, "Archie" aka Zampanzar Say It Again Shardanell. Though both are properly considered English Type, Sidney was born in Sweden and Archie is Spanish by birth .And, as can be clearly seen, coat color is quite different in these two outstanding champions.

GOLDEN RETRIEVER MYTHOLOGY: MISINFORMATION DISSEMINATION

   So you want to know FACTS about the Golden Retriever. Where do you turn for such information? An obvious place to look would be to access the websites of the breed clubs, especially those which have been designated as "parent" Clubs by the all-breed club of the various nations. The AKC has chosen the Golden Retriever Club of America; in Canada there is the GRCC .For its part, THE KENNEL CLUB (I capitalize this because of its somewhat silly pretentiousness) has designated The Golden Retriever Club (of Great Britain). And so it goes from nation to nation.
   Information about our breed is regularly to be found on their websites. And of course there are hundreds of regional Golden Retriever clubs which can be accessed as well. They, too, can be informative.
   The national clubs of record often have their own magazine. In America, one can consult the GOLDEN RETRIEVER NEWS (at least if you are a member); in Canada there is something called GOLDEN LEAVES, which can be found on line by its membership.
   Leading members of Golden Retriever clubs have written books, or have from time to time had articles printed-- not only in publications solely Golden-related , but in all-breed magazines as well.
   It is not unusual to find these appearing on individual breeder sites. Offered in their entirety or quoted in part. Sometimes the articles have been revised or updated; often unnoticed by the folks who have posted them in original form..
   All of these sources may be helpful, though on occasion the messages they contain may appear, or are in fact, in conflict. It would be helpful if these documents-- whatever the format --included footnotes. That would allow the reader to do additional research; and when necessary and if possible, to separate fact from fiction. As a former teacher I am amazed and irritated when I see entire  books written without a SINGLE footnote. Though most have included a bibliography of sorts, this is no substitute in a publication wishing to be considered serious scholarship.
   To be fair, most disagreements involve differences real and imagined between the two TYPES most often seen and recognized in the United States-- the English and the American TYPES.
   What is called the English Cream Golden Retriever is more correctly termed the English TYPE Golden Retriever. Some, if not most of those which have been imported by American and Canadian breeders are either born cream or very light gold at birth. But the entire color pallet from cream to even what some would describe as chestnut exists and is legitimate under international breed standards (in all but one case-- can you say USA?). And, truth be told, there have been and continue to be born-red Goldens on both sides of the Atlantic-- though they are universally frowned upon (wrongly I feel).
    And at the opposite end of the color spectrum it is scientifically possible to have a born-white Golden. That would only happen if for some reason genetic factors lined up in such a manner as to block all expressions of color. ( The pup would not be an albino, since albinism includes red eyes and lack of leather pigment and such.)
   In contrast, there has been developed in the United States what is referred to as the American TYPE Golden Retriever. Most folks think that the difference is purely one of coat color. That is simply NOT true. There are differences in structure which distinguish the TYPES. But for the most part, these have been ignored by fanciers of the breed on this side of the Atlantic Ocean. In fact,  if you enter the conformation ring with a European TYPE Golden Retriever, that dog will be judged NOT by the standard to which he was bred BUT RATHER the American standard and its unique requirements. This is in keeping with the idea that there is but a single breed-- the Golden Retriever. End result-- if an English TYPE cream-coated Golden enters the show ring he has virtually two strikes against him-- one based upon color; the other based upon structure. What could be more fair than that?
   Do English TYPE Goldens have less health issues? It has been said that they are less cancer prone. Two studies have been done-- one here and one in Great Britain. The number of dogs used in each study differed considerably. But the results indicated less incidence of cancer in the European-bred dogs. Some say the studies are inconclusive. Some websites cite the British study as incontrovertible truth. Fair or not.
   What about hip dysplasia?  There are some who argue that the BVA system of evaluating the dogs is more accurate than the OFA system. In part because each side has a numerical designation assigned to it. But it has been said that typically a dog rated 0:0 mated to a bitch with 0:0 hips will have a litter which averages a total 13 per pup. The problem persists despite the best efforts to discover the cause. I do not believe that either TYPE has anything to crow about in this regard.
   Do English TYPE Goldens have better temperaments? Unlike European breed standards, the American (and Canadian for that matter) Standard speaks of the conformation ring. If you expect to do well in show competition-- especially if you aim higher than Best of Breed --you need a dog who is a showman bordering on being a clown. The audience and the judges (sometimes, and perhaps too often) love it. If you breed for a dog who is "up" on the show circuit, you may get one who may be overly energetic or hyper all the time. It has been said that the European or English TYPE has a more laid back demeanor. A more level-headed disposition. Anecdotally this appears to be so. But there is no substantial evidence to support that claim.
   Does the English TYPE Golden possess superior hunting instincts? Oddly no one seems to care. While they may talk about coat texture, or size, or even coat color, advocates for neither TYPE claim superiority in this regard. If we are truly breeding for performance based upon ORIGINAL INTENT for the breed, I would think that this would be stressed far more than it is. I account for this mainly because the Goldens bred for hunting rarely see the inside of a conformation ring. And those who hunt their dogs appear to have little interest in the "show biz" aspect. And most of the show exhibitors rarely place their dogs in the field (God forbid they ruin their coat). I even wonder how many breeders/owners/handlers own a hunting rifle(?)
   Are English TYPE Goldens rare? Well there are far less living in the States when compared with the American TYPE. But that hardly makes them rare or exotic when you view the world scene.
   To sum up Part I of this essay (yes, you can expect Part II to follow shortly) the English TYPE Golden is no healthier, not in possession of a better temperament, not superior though somewhat different in structure, certainly not as rare as claimed, and NOT white. I've covered all the bases except one. Are they ridiculously PRICED? Caveat emptor-- let the buyer beware. Some breeders charge astronomical prices. Others do not. And this is equally true of breeders marketing BOTH TYPES. But we live in a capitalistic society which operates under the rules of "supply and demand." And clever advertising can create or accelerate demand. Do breeders make exaggerated claims? How many websites assert that they have searched the entire world for the absolute best breeding stock? And that they have succeeded in doing so? And lest you think I'm choosing sides, how many breeders advertise "blond" Goldens and tell potential puppy buyers that the mature dog will retain its birth color? What exactly is a blond dog anyway? Does blond appear on the color spectrum? Platinum blond? Strawberry blond? Ash blond, perhaps? Maybe even dirty blond? Some help here.
    Do breeders lie? Is the Pope Catholic?
                     Part II
   True or False: ALL Goldens are born gold or a shade of gold.
        According to one view, there is something called the "extension yellow" series which produces very pale cream to the deepest red. Part of this range is considered "truly golden" in color (OPINION, NOT FACT). That portion of the color range is acceptable in the show ring-- described as yellow or yellow-orange .Proponents of this view admit that Golden Retriever history has exhibited the entire range, however unacceptable the extremes may be viewed by American fanciers of the breed. Somehow we are asked to believe that ALL are some shade of gold. But is red actually gold?  Or coats described as reddish yellow, deep reddish gold, deep rich red-gold? Or even chestnut? Is gold whatever you say it is? All these terms are used to identify proper coat color.. But coats of "colorless" cream or ivory require a penalty; as does Irish Setter red. Even though they are "shades" of gold(?)
       A second view is based upon the idea that ALL Golden Retrievers are produced by the red MASTER gene for coat color. If that gene is affected by modifiers, pups will be born cream OR some shade of gold. In this view there are THREE birth colors-- red, cream, and gold. Each may vary in intensity depending upon the interaction of various genetic elements. In many breeds and many other animals cream is considered a dilute of red. (The black MASTER gene is not found in Golden Retrievers even though the first yellow retrievers had black littermates.) Each birth color is likely to  darken over time in a Golden. But pale cream becomes a deeper cream; red a deeper red; and gold a deeper shade of gold. And, under this scenario,  a born-cream pup CANNOT become a gold or red Golden as an adult. The genes don't work that way.
       The first view is held by the GRCA/AKC. You MUST register your dog as either GOLD or LIGHT GOLD. These choices have been determined by the GRCA leadership in recent years. So your born-cream dog is considered to be a pale-to-light gold and your born-red pup is simply a darker gold (OPINION, NOT FACT). Most record keeping once done by the AKC is now done by the parent club for each breed. So there is no way of ascertaining the number of born-cream Goldens, since no such information is gathered or retained for such a category. Nor for that matter has it ever been.
      The same GRCA leaders claim that the British Standard--when properly understood-- likewise recognizes one birth color. What the Brits really mean by cream-- according to these American observers' supposition -- is pale shading on an otherwise gold dog or simply a very light shade of gold. An interesting opinion with no facts to support it, But presented as fact in books and articles, none the less. (OPINION, NOT FACT) When you say a Golden may be either cream or gold, major word gymnastics are required to rewrite that as "gold or the shade of gold described as cream." If that was intended, why single out only ONE shade?  Either list all possibilities or offer none.
   It is bothersome when the word cream is sometimes called a COLOR and at other times it is referred to as a SHADE of color. You can't-- or at least shouldn't --have it both ways. The same thing is being done with the word English when used as a modifier. The phrase "English Golden" properly applies to the nation of origin; the words "English Type" is used to describe Goldens who are bred to the British STANDARD rather than to the American standard-- regardless of where that breeding occurs. Think English Cocker and American Cocker. Now two breeds, bred to two different standards. It does not depend upon country of origin. Interestingly, the generic term "cocker spaniel" is used to reference American Cockers here in the States, while it is used to identify English Cockers by the folks in Great Britain.
   What should we call a Golden Retriever pup bred in America out of two English TYPE imports? You figure it out. I'm confused. It's American-bred (meaning BRED IN AMERICA) BUT....NOT an American TYPE Golden.
   It's like the phrase, "To be TRULY Golden a dog must be truly GOLD in color." Now, substitute all of the words which have been viewed as part of the arbitrary (and solely OPINION-based) allowable color spectrum under the American breed standard. "...a dog must be truly YELLOW ORANGE in color." Or COPPERY RED, or REDDISH GOLD or CHESTNUT, et al...."  Borders on the ridiculous, doesn't it? But this one phrase, and stubborn adherence to it by TRUE BELIEVERS, is what stands in the way of an accommodation or compromise which could bring the breed to greater unity and make real the belief (so often asserted as FACT) that their is only ONE Golden Retriever. Anyone who really believes this to be true should work to make it happen. Instead the bickering continues. The way things stand, can you identify a major venue in Europe where American-bred Goldens would take away top honors in the conformation ring? Crufts, perhaps? The World Dog Show? And are Europeans and Australians flocking to our shores to purchase American-bred Golden Retrievers for their breeding programs? I think not. Doesn't that tell you anything at all about the BELIEF IN ONE BREED claim? You can believe in anything you wish, but wishing does not make it so. Belief is NOT FACT, in the absence of emperical evidence to support that belief.
   
  
   
 
       
      

   
  
   
  
  
  

SHOW ME THE MONEY!!!!!

   Dogs-- Gotta love 'em (especially Golden Retrievers).
   Dog Shows-- NOT so much.
      An ego-driven exercise for profit.
      Unfair description? You be the judge.
      It's supposed to be a fun-based family outing.
      Results offer few surprises.
      Professional handlers tend to dominate.
      Too muxh emphasis on how a dog performs.
      Over-grooming seems to be the norm.
      What's become of the "form follows function" concept?

Perhaps we need an "Ice Bucket Challenge." Let's see what's under all that fluff.
   How about placing all entries in a fully-fenced arena. Off with the leashes. Out with the handlers--        professional or otherwise. Let the dogs freely interact. Only then, follow normal procedures in the ring.
   I'm just sayin'.

So Close To Reason, Common Sense and Sanity

   On August 30, 2012 I visited the official GRCA website. To my surprise and delight I discovered what appeared to be a sea change in attitude on the part of the Club leadership.
   A document formulated by the GRCA Judges' Education Committee and approved by the AKC for use included the following information.
     Coat and Color: Color is probably one of the most common variants seen in the breed. The standard specifies "lustrous golden of various shades" which allows a broad range of color, ranging from cream to a coppery gold, with allowable lighter feathering. This variation in color is one of the breed's attractions. Extremes of light and dark of the predominant body color are considered undesirable.
   With this new attitude, the born-cream Golden Retrievers would no longer be treated unfairly in the conformation ring. Long overdue, but most welcome none the less.
   This meant that the GRCA would now follow the practice employed by the GRCC to our north. While the Canadian Breed Standard speaks to the same "lustrous golden," it is clear that cream is permissible as a coat color. This is stated in the official Illustrated Breed Standard and instructions to judges.
   The GRCA Judges' Education Committee claimed the right to expand upon and clarify the meaning of the American Standard, and thus to determine the spectrum of permissible coat color that was in keeping with that sort of enhancement. (A letter I have since received from the GRCA Board reaffirmed that right.)
   But my excitement and appreciation of the work of Ainslie Mills and her committee was short-lived. By September 11, 2012, the word "cream" had disappeared from the document.
   The maintenance of the original wording of the document would have represented a watershed moment for our breed. If, that is, judges were instructed properly to follow it and then did as instructed. This would most certainly be greeted as good news by breed fanciers and GRCA members both north and south of the 49th parallel. And it would send an important signal to Golden Retriever fans throughout the world.
   The revised document may be found on the GRCA website under the heading, "Judging The Golden Retriever." And a 2010 document entitled simply "Color" includes the statement, "Dogs whose body color is predominantly cream or off-white, or dark setter-red, are not  truly 'golden' and should be judged accordingly." So the same GRCA which insists  that there is no such thing as a WHITE Golden apparently believes that there are OFF-WHITE Goldens. And, Goldens are improper if they are SETTER-RED but apparently they mean only mahogany RED and NOT chestnut RED-- which they have no problem with. Break out the Crayolas kids and we'll tell you how many are gold.

PHOTOS Are Often Misleading

   Does anyone out there in Golden Retriever Land have photos that provide evidence that American-bred Goldens have produced cream -coated puppies without the infusion of European Type lines? I have yet to see one. For a time, breeders were claiming to have "blond" pups for sale. But though light at birth, they matured to a definitely gold body color.
   The dog in the lower photo is Laurell's Hooked On Clasix.
   The article was first published by the GRCA in 2009; and it may be found on countless Golden Retriever related websites.

THIS IS HOW THE GRCA "Educates" Us about the Breed

   A little snip snip here and a crop crop there and you've got the Goldilocks version of the color clause as presented by the GRCA.

Here A "C," There A "C"-- Heresy?

   Folks who comment on the proper coat color for Golden Retrievers have claimed that anything that falls between the two extremes of cream and chestnut is legitimate for the breed. Though not everyone agrees. Under the present GRCA Breed Standard cream is viewed as "undesirable;" at the same time leading Club spokespersons claim legitimacy for chestnut-- even though it is one of two allowable coat colors identified in the AKC Irish Setter Breed Standard. This seems odd, since from the beginning of the Golden Retrievers presence in America, any coat color which was red enough to confuse the Golden with the red setters was viewed unfavorably. In fact no Golden Retriever breed standard in any nation has ever considered Irish Setter red desirable for our breed.

HOW TO INCREASE THE GENE POOL FOR GOLDEN RETRIEVERS

   Years ago it was difficult to add new bloodlines to our breed. Now, due to the miracle of modern science, technology and transportation the task is far easier to accomplish. Pups can be imported from virtually anywhere in the world. Bred bitches can be shipped to us from anywhere we choose. Frozen sperm can now be shipped freely throughout the world. On occasion, stud dogs may be leased and shipped across national boundaries. There even is one instance of an American breeder shipping her bitch to a European country for breeding to an outstanding male. And it is not unusual for this to happen frequently between American and Canadian breeders. So the 21st century has made it far less complicated. More and more we see evidence of ONE breed. There is nothing to fear from this" internationalization" of the Golden Retriever, as long as the breed standard offers uniform excellence and promotes and protects our special breed.
   But expanding the gene pool doesn't happen automatically. There must be a willingness among breeders to share. While limited registrations are necessary, they should be used judiciously. We do not believe in the mantra: A GOLDEN RETRIEVER IN EVERY AMERICAN HOME. Though such a thought creates an interesting mental image. Sometimes popularity produces mediocrity. That must be avoided. But some degree of sharing these new bloodlines is required if the Golden Retriever is to advance as a breed.
   

ONE DOES NOT EQUAL THREE; YOU CAN"T BE THE SAME BUT DIFFERENT

THEY WERE PIONEERS of the "BRITISH" INVASION

   The two gents pictured here were likewise important additions to the gene pool for Goldens in North America. The Majik Kennel is located in Finland, while Fantango is a leading kennel down under in Australia. These two dogs-- one cream and one gold --make clear that the English Type is not limited to one coat color, any more than it is defined by nation of origin.

   The dogs pictured here-- Stanroph Secret Weapon (larger photo above), Dewmist Santorini, Mjaerumhogda's Kyon Flying Surprise and  Dewmist Davenport -- along with others such as Haydene Commador, and Dewmist Silver Diamond represent the first wave of English- type cream and light gold Golden Retrievers to reach the North American continent. And they left their mark on the breed, without question. Pictured as well are two dogs bred here in North America-- Tashora The Odds Are At Kyon and Grenadier Pebwin Dirtywhite Boy. The first of these was sired by a Finnish champion bred to a bitch with both Stanroph Secret Weapon and Dewmist Santorini behind her. While Dewmist Davenport  is the sire of the other. He's just one of Davey's outstanding progeny.
   While the Stanroph kennel is in the United Kingdom,  Mjaerumhogda is a Norwegian kennel while Dewmist can be found in Sweden. So we are not talking only about British bred but rather the English TYPE, bred in accordance with the standard of the nation of origin of the breed itself-- the United Kingdom. Or Scotland, to be more precise. For the most part-- and perhaps out of necessity since there were so few European imports at the time --the dogs were bred mostly to Canadian and American-bred Golden Retrievers of their era. In later years, Australian imports were included in the mix as well. This added to the international flavor of many Canadian-bred Goldens.
  ( The larger photo in the second "row"  is Stanroph Secret Weapon.)

BLAME CANADA! Toss the GRCC Article Entitled "British Cream Golden Retrievers" Into the LOONY Bin Where It Belongs

The article in question reads like a public service announcement. We must protect unsuspecting puppy buyers from being bilked out of their loonies by the loony breeder who sells expensive, allegedly rare, white English Cream Golden Retrievers.
   To quote the article:
      "....To call the current light ones 'English Cream Golden Retrievers' is incorrect terminology, and in fact the majority of these dogs do not even come from England, but are bred right here in North America or are descended from dogs that have been imported from various European countries, Scandinavia, New Zealand and Australia."
 What's wrong with this statement?
     First, a minor point, but last time I looked, Scandinavia was part of Europe.
     More important-- The term "English Cream Golden Retriever" is NOT incorrect if you interpret it as intended. The word "English" refers to English TYPE, NOT country of origin. What it means is that the Goldens are bred to the English STANDARD (or FCI) rather than the Standard of the GRCA or that of the GRCC. Those are the three (four) options. (I have chosen to ignore the United Kennel Club Standard as irrelevant to the discussion) We regularly sell English TYPE or American TYPE Golden Retrievers or mixes of the two types (and I have yet to see an advertiser who claims to market a CANADIAN TYPE). This is true in the States or Canada.
     The word "cream" refers to the BIRTH color of the Golden Retriever. Or at least it should. Some breeders mistake born- very- light- gold pups for cream pups. Not so, but the confusion is understandable. And again, this is a reference to the British Standard that clearly states that cream is a stand-alone color separate and apart from gold.
   So, if you wish to write an article about English Cream Golden Retrievers, get your facts straight. You are referring to a Golden Retriever which was born cream, bred to the British Standard, regardless of country of origin. They are bred in America. They are bred in Canada. Rumor has it that they may actually be bred in the United Kingdom.
   A final point. You (correctly) insist that there is only ONE Golden Retriever. Why then do you have a separate GRCC Breed Standard? Why is there an AKC/GRCA distinct Breed  Standard as well? THREE BREED STANDARDS for what you claim is a SINGLE breed? Explanation please.
   DON'T MISUNDERSTAND. BREEDERS WHO MAKE EXTRAVAGANT, FALSE AND RIDICULOUS CLAIMS ABOUT THEIR GOLDENS SHOULD BE AND RIGHTFULLY ARE TO BE CONDEMNED.  BUT YOU CANNOT FAIRLY ACCUSE ALL WHO BREED CREAM-COATED GOLDEN RETRIEVERS OF THESE METHODS. That is certainly the inference which can be drawn from your article. What about those who breed the British-type cream-coated dogs by preference, and yet make NO such exaggerated statements whatsoever? They deserve better treatment than that. Direct your charges at the OFFENDERS, do not paint ALL who breed cream coats with the same broad brush. To do so marginalizes a lot of good people and a lot of outstanding dogs. One can only imagine what Canadian Goldens would look like today if it had not been for the inclusion and influence of exemplary imports of the English Type in the nation's breeding programs. And the key dogs appear ALL to have been either cream or very pale gold in color.  So not only does your article impugn breeders, but-- by association -- those outstanding dogs as well. I suggest a REWRITE is in order.
   The President of the GRCC has said that the purpose of the article is to INFORM; in no way was its publication intended to invoke discussion. But to me it begs to be discussed. Are there no Canadian members who share my concerns?
   
  

Folks who fly the Maple Leaf flag have it RIGHT

   In the Illustrated Breed Standard of the Canadian Golden Retriever Club this description of our Goldens appears. It is to educate the judges and the public in general. This is how the colour clause of their Breed Standard should be applied.  This range of colour properly falls within the parameters of the phrase,
                            "COLOUR LUSTROUS GOLDEN OF VARIOUS SHADES...."  
   The GRCA Judges' Education Committee developed a document, approved by the AKC as required, which said virtually the same thing. When that handout-- developed for judges in the AKC show ring --was questioned, as if by magic, the color cream was expunged from the document. Restoring that single word would not require a change in the GRCA/AKC Golden Retriever Breed Standard. But I believe it would satisfy the complaints of nearly all owners of cream-coated Goldens who demand equal treatment in the conformation ring. Our Goldens are not "undesirable" in any way whatsoever.
   The GRCA/AKC Breed Standard's color clause should be changed. But failing that, altering the document cited above would be an important first step. And if judges chose to read it, and apply it, that might well solve the problem without any need to go through the amendment process..

Rarer Than Hen's Teeth Or Perhaps A Unicorn

   Here we have Indy, a lovely example of a very pale Golden Retriever. Though some might consider him to be cream in color, he was more likely born a very light gold. In any case he is a dual AKC American/Canadian champion.
   Elsewhere on this blog you will find "Sydney," most likely a born light gold as well. He too has earned both of these prestigious titles. Australian by birth, unlike Indy who was bred right here in the States.
   So there you have it. These may well be  two of a miniscule number of "cream" Golden Retrievers to win a championship title under AKC rules and regulations.
   CHRIS TI N THE FASTLANE AT CAL-VO
   GOLDTREVE SYDNEY TRAVELER
   If any of you folks know of any others with such an honor please let me know, and I will be more than happy to give credit where credit is due.
   
   
  

How About Some USA-Canadian Joint Endeavours

If we work together we can pay fitting tribute to the Scots who gave us our glorious Golden Retrievers by repaying the gift with a UNIFIED BREED STANDARD.
   ONE BREED:ONE STANDARD. That's how we can "Pay It Forward." These delightful dogs deserve nothing less.

SPLITTING HAIRS???

Whether you spell the word C-O-L-O-R OR C-O-L-O-U-R, most folks would understand what you are talking about.
   You may call for "lustrous golden of various shades..." OR your Breed Standard may require, "Rich, lustrous golden of various shades...."
   See the DIFFERENCE?
   Is there ANY difference?
   You do? Well that's rich.
   But what's "rich?"
   Apparently, CREAM is within the parameters of "lustrous golden." BUT it fails to pass muster if it hopes to be considered as, "RICH, lustrous golden...."
   It's a TALE of TWO STANDARDS. It's a TALE of TWO SETS Of INSTRUCTIONS TO JUDGES.
   Show your dog under the Canadian Breed Standard -- though a born-cream Golden --NO problem. After all he/she is "lustrous golden."
   BUT, exhibit your cream dog south of the 49th parallel and you will discover that your Golden is "undesirable," and must be penalized in the conformation ring.
   Let's visit the GRCA website, shall we. "Purebred Golden Retrievers do not come in pure white, even though some may be extremely light cream in color....Light-colored Goldens are just that, IT IS SIMPLY A COLOR PREFERENCE...."
   So the GRCA admits cream is a COLOR not just a SHADE of GOLD. Further, that it is merely a PREFERENCE. Unfortunately it is a personal preference which the powers- that- be in the GRCA do not share. Thus they are determined to penalize it.
   Do cream coats have temperament issues? Do cream coats have medical issues? Are cream coats not really Goldens-- NOT TRULY Golden Retrievers because they are not TRULY gold enough to please the GRCA leadership? Is that the problem? No one else on the planet shares that view.
  

The GIFT of UNITY Is Merely COMMON SENSE

   1bs41b-- One Breed Standard For One Breed--The Golden Retriever. Isn't anyone else tired of seeing ads for American Type Golden Retrievers OR English Type Golden Retrievers OR WHITE Golden Retrievers OR whatever? Isn't anyone else tired of breed standards written specifically for the show ring instead of the breed itself?

IS The CCA Nothing More Than A Money-Making JOKE?

   Thanks to the GRCA and AKC you are now able to have a "feel-good moment" with your Golden Retriever in a ring which is sorta like a conformation ring. But of course it's not. The certificate you receive is not a title in any real sense of the word. It's kind of like the IABCA and UK titles you "buy" at the non-AKC shows. Folks on the internet regularly advertise that their dogs are champions, neglecting to mention that such designations are NOT of the AKC or Canadian variety.While such titles are likewise "feel-good" experiences, no one can seriously claim that they are the equal of victory in the AKC conformation ring or at a Canadian venue.
   We are told that," The prime purpose for this program is to foster understanding of the GRCA Breed Standard to all Golden owners and breeders." Further that "(The CCA) program is intended for educational purposes...."  Some of the leadership in the GRCA even suggest that the evaluations are more meaningful than judgments made in the conformation ring. Your dog is judged against the Standard, NOT other dogs in the CCA ring. It is strictly non-competitive. Of course, the rules of engagement say that "mingling" should take place-- so that the evaluator can assess how your Golden reacts with others in the ring. So they are evaluated individually, BUT they're NOT.
   Judges who are participants in these evaluations are also judges at the conformation shows. They may actually be called upon to judge a dog which they had helped to acquire a CCA document. How does this translate?
   There have been countless cream-coated Golden Retrievers who have been granted CCA titles. How many of these have now earned AKC championship status? Many? Any? Can you name EVEN ONE? They do win Canadian titles with little difficulty. Why is that? Perhaps because the Canadian Breed Standard does not consider them to be "undesirable" and clearly states in their instructions to judges that CREAM is a legitimate coat color in the breed. NOT SO IN AMERICA.
   Yes, the CCA program DOES foster understanding of the GRCA Breed Standard. It shows how the Club leadership is determined to treat CREAM Goldens as different, inferior and less worthy.
   Bottom line: the CCA is a clever bit of fund-raising for the GRCA. We deserve better.

The GOLDEN RETRIEVER IS A GIFT TO US-- Why Not A CLUB to Honor This GIFT?

If Americans and Canadians are members of the GRCA perhaps we could work together to change the GRCA Breed Standard which is out of sync with those around the world. We must cooperate to maintain our Goldens as ONE BREED. And we can do this by working within the parent club-- if we have the will and determination to do so.

Some Thoughts About the Guisachan Gathering

No comment required. The photo says it all. The world has it right; we Americans have it wrong...and will not be moved.

ABINVALE TRAGUARDO--BOB GOLDEN RETRIEVER-- CRUFTS 2014

I know, lady friends of egrits.com. Here I go again, featuring a top MALE Golden Retriever. But be fair, he did win the breed competition at Crufts this year. And I was privileged to own one of his daughters-- if only too briefly.
  

SIATHAM CALAMITY JANE-- BOB Golden Retriever --CRUFTS 2013

Here's a photo of a true Golden GIRL. Sorry I'm a year late. Sorry, too, for seemingly always featuring males and failing to show the lovely ladies in our breed.

GOLD Goldens Celebrate In the UK

   While there were many light gold and cream-coated Goldens who took part in the celebration, it is clear from these photos that not all were of that coloration. Just as the gathering at Guisachan Manor showed. The English Type Golden embodies a very broad range of permissible color.
   And in both cases, the dogs in attendance were not all born in England, but rather represented many countries throughout Europe.
   There is an international standard which defines the breed.
   Similarly, the entries at Crufts exhibited a very broad range of coat color, with entries from many nations-- except the United States.
  

GUISACHAN Congrats To GOLDENS

   The STATUE is in place. A monument to a MONUMENTAL breed that is the Golden Retriever. Original home to our beloved dogs-- add this destination to your to-do "bucket list" of trips. And try to visit before the last stone falls from the once-stately manor house.

One AWEsome AUSSIE Mate

Sydney is one of a very very few light-coated Goldens to achieve recognition both north and south of the 49th parallel. Perhaps only the second to achieve an AKC championship title. Well deserved, in any case. He is an outstanding representative of the breed as it was intended to be.

SASHA and SANTI On Top of the WORLD

Anyone who knows Santi knows of his dedication to the breed and his tireless efforts to build a BETTER Golden. This win is just the latest example of how his work with the breed has paid dividends. I'm sure I speak for all Americans who are privileged to own pups which carry the Thevenet name. Hearty congratulations.

   Actually, the 1990's Breed Standard merely repositioned sections of the GRCA/AKC Standard put in place in 1981 or so. So we had one standard in place from 1954 until that time-- nearly an entire generation. And now another generation has passed with the newest iteration. And we remain out of step with the rest of the world. And proud of it(?)

TWO HUNDRED...and Most Likely Many More

   The following kennels represent those you can find on the internet advertising English Type Golden Retrievers. Some are connected to the GRCA; others are not. Some may well be considered puppy mills or backyard breeders by some observers. Some may no longer be in operation. Some claim to have WHITE Golden Retrievers (though they do not exist). Some--even a few recommended by the GRCA-- breed and sell Goldendoodles. Some breeders sell only the one type; while others have blended them with the American Type.
    In no way does this blog suggest that you deal or choose not to deal with any of them. This is not intended as judgment of any sort. The kennels are listed simply to show that the British Type Golden has a strong presence in America. And it should be said, that the coat color of this type may and does vary considerably; though many folks mistakenly believe that all of such imported stock is CREAM in color.
   At what point, if ever, will the leadership of the GRCA step up to the plate and deal with this issue? They have steadfastly refused to deal with the color issue. Our American Standard stands alone in the world in declaring cream-coated Goldens to be "undesirable."
   And, at what point, if ever, will those of us who breed the English Type stand up to the parent organization for the breed here in the States?
   Me thinks the color issue may be a smokescreen. The fact is that the two Types-- American and English --are growing more pronounced in their differences. There is only ONE Golden Retriever, despite national or regional differences and despite the primary purpose of disparate breeding programs-- whether for the field or the show ring. This is what we are told repeatedly by the powers that be. Our Golden Retrievers appear to exist in the Dr Panglossian world of Candide. In the American "best of all possible worlds" they are the best of all possible Goldens. No need to even question the status quo. Our Standard is perfection as it stands. I would remind folks that once upon a time there was but ONE cocker spaniel. Is this where the Golden is headed? A cocker spaniel in Great Britain is an English cocker spaniel in America; an English cocker spaniel in Great Britain is simply a cocker. The cocker spaniel in America is an American cocker spaniel in continental Europe and the British Isles. In any case they are NOW SEPARATE breeds.
   So, here's the LIST:
   Acadia, akcDoubleB, Alaskas, All-Star, Alpine White, Anbrus, Angelic, Angelwings,
AurGwyn, Auregrande, Autumn Lake, Bar C, Beaver Creek, Bennington Hills, Blue Briton, Brandegold, Briarwood, Brighton, British Goldens, Britgold, Britmore, Britannia Farm, Bullock's,  Cadfarm, Caliopy Ranch, Camelothouse, Captivate, Carolina Country, Cedar, Chadwick, Charis, Classic Creek, Classic Heritage, Cold Spring Mountain, Cool Runnings, Council House, Countrylane , Creekside, Crescent Valley, Cromwell, Cross Creek, Cruzin, Cute Golden Pups.
   D and D, Danford, Darrowby, Deer Creek, Desdia, Dewbury Dream, Diamond Springs,  Dillons, Earth Angel, Eastshore, Elite, Emerald, English Meadow, Essex, Faded Ash, Fatherland, Fayre, Galaxy, Garden, Gazn, Glacier, Glamorous, Glenbogle, Glenfinnan,  Golden Downs, Goldengirls, Golden Glacier, Golden Meadows, Goldfeather, Golden Reflection, Golden Ridge, Goldensglen, Gold Standard, Golden Willow Downs, Goldens of Four Oaks, Goldwynns, Gorefinadan, Green Country, Green Family, Great Lakes, Grindols.
  Halia, Heart of Gold, Heart of Gold Pups, Hearts of Gold, Heatherwood, Heroes Gold, Hidden Meadow, High Country Critters, Honor, Hunnington Farms, Ice Wind, Iron Hill, JRs, Kashmir, KH Kennel, Kinship Companions, Ky Rose Cream, Lake Country, Lakeside, Le Chien D'Or Blanc, Lil-Bit-O-Golden, Little Flower, Lochinvar, Long May You Run, Loup Valley, Lucky Lady Farm, Majestic Manor, Mapleleaf, Marina, Milbrose, Millbrook, Mn Goldens, Montrose, Moonlit Acres, Moon Ridge.
  Newman, New Moon, Nicholberry, Noble, Nolichucky, Northern Lights, Northshire, North Star, Oakbrook, Oakshire, Of Witness, Perfect Peace, Pine Ridge, Platinum, Plum Creek, Promiseland, Quapaw, Rae-Ray, Recherche, Red Fern Companions, Riverbend, Riverbound, River Road Retrievers, Rosehill Imports, Royal, Royal Touch, Saddle Creek, Samben, Satin Sea International, Savannah, S'Cess, Shadymist, Showme, Showring, Silkspun, Silkspur, Silvermine, Snitker, Snow Angels, Snowdrift, Snowfire, Snowstorm, Snow Water, Snowypaws, Snowy Pines, Solid Rock, South Wind, Southern Charm, Southern Cross, Southern Shades, Southland, Spirit, Star Crowned, Starr, Starlite, Star Locke, Stockton, Stoneledge, Strike, Storm Catcher, Summerbrook, Sunlight, Sunnylaine, Sunrunner, Super Goldens, Sweet Cream, Sweetspot, Swiss Ridge, Syrah, Syzygy.
   Talini, Tanglewood, The Golden Acres, Thistledown, Timberee, Tintagel, Treasure, Trowsnest, Utah Goldens, Westport, White Dove, White Gold, Whitegold Angels, White Oak, Willowbrook, Willow Cross, Wing Watcher, Winterdogs, Winter Ridge, Wisteria, Woodriver, Woodstream, Wyndance, Yankeeland.
   Apologies to any I've missed. And I suspect the number is quite large.