"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!"