Natural History

Posted in golden retriever, golden retriever history | Tagged English golden retriever, European golden retriever, golden retriever | 10 Comments

10 Responses

1. on August 3, 2011 at 3:08 am ramin

   What exactly is it that you don’t like about him?

   Based on this picture he is in quite good condition and isn’t at all barrel-chested like so many goldens seem to be now. My main complaint is his head, which has too much skin and is a bit blocky but is still quite good when compared to most modern goldens. But then again, I like the flatcoat heads more.

   Even his coat isn’t excessive and wouldn’t be an obstacle or hindrance in the water (or other hunting grounds).

   
   
   • on August 3, 2011 at 8:20 am retrieverman

     I just don’t like the English type in general.

     I like the Bush’s Baked Bean type.

     
     
   • on August 3, 2011 at 8:22 am retrieverman

     Something like the 1st American Dual Ch.:

     https://retrieverman.wordpress.com/2011/02/15/1st-dual-champion-golden-in-the-us/

     
     
     • on August 3, 2011 at 8:28 am retrieverman

       http://www.k9data.com/pedigree.asp?ID=289544

       
       
   • on August 3, 2011 at 8:24 am retrieverman

     http://www.bredekaer.dk/golden_retrievergb.htm

     The short legs and excessive bone are problems.

     You want a much more lithe dog if you want speed.

     
     
     • on August 3, 2011 at 8:29 am ramin

       True, now that I look at him in detail his legs are a bit short. But mostly he is much more in the direction that I’d like to see goldens develop instead of the current European/UK style of fluffy big white couch retrievers.

       But he really isn’t big or too heavy – even compared to many flatcoats that I know. And I’m talking about flatcoats that I know can work with speed instead of some pony-sized flatcoats that exist.

       
       
2. on August 3, 2011 at 5:26 am labpack

   Credit to the dog’s full Ch title! He had proved to have the qualities of a working gundog.

   
   
   • on August 3, 2011 at 8:26 am retrieverman

     Yes.

     You can ride a Clydesdale.

     But don’t try to turn him into a trail horse.

     
     
3. on August 3, 2011 at 12:06 pm M.R.S.

   Within the range of variation allowable in a breed, any person may have their individual preferences. Doesn’t mean that individual preferences need be accepted by other individuals. Breeders and owners, however, have much more leeway as to indulging their preferences than does the (it is to be hoped) impartial judge in the show ring.

   If variations become departures from classic/historical breed type and correct functional structure (which has happened in many breeds), then those departures should be recognized as faults/failings, and not perpetuated.

   
   
4. on August 3, 2011 at 1:15 pm labpack

   I’m happy there are still old pics & photos to see the breed type – as it was meant to be!

   Beyond my comprehension to see how shortened legs and muzzle, added bone & substance and fur is IMPROVEMENT… (sigh) :(

   
   

Comments are closed.