Working Golden Retrievers...

[dandogman]

What are they like to own/train?

[trekmoor]

I have never owned one but they make good gundogs, sometimes very good gundogs.

Wullie

[Terry]

They are just wonderful dogs, I have mentioned many times on here.
I have been looking for one for a while now and very difficult to find
What I want, there are not that many available .
I know one can get a pup but if you want a2-3 year old fully trained
It will cost 3-5k from a good breeder.at least that is what I found.
Ur last two died couple years back aged 15 both out same litter
Never a cross word between them in all that time.

[John Porter]

I have a nineteen month old with lots of Holway, Kessgold and Fallowfen in his pedigree. I have been training with him since he was a year old and I am learning about the pleasure of working with him. This is my first experience of training a gundog and although there are three times the number of Labradors in our training group, Maxi compares really well with the other gundog breeds. I wish I had started much sooner but every week he gets steadier and really enjoys working. I can't wait for next season!

[Canburne]

There are two prime differences between labradors and goldens, the first is that they mature more slowly and the second is that they air scent rather than ground scent. They do exactly the same job so their training is the same but you just take your time and don't push too fast. They are very loyal, sensitive and caring dogs and make for great companions in the field.

Most people say a lab will mature at two years, a golden at four and flatcoats never mature. Stay away from show bred goldens, the white flufffy oversized dogs that couldn't survive half a morning in the field let alone a day. The working side of the goldens is very small and we tend to know each other very well but as an illustartion of relative size probably 40/45 labs get made up to FT Ch each year but only 3/4 goldens - that is not to do with quality but simply numbers.

So if you want one do lots of research to find the right breeder and be patient - good luck

[Terry]

any names re breeders.??

[Hepe]

This is my favorite golden, Skoj (http://www.rasdata.nu/golden/hund/2009/s6172909.htm) unfortunately not too much help to you regarding breeders since he's in Sweden but still thought I'd give a thumbs up to goldens.


Photo: Axel Eschenburg.

[Dummy1]

I have two goldies at a year old that I intend to trial both are looking like they will make the grade, you need a very good sense of humour as they are completely different to labradors and love a good game.... Even when it's with a dummy

[dandogman]

Thanks all.

I was planning on getting a Cocker, but I went to Crufts and saw working Goldies, and they really caught my eye... I'm really not sure now!!

[LJR]

Thanks all.

I was planning on getting a Cocker, but I went to Crufts and saw working Goldies, and they really caught my eye... I'm really not sure now!!

Maybe just get one of each