Any idea why these seem so few and far between? Generally at all the demonstrations I've seen (admittedly at general dog shows and the like, just local things) its always labs and spaniels, more so spaniels. Don't think I have ever seen a golden retriever at work.

Wondered if there is a particular reason for this? I'm quite keen to get into the working side with them eventually but looking around for working pups it seems most are attempts at dual purpose, seemingly more heavily weighted on the show side or I might just be looking in completely the wrong places..! I've even looked for books and reading materials targeted towards retrievers and they seem very hard to find, even for labs but I feel like I come across a lot for spaniels.

But yes, wondered if anyone knew much about why they seem lacking in number and where I should be looking to see some lovely working goldens?

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Afraid I can't point you in any specific direction but they're definitely out there! I watched a demo at the Suffolk Show this year with 3 lovely Goldens, all with darker, shorter hair then most around today. Was great to see them with the Labs and Spaniels, they were just as able and enthusiastic.

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Scooter and Breeze - Labrador Retrievers
Cosmo - White Fife Canary

Hmm what do you mean by shorter hair?! I've never seen a shorter haired golden, weren't fox red labs were they?!

I'm not too far from Suffolk, I'll have to do some research

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Your post has made me curious so I've been doing some digging!:

Index has a good "Working News" section.

Grayspeed Stud Dogs

Training Gundog | Gundog Trainers | Lancashire, UK

Canburne Gundogs for Golden Retrievers of sound temperament and proven working ability

Gaytonwood Golden and Labrador Retrievers

Apologies if you've already found these links, enjoyed having a browse as I love the look of the working line Goldies

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Scooter and Breeze - Labrador Retrievers
Cosmo - White Fife Canary

There was a fox red Lab in the ring with the Goldies! They just didn't have the excessive coats that you see on a lot of pet dogs and all the show winners (the Goldies I know best are show lined so I really noticed the difference).

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Scooter and Breeze - Labrador Retrievers
Cosmo - White Fife Canary

Hehe thanks I will have a look at the links tomorrow, bit too tired at the min to take them in

Ahhh right that makes sense. I very much like middle of the road goldens. Don't like red ones, don't like white ones, don't like short hair, don't like long hair

I think I could have trouble finding my dream puppy I've got a good few years to look though

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It's funny, all the breeders I've been looking at are producing cream Goldens nowadays. I do like the cream ones but would be nice to see more variations in the colours.

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Don't know if it's been mentioned but Levenghyl breed Goldies:

Welcome to the home of Levenghyl Labradors & Castlemans Golden Retrievers

Also, most working Goldies tend to be of the darker colour .

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The gamekeeper on one of our local shoots breeds working goldies, it's where I got 'Flyte from.

I really dislike the creams. I cannot express in words but I just don't get it, some are literally white that I've met Golden retrievers to me means there must be some variation in coat, even in the very light goldens there must be some kind of gold tint somewhere on the coat. Light golden is fine, but white/cream is just not my thing at all

Oooh thanks not heard of them. I have to say I prefer dark red to cream/white but I prefer golden Catcombe are nice middle of the road golden colours:

Catcombe Golden Retrievers

Only thing is they originated from show dogs I think and I'd like something more diverse form the off. At this rate I'd have to make my own dream golden but I never would. Just have to make some compromises I suppose

Rayleas are beautiful too, they say dual purpose but someone has told me they do more show than work...

Rayleas Golden Retrievers - Golden Retrievers in France - Burgundy

Oooh yeah, he's gorgeous too

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