The History of the Golden Retriever Lukhangold across 3 generations
Over a century ago, the very first Golden Retrievers were registered in Scotland. At that time, that breed was described as strongly built, slim with an angled head. Males weighed around 70 pounds and measured 24 to 26 inches and the females, around 60 pounds and 22 to 24 inches. Their coat color was described as a medium-long fur, water repellent undercoat and in a variation of gold shades, ranging from pale to rich and luxuriant copper, even almost mahogany, in many history books they described their coats as a coat of rich, light red with cream feathering.........
Well known for their accurate sense of smell, they were strong swimmers with their palmed toes and long legs. They were famous retrievers and hunting partners. Today, the "rustic" Golden is pretty rare as the trend has grown towards the paler colour with less drive, more suited as the family companion or dogs for the show ring. There are still some pale golden working dogs, but in America, Canada and Europe the Field lines are predominantly darker and of leaner build than the "show look" dogs. Unfortunately, even today, the dark "mahogany or Red" colours some people use , which officially is known as Dark Gold are not accepted as breed standard, yet it was this colour that originally started this breed, and this breed was produced purely for sport, as working dogs, show events came later, as did the changes in build and conformity. These are working dogs who are referred to as Field Golden's, root stock, blood stock or original stock. At LukhanGold we love the "rustic" Golden Retrievers after finding these lines in Canada and America. They touched a soft spot in our hearts which we have chosen to share with New Zealand, and beyond. We have chosen to breed these beautiful dogs to share with other people the love and tenderness they possess. LukhanGold Retriever's are not, nor ever will be show dogs. Here in New Zealand they will hopefully be seen out in Field Trials or helping retrieve Ducks for their owners. This is what they were bred and live for, not parading in show rings. Should anyone wish to show them, we have no problem, it will be interesting to see how well they stand up against the better known English lines. Temperament is first and foremost in this breed along with their health. Our Golden's are tender, loving and completely loyal to their humans. They have a great sense of adventure, accurate observation and are totally devoted to their families . Their willingness to learn, and please, cannot be questioned over history. For anyone who is not familiar with this breed, they are linked to their environment by us. They historically live to be at our side; whether curled up in front of the fire on a winters evening, lying with their heads snuggled in our laps, or waiting patiently for a bird retrieval in the field or comforting anyone who needs it . These retrievers are the kind of dog who will follow you, even towards danger because it cares about you. For this type of dog, humans are their link on Earth, their stability and their security. Our foundation bitch Delta comes from long standing lines that have a history spanning over a century of proven capabilities in the fields of hunting, search and rescue, therapy and family companionship. Her pedigree takes her right back to Lord Tweedmouth in the 1800's and his foundation Golden Retriever dogs, as do all pedigree Goldens. And along the way she is linked to many champion dogs. This is in her genes, which she passes on to future generations, the hunting drive is in her blood. Coat Colour of the Goldens...
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The extreme limits of acceptable colour for the Golden Retriever
A golden perspective from 1934
Mrs Sawtell (of Yeo, UK) (1914-2009)
"When I look back on the breed as I remember it in 1938 when I obtained my first Golden Retriever, it could really be said that Goldens were "Golden". it seems to me that, not only with regard to colour, they have altered out of all recognition. What was an athletic, vigorous, sporting type of dog has far too often become a heavy, sluggish animal, often overdone in bone and substance."
Mrs Sawtell also made the famous quote "I do not do white."
The picture below was taken in 1934. The late great Mrs Charlesworth (Noranby) is seated second from the left.
"When I look back on the breed as I remember it in 1938 when I obtained my first Golden Retriever, it could really be said that Goldens were "Golden". it seems to me that, not only with regard to colour, they have altered out of all recognition. What was an athletic, vigorous, sporting type of dog has far too often become a heavy, sluggish animal, often overdone in bone and substance."
Mrs Sawtell also made the famous quote "I do not do white."
The picture below was taken in 1934. The late great Mrs Charlesworth (Noranby) is seated second from the left.
1930's Model Golden Retrievers...
Winifred Charlesworth, the woman most instrumental in creating a distinct golden retriever breed, with some of her Noranby goldens.
The photo above appears to have been taken in the late 1930s. I wouldn’t be surprised if Ch Noranby Diana is one of the three dogs.
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And the modern version: Ginger, photo courtesy of Djanick Michaud
While the yellow retrievers were established before she acquired her first (Normanby Beauty, with no recorded pedigree) around 1906, it was she who spearheaded the effort to achieve official recognition from the Kennel Club as a separate variety, and the establishment of the Golden Retriever Club in 1913. |
And here is Ginger in black and white, just to show you how true to the originals this bred has been kept
Mrs Charlesworth served as secretary for the GRC for many years; was the first woman to handle her own dogs at field trials, and bred/owned/handled the first Golden to earn the title of Champion at shows– which at that time also required qualification at field trials). After WWII she owned the first Golden bitch to become Dual Champion, DCh Noranby Destiny, direct descendant in female line from Normanby Beauty. |
Golden Retrievers from the start
For any enquiries please contact me on: 021 0273 7738
or via email at lukhangold@gmail.com
or via email at lukhangold@gmail.com