KEY POINTS WHEN JUDGING THE GOLDEN RETRIEVER ARE YOU MISSING SOMETHING? SUBMITTED BY AINSLIE MILLS GRCA JEC on behalf of the GRCA JE Committee
T he Golden Retriever is usual- ly represented in good num- bers at most shows across the country. Many judges find the breed somewhat challenging to judge, with its diverse colorings and styles. The breed is normally a structured dog with many of the same qualities desired of any of the retrieving breeds. It is therefore important to discover the unique qualities that define breed type in the Golden Retriever and look for the soundest moving dogs best displaying these qualities. These are the dogs with breed type and we encourage judges and fanciers to review some of the important criteria of the breed standard which are sometimes being overlooked. GENERAL APPEARANCE: The breed standard states: Primar- ily a hunting dog, he should be shown in hard working condition. Overall appearance, balance, gait and purpose to be given more emphasis than any of his component parts. Despite its popu- larity as a pet, service dog, search and rescue dog, detector dog, dog guide, etc. This breed was developed in
Scotland first and foremost as a hunting companion to the aristocracy. It is a moderate breed, free from excess or exaggeration and attains its beauty by balance, harmony of structure, fit- ness for purpose and wonderful breed character. These characteristics make it one of the most versatile of breeds. While individual parts, whether correct or faulty, must be considered, judges should focus on over-all appearance, balance, gait and fitness for purpose. The essence of breed type for the Golden Retriever includes tempera- ment, coat, color, outline (proportion) and head. The Golden Retriever should not be judged as a generic show dog, nor with undue emphasis on presenta- tion, showy attitude and abundant coat which are mere glamour points. More important considerations are fitness for purpose as an athletic, working gun- dog with overall balance, condition, muscle tone, correct coat texture and a dense undercoat providing a water- proof jacket. Judges should not mistake excessive speed or extreme reach and drive for correct gait. Correct move- ment should be effortless, smooth,
ground-covering and efficient, allowing a Golden to work all day in the field. TEMPERAMENT: The Golden temperament is a hall- mark of the breed and should be eager (willing to respond), alert and self-con- fident, neither constantly “turned on” or hyper in nature, nor sluggish and disin- terested. It should not be necessary to constantly feed a Golden in the ring to keep it entertained. Bait should be put away so the head can be examined with the ears at rest to ascertain the correct width and shape of the actual skull. The tail in action should be ideally level with the topline or slightly above and preferably wagging, never tucked down between the legs. There should be no excuses made for any shyness, aggres-
siveness or unwill- ingness in this breed. COAT: A correct Golden
Retriever coat is a close-fitting, water- proof jacket with a firm, resilient texture and a dense undercoat. The coat may be straight or wavy with no
Photo credit: Barb Loree. Amazing photo showing function. That is a large goose!
Photo credit: Gloria Kerr
296 • S how S ight M agazine , A ugust 2017
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