My love affair with one of the most popular breeds - ranking in the Top 20 according to AKC statistics - began back in 1978 while attending F.S.U. Her name was Princess Erika Starr, CD and her pedigree was from the High Farms Kennel line of Goldens. Luckily for me Erika was already obedienced trained, to the point that I could take her with me to my college classes, give her a 'down - stay' command at the door, and come back an hour later and there she'd be, patiently waiting for me to release her and off onto our next adventure. Throughout my childhood my parents always had purebred AKC registered dogs, primarily Longhaired Dachshunds, Weimeraners, Irish Setters, Shephards, not to mention anything loose that I came across, sure that it was lost and looking for another 'new' home.
But Erika was my first dog and what a great teacher and companion she turned out to be. She was my first introduction to obedience competition - resulting in the CD (companion dog) initials that follow her name. We joined our first dog club way back then, and had her evaluated by an experience Golden breeder in the area as to her potential for showing and breeding. While Erika did obtain her eye and hip clearances (that was all that was checked back in the late 70's), we never did find the right stud dog for her and she never was bred. Erika lived to 17 yrs. of age.
It didn't take long and I was thoroughly bitten by the purebred dog show bug.
I moved back to the northeast and starting on my Golden Retriever journey. I believe their outward beauty speaks for itself. From the many lustrious shades of gold in their coat, to their friendly and intelligent expression, natural affinity for children and other animals - all components that help to make them an ideal family dog. In recent years I have heard the comment that Goldens are dumb because they will do the same task or command over and over again. We believe that sort of comment can only be uttered by someone unfortunate enough to never have shared their life with a breed of dog that lives to be helpful, to assist and make their owners happy. Whether taking a walk around the neighborhood, swimming, obedience competition or a day's hunt - a Golden Retriever is THE family dog.
One should remember that a Golden Retriever was bred to be a hunting companion. That is why they are in the AKC's Sporting Group. Genetically they have been bred to retrieve, pick up items with their mouth and bring them back to their owner/trainer. So if they are not out bringing back duck and pheasant, then they will be happy to retrieve your shoes, socks, balls or anything else that may be lying around your home or yard. Goldens should never be scolded for carrying something in their mouth - even if we humans find it objectionable - to them, they are doing their job. Better to teach a Golden to release it to you, whatever 'it' may be. Over the years our Goldens have retrieved baby birds, moles, mice, pheasant, ducks, quail, fish, all unharmed and to hand.
We also joined the Golden Retriever Club of America way back then and subscribe to and follow their Code of Ethics.
