Why gundog owners should go for goldies

WHEN MOST PEOPLE think about shooting, they usually picture a man with a labrador sitting at his side. For those looking in, this is a common generalisation. Labrador retrievers are extremely versatile and can be an amazing asset, excelling in any role in the field.

In 2020, the labrador retriever was still comfortably the most popular breed of dog, with more puppies being registered than any other breed. A high proportion of those are bred for working, and not only as gundogs. Working trials, scent work, guide dogs, therapy dogs, drugs detection, explosives detection and medical assistance are only some of the jobs that a labrador retriever can turn its paw to.

However, with its fame and reputation, it is very easy to forget that there are many other retriever breeds. There’s the flatcoat, of course, and the golden retriever. The goldie, which originated in Scotland, is a cracking dog and has proven itself many times over the years.

They tend to have a high-energy and fun nature, combined with a gentle temperament and a desire to please their owner. Their thick coat means they are well suited to cold temperatures and tough working conditions, but they also have the stamina for a full day’s work.

However, their coat is sometimes seen as a negative. With a thick, long, heavy coat comes difficulty getting into dense cover. Not only that, but a wet, muddy labrador is relatively quick and easy to dry, whereas a golden retriever’s coat requires a little more attention.

Their prey and chase drive tends to be high, meaning they love any form of retrieving and hunting work. They are normally very good with children and have a playful attitude, making them a great family pet. Despite all this, in 2020, the golden retriever was seventh on the list of registered breeds. Why is it that such a wonderful breed comes so far down the list, not only in the pet world but, more surprisingly, the gundog world?

Since 1909, the International Gundog League (IGL) Retriever Championship has been won five times by a golden retriever. Max Wright’s FTCh Marcus May Be of Wadesmill, handled by Andrew Wright, was the most recent winner, achieving first place in 2006.

Then, in 2019, out of 64 dogs that qualified, only four were golden retrievers. Despite the overwhelming majority of entries being labradors, of the four goldies, one in particular truly proved his value. FTCh Think Twice Zero to Hero was the youngest dog running, having been whelped on 21 May 2017.

At only two years old, this dog, bred by Laura Lazzaretto and owned and handled by Nathan Laffy, not only received a Diploma of Merit but also the Guns’ Choice award. No easy accomplishment for any dog, let alone a two-year-old.

Willing to work

Having competed with and worked both, I spoke to Nathan about the differences he finds between goldies and labradors. He believes that, in general, golden retrievers are more loyal and willing to work with the handler. Their devotion and dedication to working with their owner is second to none. Anyone who has seen either of Nathan’s goldies working will agree that they give their all. The long coat and slightly slower speeds certainly do not hold them back, nor prevent them from smashing through the thickest of cover.

Another keen golden retriever man is Shot and artist Will Garfit. Will is always happy to talk about the breed and said it’s almost impossible not to love them: “As they sit beside you on a peg shooting or on the rug by the fire, they are like loveable, living teddy bears. Always so loyal and affectionate and, with their ginger golden mane, they sit up or lie down like handsome lions,” he enthuses.

“As working dogs, they work with style — head up, savouring air scent. They may not be as nimble at winning scurries as some labs, but have great style as they are a moving picture of beauty. Their golden feather-duster tail shows well when in cover and, like semaphore, sends the handler constant messages from nose and mind. One rude friend referred to
my golden as a flying carpet, but I can live with that.”

Methodical

As Will mentioned, golden retrievers are air scenters, meaning they work differently from labradors. I often find this means they get a touch on a retrieve that a labrador may miss.

Speed is another consideration. Labradors, as a general rule, tend to be quicker and in some cases that can be positive, particularly getting to the fall of a retrieve quickly.

However, quick dogs get into trouble quickly. Sometimes, a slower, more methodical dog would be a favoured choice. One of the reasons for their limited popularity might be that golden retrievers are invariably more expensive. There are fewer breeders of working goldens within the UK and fewer successes within the field trialling world.

Another reason could well be that they moult. The goldie’s thick undercoat and waterproof top layer makes them ideal for harsh conditions, but it’s not so great for the family home. Their coat requires grooming, so upkeep and moulting can be a pain. There are also some who believe goldies mature slowly in comparison with labradors. They do seem to retain a puppyish attitude, which can slow down their training.

Within the pet industry, there has been a huge increase in demand for most breeds. The golden retriever possibly even more so. They are something of a dog of the moment and many are being bred with little or no consideration given to their ability or biddability as a working dog. Sadly, a lot of the natural ability in bloodlines is being lost.

Dedicated breeders

Fortunately, there are dedicated breeders around the world who promote not only their temperament and looks, but their trainability, working ability and natural game- finding skills, meaning some amazing dogs are still being produced.

Anyone who has competed against a good goldie will know they can be as capable as a labrador. The handling and training approach can be slightly different, so perhaps the handler needs to be more experienced.

If a breed is easier to train, the likelihood is it will be much more popular. In truth, goldies suffer because people are more inclined to go for the easier option.

Take it from me, though, as someone who has seen them at their best, if a puppy is chosen from good working lines, you have the potential for an exceptional all-round working companion. You need to put the work in and when the day is done, you’ve got your real-life teddy bear for cuddles on the sofa.