I just need to blow off some steam about the harmful labels that are being used to try to divide our lovely breed.

I think everyone is intitled to like what they like when it comes to their own dog. Everyone is going to have their own preference. There are reputable breeders out there for every taste in style imaginable. I am thankful for the variation our breed standard(s) allows for. Life would be boring indeed if all Goldens were clone or look alike dogs.

Mine happens to be for a true medium golden dog bred to compete in the US breed ring. However, I see beauty more in structure and form than color. Though not my preferred style, I see the beauty in pictures of field trial-ers in action or of UK Champions with their different style, presentation and grooming than in the US, no matter their color/colour.

What really gets to me is the whole "American Reds", "British White", "British Silver","English Creme/Cream" , etc. labels being used by opportunistic "greeders" and then adopted by some owners. I also feel terrible for the folks who do have and/or breed the light Goldens who have suffered undue scrutiny because the actions of these greeders have reflected on this particular portion of the Golden population.

They are all Golden Retrievers. There is no American Red or English Creme retriever breed. Looking at the registration form will tell anyone that it is a Golden Retriever.

It does not matter to me whether your dog is bred to the AKC, CKC or UK standard or if you prefer light, medium or dark gold. No one else's opinion of your dog should really matter either. I think anyone who owns a Golden is lucky to have it and we should all be proud of our breed, The Golden Retriever. I just wish we could get away from all of these marketing ploy, breed dividing, buyer misleading, controversial labels.

But, I guess if I can't beat them I can join them. So, the next time someone introduces their dog with one of these objectionable labels. I will inform them I have a "Burnished Gilt of proven lineage" and see what they make of that.

Translation for those who don't want to hit up Webster's online:
A Lustrous Golden dog whose parents are health tested and have earned titles.

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Laura, Jinx, Tilt and Rocky
UKC CH Wildfire's A Kind of Magic CGC
http://www.k9data.com/pedigree.asp?ID=474956
Rocky the old min pin who thinks he's a golden

Very well stated!!

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CH Lakewood's Gonna B A RockStar JH CGC "Remi"
CH Lakewood's Bringin' Out Da Big Guns "Cannon"
Rhythm's Dat's Da Way I Like It "KC"

Oh my...lol...I know this is a serious topic, but I love the "Burnished Gilt of proven lineage".....!!!!!

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Ditto. I hope you don't mind if I use this also. I just got a puppy in September and picked her out because of her health, temperament and structure. She just happened to be the lightest one in the litter. Everyone asks me if she is an "English Cream". I know that it is ignorance on their part and I hate trying to explain the whole marketing scheme to each person who comments. I would love to use this and be done with it although I know that I would have to explain this also.

saw an ad for a white golden stud today for $2000. I guess they cut a deal since his hips were rated mild

Someone told me yesterday Flip is the color of toasted coconut. So I guess I have a miniature toasted coconut golden

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Jodie

AJ's Maiden By the Sea CDX RE (Annabel - retired)
Mud E Paws UDX OM2 RE OBHF (Conner - retired with 28 OTCH points)
Sunfire's Flying Head Over Heels UD BN RA (Flip)
And the odd one of the family - Colby Jack Teeter Smack CDX GO RA (Colby - Lhasa Apso)

OMG I totally agree. When I was looking to adopt Remy lots of people asked me what color I preferred - I always said I didn't care what color as long as they were healthy, happy and had that golden retriever personality.

Remy is roughly 4 inches taller and longer than breed standard, and very much a blond. He had never met a stranger and believes everyone is a dog lover.

I always say he may not be a perfect golden, but he is my perfect Remy!

Just tell em you have a genuine Marsh Mop or Swampcollie. ;-)

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"You own what you condone." ~ Mike Lardy