Golden Retriever owners..

[SummerRiot]

I have recently been informed that IF this breeding takes place, we will be recieving a new puppy in October.. a purebred Reg'd Golden Retriever.
This will be my "dads" dog and he has decided on getting a female, to go along with my moms dog, a female Sheltie.

This is the sire of the puppy - http://www.theagilityconnection.net/images/friends_pics/scanned/tac0008.jpg

Here is a link to his agility page(off of my moms agility club page) that tells a little more about him.
http://www.theagilityconnection.net/quest.htm

Now honestly.. I know nothing about this breed specifically.

Can anyone who knows about this breed tell me everything there is to know about it? Any breed specific traits, like specific things to do with this breed, specific foods the breed can't have? I know with Belgians they should not have chicken long term, corn or wheat in general - some also have allergies to this.)

I am hoping to show in conformation with the dog as well.

This will also be the first breeding for Quest. I have met him in person and hes a very loving, very BALL LOVING dog lol

Anyways, any input would be wonderful.

As I stated before.. its not going go be "my" dog, I'd just like to know all there is to know about the breed to pass on any information needed :)

[MomOf7]

What I do know as I do alot of genetic research.
Here is breed specific info on Golden retrievers for hip displaysia
http://www.offa.org/hipstatbreed.html?view=2

Other than that I love goldens. I often hear that they are more spaztic than labs:eek: I dont put too much into rumors. First hand experience is best.
They are smart very smart!
Tell your dad congrats! Good pick!

[bubbatd]

I'm jealous !!!! I'd consider a male, though . Check the health backgrounds of both. Not being picky , but I hope the pink nose is just a " winter nose " ... gum pigment looks good, so I presume so.

[SummerRiot]

bubbatd - honestly, I'm not sure about the colour of his nose in the summer time. I've only really seen him in the winter months lol

Next time I see him I'll try and get some pictures. He does possess lovely conformation and a personality to boot. He is however a very dominant dog lol especially over his toys. Hes also been the only dog at the house until his little brother "Teak" came along though.
Anyways..

What does a "good looking" show Golden look like??
And, is there any specific way of trimming them up for a show?

[mjpeter]

We have a seven month old male Goldens, and he's wonderful!! I'm going to post a link to a board that I frequent...I hope it's okay. There's endless sources of info, and sections on showing if you'd like to get some info on that. Good Luck!!

http://www.chatgoldens.com/forums/index.php

[RD]

Quest is a handsome dog, his nose looks like a "winter nose" to me as well.

I've done a little bit of pre-grooming on a couple of show Goldens and there is more grooming involved with them than I thought there would be. On top of normal grooming (blow drying, fluffing the coat, trimming the feet, neatening the hocks, tail etc) there is lots of work with thinning shears to make everything lie nicely.

I don't really know the breed but I am not sure what to think of most of the Goldens in the ring lately. They just look so overdone and too flashy for what should be a practical working dog. Very pretty, but I'm not sure that extreme angles and insanely heavy bone is what a Golden should be.

[SummerRiot]

I know what you mean RD lol But if hes getting a reg'd Golden and she is "show worthy" I dont see why I shouldn't show her lol Also, conformation teaches them to stand while getting touched, which is essential in my books for a dog. I dont like it when dogs dont stand still for it lol

bubbatd - Is there a reason for a male over preference?

[bubbatd]

I just find them more devoted and willing to please.... also, some times 2 females don't get along....they are b*tchy !! As to show looks... I feel they have shortened the legs causing their stride to be more choppy. Also, I hate the blunt trim on the tail !! Try to go to a Golden show !

[SummerRiot]

I'll definately try to get into a Golden Specialty. I see Goldens at Riots show all the time, but thats under the big tent and everyone is soo busy in there, and high strung, there isn't much time for chat lol I guess I'll have to wonder the "kennel set up" area to find Golden owner/breeders and speak to them about their dogs! :)

I think the main reason they want two females is b/c of heat cycles... They dont want to have to seperate the male again, like we do now with Riot and WAS with Crosbie lol.

I told my mom a male was better to get anyways as well! lol Oh well.. we'll see.. the females in the litter may not turn out as nice as well.. so you never know.

[bubbatd]

Again .... I'm jealous !!!

[SummerRiot]

LOL Aww.. I'll make sure to get lots and lots of pictures JUST for you to Aww over :)
I'd like to get a pic of each puppy in the litter conformationally and get suggestions on a "pick" as well.. but we'll see how it goes :)

[bubbatd]

Can't wait !!