So...a Golden retriever is a golden retriever, right?

We really stand behind our dogs an our pups here at KP Golden Retrievers...and it is meant to be of no offense if we take some time before we approve an application for a puppy. We want our pups to go not to just "the best homes"- we want them to go to the best homes for THEM....admittedly we are more concerned with how you will fit into their lives vs how they will fit into yours...and we think that's a good thing ;).  

Puppies in themselves are a LOT of work- and 90% of people are prepared for that when they reach out to us...but one thing that isn't quite general public knowledge is what a "Field Golden" really is. (Spoiler alert- they aren't going to be Air Bud or look exactly like that Westminster Dog Show winner you saw on TV). Because of this- we want this to be the first of our blog education posts! 

First, some background...per AKC's website- (See it yourself here! )
​ "The Golden Retriever, an exuberant Scottish gundog of great beauty, stands among America's most popular dog breeds. They are serious workers at hunting and field work, as guides for the blind, and in search-and-rescue, enjoy obedience and other competitive events, and have an endearing love of life when not at work.....Goldens are outgoing, trustworthy, and eager-to-please family dogs, and relatively easy to train. They take a joyous and playful approach to life and maintain this puppyish behavior into adulthood. These energetic, powerful gundogs enjoy outdoor play. For a breed built to retrieve waterfowl for hours on end, swimming and fetching are natural pastimes." 

As the breed developed and grew in popularity- two separate main traits became very popular. 1) Their working drive and use as a hunting companion.  2) Their beautiful coats and impressive, showy appearance. This is something that often occurs as breeds become established over time. Some times it results in the formation of 2 different breeds, and others (as with Golden Retrievers) you end up with 1 breed but separate breed "types". Both Field type and Show type Golden Retrievers are purebred and make excellent family pets. However, over generations and generations of dogs specifically selected for differing traits- they can be VERY different and require different things to be happy and successful in their homes! Below is a comparison of Field and Show type Golden Retrievers....and while it isn't specifically meant to be pro-field, that's what our program focuses on. Also, always remember the end result of a dog is part Nurture and part Nature- none of the following are hard truths, but they are the general presentation of the 2 types.


1) Purpose

Field Type: Greatest value placed on retrieval drive and willingness to obey a handler at extremely long distances. Elite level tests can have a dog working up to 125 yards (that's 375 FEET) off leash and responsive to handler whistle and physical gestures alone.

Show Type: Bred in consideration of physical appearance and a calm, steady demeanor that benefits standing in place in a busy show ring. Long and full coats, blocky heads, and a little stage presence "pizazz" to catch attention. 
​
2) Physical Appearance
​​​​Field Type: Dark rich red is heavily sought for (old wives' tales say they make the best bird dogs- and they really do look stunning in the sunshine). Other colors include dark to light golden (note: Not "English Cream" white). Because breeding focuses on performance and not a specific "look", white markings on the paws/chest/muzzle are not frowned upon and are occasionally seen. This is a natural gene mutation in the breed to cause this. Heads can be square but tend to be more angular, with a gentle "stop" to the nose. Coats are usually thinner, feathering is present but not as robust. Size is generally slightly smaller- with a very slender and athletic build.

Show Type: People seem to always want a "lighter" coat color- with light golden and the "English Cream" variety very popular in recent years. Red is extremely uncommon, as it has not been a popular color with judges. White markings are considered a fault, and while it's no longer accepted practice puppies with white markings were often culled or sterilized to prevent their passing on the related genes (which is why most people don't even realize white markings can naturally occur). These dogs tend to look "big boned" and have the more square head types with a severe "stop" to achieve the traditional blocky shape. Thick undercoat and beautifully thick/long feathering.

3) Personality/Energy Levels

Field Type: Especially if from working lines, these dogs can and will become hyper-focused if their hunting instincts kick in. Retrieving for them is not a game- it's a way of life. These dogs are bred to work outside in tall grasses and shallow marshes/ponds for HOURS. So if they don't get enough exercise they will find other outlets for their energy...and usually they'll be ones you don't appreciate. They are VERY intelligent, and if left to become bored their search for entertainment often turns destructive. Field Goldens are very fast to learn new commands, and do well at remembering what they have been taught (both good and bad things!). While they certainly can be calm and quiet and snuggle, they are also going to have high energy levels. They can be loud, and they can be very "mouthy".

Show Type: Many Show Goldens are very playful, but can lack the amount of energy seen in their Field counterparts. Generally not as mouthy, and much more willing to have some nice long naps. While Field type are still friendly, Show type tend to be more friendly. Both types are generally good with kids, strangers, and other dogs. 

4) Training Considerations/Jobs
According to Dr. Stanley Coren’s book, The Intelligence of Dogs, golden retrievers are the fourth smartest dog breed. If you haven't heard the phrase before- a tired dog is a good dog! The busier and more engaged you keep your pup the better behavior and manners you will get in return- regardless of type or even breed. Remember all dogs have both physical and mental needs. Physical needs are easily met with exercise and games (fetch, tug, dog park dates), and mental needs can be just as easy to meet but are often forgotten. Hide and seek, puzzle bowls, dog classes, frozen kongs, and exposure to new things and places do a great job of engaging the brain in addition to having a "job" to complete.  
​
Field Type: These dogs have been bred for generations with a focus on intelligence and drive. If your dog is a field type, you need to prepare for both. These dogs REALLY need a "job" to focus energy on. Hunting? Obedience/Tricks? Agility? Jogging partner? They need something regularly occurring with both a physical and a mental application to be truly content. If not, they WILL turn mischievous and that can quickly become destructive. No sock is safe, shoes will never be in pairs again, we have an older puppy here that has literally CHEWED A HOLE IN THE WALL out of boredom because she was left in what WAS a dog-safe area at home for a short period instead of kenneled....and our dogs DO have jobs! These dogs LIVE for positive reinforcement and love training of any kind.

Show Type: Still very smart dogs- but without the drive and energy level that gets their Field counterparts into trouble. They love to please people and love their treats. Show type can still be very successful in dog sports such as agility or obedience, but tend to not do well with the field trials that Field type were bred for (the drive makes a HUGE difference). Because of their lower energy levels, they can make EXCELLENT therapy and service animals. 


In Conclusion:
Both types of Golden Retrievers are amazing dogs! They are as a breed very loyal, loving, even tempered dogs that love to please. Our aim in this particular blog post is a resource for those who are looking to purchase a puppy  and ensure they understand how very important one word can be in terms of the puppy they are purchasing ("Field" vs "Show"). A field type golden retriever has generations of breeding science behind them to be high energy, high drive, high intelligence-  while a show type has just as much selective breeding behind them to emphasize a very specific physical appearance and lower energy, no concern for drive, and they're amazing dogs so they are still pretty darn smart! Each type will require it's own time and training dependent on the family environment they grow into. There is no room for buyer's remorse with a pet! Fortunately, however, they are such an outstanding breed of dog that every moment of effort spent with them they will return to you tenfold!





​