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Golden Retriever Day
"A golden retriever’s heart is pure sunshine—loyal, loving, and always ready for the next adventure."
Have you crossed paths with a Golden? In July 2023, a five-day summer festival at Guisachan, the historic estate in Tomich, Scotland, where the first golden retriever puppies were officially recognized in 1868, celebrated this beloved breed. That same year, this striking tartan was created to honor Goldens, featuring golden hues to reflect their radiant coats, along with green, blue, and heathered tones representing their Scottish retrieving heritage. With their friendly demeanor and striking beauty, Golden Retrievers have a rich Scottish heritage—but their origins also hold a surprising artistic mystery!
For years, the widely accepted story was that Goldens descended from Russian circus dogs purchased by Sir Dudley Marjoribanks, later the first Lord Tweedmouth. These dogs were supposedly brought to Guisachan—site of last summer’s celebration—where they were bred as deer-hunting companions. However, later research suggested a different tale: in 1865, Lord Tweedmouth acquired an unregistered Yellow Retriever named “Nous” from a Brighton cobbler. After hunting with Nous for some time, he bred him with a Tweed Water Spaniel, a now-extinct Scottish breed, refining their size and scenting abilities.
But the story doesn’t end there! A closer look at historical paintings, engravings, and chromoliths from the early 1800s reveals golden-colored hunting dogs long before Lord Tweedmouth’s breeding program. While the exact origins remain a topic of intrigue, one thing is certain—Golden Retrievers and their devoted owners have a legacy worth celebrating, and now, a companion tartan. Woof! Woof! 💜 💛 💚 💜 💙 💛 🐕 🐾 🐾 🐾
Designed by Locharron of Scotland, the colours chosen are intended to represent primarily the gold colour of the dog and its purpose of retrieving game from varied landscapes and water, hence the green, blue and heather. These colours reflect the landscape of its origin and its Scottish heritage and produce a design that is intended to be used to enhance the Club’s worldwide standing.
The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular and recognizable dog breeds, beloved for its friendly, tolerant attitude and intelligence. Originally bred in Scotland in the 19th century, these dogs were developed to retrieve game during hunting parties, a task to which they were well-suited thanks to their soft mouth and love for water. Golden Retrievers are characterized by their dense, water-repellent outer coat with a thick undercoat, usually in various shades of gold. They are medium to large-sized dogs with a kind and trustworthy face, showcasing intelligence and eagerness to please, making them excellent family pets. Their versatility also shines in roles beyond companionship; Golden Retrievers excel in fields such as search and rescue, guide and assistance work, and competitive events. Their gentle nature and patience make them fantastic with children and an ideal choice for a family pet.
For more on the golden retrievers interesting breeding origins which possibly contradict the official history, click the puppy!