The Breed Standard
Above: Sh Ch Stormerick Solomon JW ShCM
(photo by Lyn Kipps - Wheatcroft Golden Retrievers)
General Appearance: Symmetrical, balanced,
active, powerful, level mover, sound with kindly
expression.
Characteristics: Biddable, intelligent and
possessing natural working ability.
Temperament: Kindly, friendly and confident.
Head &
Skull: Balanced and well-chiselled, skull broad
without coarseness; well set on neck, muzzle powerful,
wide and deep. Length of foreface approximately equals
length from well-defined stop to occiput. Nose
preferably black.
Eyes:
Dark brown, set well apart, dark rims.
Ears:
Moderate size, set on approximately level with eyes.
Mouth:
Jaws strong, with a perfect, regular and complete
scissor bite, ie upper teeth closely overlapping lower
teeth and set to the jaws.
Neck:
Good length, clean and muscular.
Forequarters: Forelegs straight with good bone,
shoulders well laid back, long in blade with upper arm
of equal length placing legs well under body. Elbows
close fitting.
Body:
Balanced, short coupled, deep through heart. Ribs deep
and well sprung. Level top-line.
Hindquarters: Loin and legs strong and
muscular, good second thighs, well bent stifles. Hocks
well let down, straight when viewed from the rear,
neither turning in nor out. Cow hocks highly
undesirable.
Feet:
Round and cat-like.
Tail:
Set on and carried level with back, reaching the hocks
without curl at tip.
Gait/Movement: Powerful with good drive.
Straight and true in front and rear. Stride long and
free with no sign of hackney action in front.
Coat:
Flat or wavy with good feathering, dense water-resisting
undercoat.
Colour:
Any shade of gold or cream, neither red nor mahogany. A
few white hairs on chest only permissible.
Size:
Height at withers: Dogs 56-61cms (22-24ins); Bitches
51-56 cms (20-22ins).
Faults:
Any departure from the foregoing points should be
considered a fault and the seriousness with which the
fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion
to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare
of the dog.
Note: Male
animals should have two apparently normal testicles
fully descended into the scrotum.
Kendaamber
