The Thirties

The 30's have been a turning point for Golden Retrievers for two main reasons :

First the time of pioneers was over and the breed has begun, not to expand - this will occur a few decades later - but to become more popular in the UK as well as abroad (for instance, at that time some dogs have been exported to France).

This change has slightly enhanced their number and the breed has also been used in adverts targeting the potential users, that is to say the hunting gentlemen.

At the time the Golden Retriever was not the sweet pet it would become later on. However we can find in these documents many illustrations and pieces of information about it.

What is more the new standard appeared in 1936 and it was on that basis that breeders have started working to slowly create what is the present Golden Retriever. 

 This card, inspired from a very often used painting from Arthur Wardle, dates back to 1931.
At the back are mentioned the gold colour (not red as the Irish setter) or cream (the same as the one used in farms of that period) as well as the height (22 inches) and the weight (65 pounds)

 Another work from Arthur Wardle adorns this 1937 card. The same type of dog can be found.
At the back, the broad head, the gentle expression, the cat feet and most of all the angulations (with straight forequarters and strong hindquarters) are emphasized.

 This picture is a bit of an anachronism.
It comes from a series "Dogs and their friends » made by lady Kitty Ritson which was published in 1936 by Carreras Ltd. She tackled the problem of the "Russian origins" which would make it more of a sheepdog than a gun dog.
It ends as follows : "Anyway they are amongst the most attractive dogs even though some people find them a bit too soft. They have beautiful eyes and are very nice companions"

 On this photograph, published by Pattreiouex tobacco in 1939, the attached comment is :
" The Golden Retriever is very receptive to learning and is an excellent dog for a man who hunts once in a while and who would like a companion ".
The Golden's duality was already established.

Some pieces of advice were also given :
"It's not desirable to train one's dog with a ball which must remain a toy to play with the master or by himself. Mushy objects must be used for training such as old gloves. Most of all the dog must not chew or play with them"

This card represents a Dual champion of the thirties.
It is CH. Heydown Guider, born January 27, 1933, belonging to Mrs D. Carnegie.
Apart from his 10 Field-Trial victories and his 3 CC, this dog got a special 100 guineas award at Crufts in 1938 as best Trialer.

This painting of a little known artist was published in 1934 on a card offered by Cigarettes 333 in a series called " Champion Dogs ".
The dog is Donkelve Jester but we have no information on his results in shows nor in fields. At the back, a not too visible breed standard of that period can be seen.

This very strong Golden was from New Zealand which may explain his conformation difference.
One of the sponsoring brand still exists.
At the back it is said it is a dog with character but nonetheless with a gentle nature, very intelligent and fond of company.

This gorgeous head is Peter Biegel's work and was published in 1940 by ....
It will end our trip back to the Thirties.
The morphological differences are clear. The dogs were lighter, the colour stronger and all the present traits of character were already there.
The comments were that it was a dog easy to live with and it was recommended to those who sought an excellent balance between beauty and working ability.