Kathy Lorentzen, Golden Retrievers
Kathy Lorentzen has been active in the sport of purebred dogs for forty years as a breeder, owner and handler.
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Breeder Spotlight
How long have you been involved in your breed?
Golden Retrievers, since 1965
List three words you feel best describe your breed.
Moderate, workmanlike, sensible.
In your opinion, what physical characteristic defines your breed the most?
Strength of head properties, calm, intelligent expression, moderate, protective coat that should be varying shades of gold, harmonious balance of proportion and angulation.
In your opinion, which behavioral characteristic defines your breed the most?
Calm, sensible, intelligent temperament that makes the Golden capable of performing a wide variety of duties.
What is the largest false impression your breed gives?
That it is a fluffy, fancy, overdone breed. It should be nothing of the sort.
What should breeders be most concerned about today?
Keeping the breed true to its origins in size, substance, proportion, leg length, correct coat and temperament. Also the high incidence of early onset cancers in the breed.
Is your standard sufficient? If you do not feel it is sufficient, briefly list changes you would like to see made.
The UKC Golden breed standard is quite excellent.
What counsel would you like to give to newcomers?
Research, research, research before you buy a dog and before you breed your first litter. Many of the Goldens out there that are being sold as show and breeding quality simply are not. Seek council from long-time breeders who have the best interest of the breed, not their pocketbook, at heart.
What is the single most charming attribute of your breed?
Its character, when that character is correct. Unfortunately due to the high popularity of the breed, many dogs are now produced that are not the sensible, trustworthy, intelligent animals they should be.
Do you prefer your breed judged moving or standing?
Emphasis should be put on the dog that has the intricate type characteristics the breed should possess. Minor faults in movement should not be cause to discard an outstanding dog in favor of a generic dog that just happens to be very sound.
What is the most common judging mistake in your breed?
There are several. Improper, excessive, overly long coats are far too widely accepted by judges, as are dogs that are of incorrect proportion for the breed, long and low rather than just off square with a proper amount of leg.
What quality lends itself particularly well to the show ring?
Goldens have, in many instances, become a ‘glamour breed’, and that makes them very popular for showing. I’d like to see judges go back to rewarding real breed virtue and not getting swept up in the flash and poof we see so much of in the Golden ring today.
Who would you like to see judge your National Specialty?
Any one of a number of long-time breeder/judges who truly understand what the Golden should be.
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 Recent News At UKC
11/02/2009: November 2009 Employee of the Month Andrew Johnson Customer Service Representative Andrew has worked at UKC a little over three years, since August of 2006. He is currently working full time and attending college, his goal being a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He graduated from Portage (Michigan) Northern High School in 2005, and is... Read more here. 
News Archive. |
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This Weekend At UKC
The Gem City Dog Obedience Club of Dayton, Ohio is hosting their first set of Conformation shows November 7 and 8 at the Gem City Training Building (More Information).
Find an event in your area.
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One of UKC's most widely registered breeds, the Treeing Walker was developed from certain strains of English Walker Foxhounds. Walkers were first registered with UKC as part of the English Coonhound breed. Then in 1945, at the request of Walker breeders, UKC began registering them as a separate breed — first as Walkers (Treeing) and then later as Treeing Walkers. |
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Read more about UKC's many dog breeds here. |
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