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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 This Weekend At UKC
Grand American - Orangeburg, South Carolina. The January 1st opening ceremonies of Grand American mark the traditional start of the coonhound year! The first big competition event of 2009 will take place this weekend, with nite hunts and bench shows, the exciting start of a new Purina race, and of course great food, entertainment and fellowship. Head to the fairgrounds in Orangeburg this weekend to ring in the coonhound New Year!
Find an event in your area. 
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The Dogue de Bordeaux is one of the oldest French breeds. Its actual origins are obscure but it is probably descended from one of the strains of Mastiff-type dogs that accompanied Macedonian and Roman armies through Asia, Europe, and Britain. By the middle of the 19th century, the Dogue de Bordeaux was little known outside of Aquitaine where it was used to hunt large animals, such as boar; to fight; to guard homes and cattle; and in the service of butchers. The breed narrowly missed extinction during the two world wars but enjoyed a resurgence in the 1960's. Sometime in the early 1980's, the first Dogue de Bordeaux was imported to the United States. |
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Read more about UKC's many dog breeds here. |
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