The weekend of the 10th of May we traveled down to Ware in Hertfordshire to run Flint, our Golden Retriever Stud, in a Golden Retriever special puppy competition held by Eastern Counties Golden Retriever Club.

It was a record for the Golden Retriever Club as entries hit an all time high. There were three individual working tests to test the working ability of the Goldie’s. The 1st test was to test steadiness of the lead walking to heel with a marked retrieve along side gunfire. The 2nd test was a walk up to heel followed by a double mark. The 3rd and final test was a marked retrieve in water.

I think the hardest test of the day was dealing with the immense heat. At the end of tests the judges gathered to discuss the working ability of the Golden retrievers they had seen, a few minuintes later the results were announced……… 1st place of the Special Puppy Golden Retriever Test goes to number 7, Mr and Mrs Hutchison with Haddeo Thesfus Of Fallowfen “Flint”. We were over joyed and hope his success will continue.

Talking on Tollers

David Tomlinson watches Phillip Hutchinson in action with this extraordinary Canadian breed and finds out why these foxy-looking canines can make wonderful gundogs

The Novia Scotia Duck Tolling retriever is an adaptable breed, making it increasingly popular.

I am sure that you can count on the fingers of one hand the number of professional gundog trainers who specialise in Nova Scotia Duck Tolling retrievers. On second thought, I think it’s more likely you can count on one finger the number of such specialists. If you want help training your Toller to the gun, then Phillip Hutchinson is the man to turn to.

Though Phillip owns both working Springers and Labradors and has experience training most other breeds of gundogs, the foxy-looking North American retrievers are what he has decided to concentrate on. Tollers are a fairly new import to this country, only arriving here in 1988 and relatively few are used in the shooting field.

Though they may have the longest name of any gundog, the Toller (as it’s generally known for short) is the smallest of the retrievers, with the ideal height of dogs just 19in to 20in, the bitches slightly smaller. They are very active animals, and enthusiasts insist that it is a great mistake to think of them as miniature golden retrievers, as apart from their colour and an ability to retrieve, the two breeds are quite unalike. (more…)

Summer group training for steadiness ready for picking up with more than one dog this coming winter. Includes three Labrador’s, two Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever’s, one Golden Retriever and one Cocker Spaniel.

Casper is a Chocolate Labrador and a new addition to our kennels, he has been with us about four weeks and has begun his new life as a working gundog. As you will see he’s really good and really enjoys it!

• Casper is a very kind outgoing labrador, rich in colour. He has a strong athletic build with soft temperament.
• Casper was born and breed in a family enviornment.
• Casper is showing fantastic working ability and will be a strong part of the picking up team this winter.

You can see more of Casper here.

As the Toller puppies reach 5 weeks of age, they are starting to get very active and cause as much trouble as possible!

This video will hopefully be a morale boost for Lina’s owner Kevin Dixon – Nutt who is currently doing an around the world trip by motorcycle in aid of charity along with good friend Andy Tricket. 15000 miles, 28 countries, 80days…ish!! Take a look Allthewayround

There’s a video in the making, watch this space.