FBGR Journal
Field Golden Retriever Blog
We write about field golden retrievers — how we train them, how they hunt, and how to choose a puppy that will actually fit your life. These notes come from our farm in West Mountain, Utah, where we hunt and live with these dogs. If you want straight answers instead of generic breed copy, start with a post below.
Things I Hate About Golden Retrievers (From Someone Who Loves the Breed)
I hesitated to say this out loud. Golden Retrievers are still the breed I love. That is exactly why I think we should talk honestly about cancer, genetics, two very different kinds of Goldens, and the limits of even careful breeding.
Are Field Goldens Good Hunting Dogs? (Honest Answer)
Golden Retrievers were developed as hunting retrievers, but modern bloodlines vary widely. Learn what makes a field-bred Golden a capable waterfowl and upland partner—and what hunters should look for when choosing a puppy.
Hunt Tests vs Real Hunting: What Actually Matters in a Retriever?
Hunt test titles can be a useful measure of training and control—but they don't tell the whole story. We look at how a retriever performs when conditions are cold, unpredictable, and demanding.
Are Field-Bred Golden Retrievers Too Hyper?
Field-bred Golden Retrievers are often labeled hyper, but drive and hyperactivity are not the same. Learn how thoughtful breeding, training, and a reliable off-switch create a focused working dog that can also thrive in an active family home.
Should Golden Retriever Dew Claws Be Removed?
Should Golden Retriever dew claws be removed? Learn why we leave them intact and how dew claws may support stability, movement, and performance in active, field-bred retrievers.
Hemangiosarcoma in Golden Retrievers
Hemangiosarcoma can appear suddenly, even in a Golden Retriever who seems completely healthy. Through Birdie's story, we explain the warning signs, current screening limitations, prognosis, and what owners and breeders can do while research continues.
Is a Field-Bred Golden Retriever Right for Your Lifestyle?
Field-bred Golden Retrievers are intelligent, athletic, and eager to work—but they are not the right fit for every household. Learn what these dogs need, what makes a successful home, and how FBGR matches each puppy by temperament and lifestyle.
What Is a Field-Bred Golden Retriever?
A field-bred Golden Retriever is not a separate breed—or simply a dark-red Golden. Learn what working bloodlines are selected for, what their energy and temperament are really like, and whether one is right for your home.
Interested in an FBGR Puppy?
Learn about our upcoming litters and how our process works.