Hundreds of Golden Retrievers gathered at the breed's ancestral home in the Scottish Highlands for three days of fun.
Guisachan House — where the first Golden Retriever puppies were born 155 years ago — welcomed dogs from countries including Canada, North America, Japan and Australia. The gatherings are organised every five years by the Golden Retriever Club of Scotland, with this year setting a new attendance record.
It was originally thought there were around 200 of the Golden Retrievers at the event, but it has been confirmed that in fact almost 500 showed up.
The aim of the event is to keep alive the knowledge of the breed, with highlights including talks, workshops, demonstrations, a night-time procession, and a mile-long walk to the property where dogs and owners were greeted by a piper.
To end the night, a rendition of The Proclaimers' song I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) was played alongside more bagpipe tunes.
Carol Henry, secretary of the Golden Retriever Club Scotland, told the BBC: "We want to hold on to the confidence, the biddability, the companionship and loyalty – all the things the Golden Retriever was built on."
The breed was founded in 1868 by Dudley Coutts Marjoribanks, later known as Lord Tweedmouth at the historic Guisachan Estate. Lord Tweedmouth mated a yellow Wavy-Coated Retriever named Nous with a rare Tweed Water-Spaniel named Belle, who gave birth to the very first Golden Retrievers: Crocus, Cowslip, Ada and Primrose.
The Golden Retriever is now one of the most popular dogs in the UK, with registrations peaking in 2021 when 11,800 dogs were registered.
10 must-have products to keep your dog cool during a heatwave
The layered construction of this vest is designed to keep your dog cool when the temperature rises. The outer layer reflects heat and facilitates evaporation while the middle layer absorbs and stores water for evaporation.
Crufts Crufts Medium Pet Paddling Pool
Coming in at 120cm x 30cm, dogs big or small can cool off in this durable and versatile pet paddling pool. Simply fill with water and allow your dog to come and go as they please.
Emwel Emwel Dog Water Bottle - 550ml Water Feeder Leak Proof Portable Puppy Water Dispenser with Drinking Feeder for Pets Outdoor Walking, Hiking, Travel, Food Grade Plastic For Pets
When walking your dog in hot weather, ensure they stay hydrated with this portable water bottle – complete with a built-in dispenser and mini bowl for your pet to drink from on-the-go.
Whether you're heading to the beach for the day or simply excited to enjoy a leisurely hot day in the garden, this pop-up tent offers a cosy space to keep dogs cool.
Currys PETLIBRO Capsule Water Fountain
This fountain contains a filter to keep water as pure as possible. It's a great way to encourage your pet to stay hydrated.
A must-have for warm summer days, this cooling dog mat doesn't need to be chilled or filled with water. The gel interior keeps pups cool and is best placed in a shaded space for them to feel the full benefits.
Filled with a non-toxic gel, the inner self-cooling mat in this dog bed will maintain its cooling properties for approximately 1 hour. During this time, the mat is typically 5-10 degrees cooler than room temperature.
The next best thing to an ice lolly, this chew toy can be filled with water and frozen to create a refreshing activity for your pup to enjoy.
High-quality waterproof PVC material provides a safe environment for your pets to cool down. You do not need to soak, freeze or refrigerate this pad for it to work.
Chill both your dog's water and food during a hot day with this bowl that can be kept in the freezer to give your pup a refreshing drink or meal.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
