About Us

 

As a family, we share the same passion for Golden Retrievers. Needless to say, these “golden” companions are first and foremost our “pets”. We aim to breed sound Golden Retrievers true to the breed standard in temperament, type, conformation with natural working ability.

Catherine owned her first Golden Retriever, Sebastian of Eidrah “Bass”, in 1969. Bass was bred by her aunt, Mrs. Margaret Hardie. His sire was the lovely dual purpose Champion Crouchers Leo (owned and bred by Mrs. E. Melville) and his dam was a delightful Ch. Camrose Tallyrand of Anbria daughter. Bass was an excellent dog in the field (being awarded the F.T.Ch. Mazurka of Wynford stud dog cup) and very successful in competitive obedience qualifying to work in Test B. With his good looks, delightful personality and natural willingness to please, Bass set the standard for all future Rayleas Goldens.

In 1984, Catherine judged G.R. for the first time at championship show level in the U.K. Since 1983, she has been privileged to judge throughout Europe & Scandinavia, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and India. She has extensive experience judging in the U.K. most of the gundog breeds at open show level, retriever field trials and working tests.

Sven owned his first Golden Retriever in Switzerland in 1980. He bred Golden Retrievers under the affix “Funnyline” - similarly, his interest was to enjoy living with and promoting a truly dual purpose “Golden”.

Since 1990, Catherine and Sven have, together with their children Emilie & Jonathan, continued with this goal to produce a truly dual purpose “Golden”.

In 2004, we moved from England to the Bourgogne area of France where both dogs and humans enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle in the open countryside. Our daughter, Emilie, has progressed from “dog groomer” to successful handler. Our son, Jonathan, works with our dogs, beating and picking- up at a local shoot.