Ch. Cubbington Diver was an influential sire in the breed in the 1920’s and 1930’s. He sired 7 champions. He was bred by Jacqueline Cottingham, who had the influential Woolley line.
He has such an intelligent expression in his eyes. He was truly a beautiful animal.
I have no idea why people decided to breed away from this type. When I think golden retriever, I think of something very similar to this.
I much prefer them to the polar bear and kodiak bear dogs.
Update: Diver is my new Gravatar. Sorry, Diana.
Sometimes, the old photos are addicting.
And beguiling…
Cubbington Diver was not bred by Mr/Mrs Cottingham of the Woolley kennels, but was bought in as a youngster. There is an article in a 1929 edition of the (AKC’s) Kennel Gazette where Mrs C writes about Diver, and others of her dogs. Don’t confuse Diver of Woolley with his son, Diver of Woolley.
WWII was instrumental in the demise of the Woolley kennels, and many others in many breeds. Because of food rationing, many owners had the dogs destroyed; or if they were lucky, sold to the USA. The war is a major reason for the genetic bottlenecks in so many breeds after the war. The survivors in some breeds were very small in number. Goldens were perhaps more fortunate than some, but still, major bloodlines were lost.
This dog looks a million times smarter than a modern golden retriever. To me, anyway.
Nice dog. Good Gravatar.