We are here to help and welcome new members whatever their interests in the breed.

Our club was founded in 1978. The first ever meeting was assembled at Hare Hatch Village Hall near Maidenhead where the new committee created the Club’s name - the idea being that from Berkshire the Downs bordered Hampshire and the Chilterns would encompass Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire. The Club’s first Chairperson was Mrs Kathleen Honess (Rooftreetops), the secretary was Mrs Elsie Henbest (Byxfield) and the Treasurer was Mrs Kay Ledingham (Sundials) (who was also the Rescue Officer). Our current President, Mr Roy Maynard, was one of the founding committee members.

The Club’s first committee had a strong belief in education and training. Trimming demonstrations and Ring Craft classes were tutored by established breeders. Working training was held by Mrs Kay Ledingham at her home in Great Missenden and educational workshops were held. Mike Stockman was engaged to talk on Canine construction aided by the skeleton of a Whippet. These sessions were over-subscribed. The first Open Shows were held on the Ascot Racecourse before moving to the current venue at Horspath, and the Championship Shows were at Watford before moving to Slough.

BD&C GRC now covers the counties of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Middlesex, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire. Membership is not restricted to people living in any geographical area. The Club’s aim includes the further education of its members in the management, training, showing, breeding and every aspect of the Golden Retriever. Carrying on the tradition of our founders, we like to encourage novices and organise training seminars whenever possible.

Every year we run both a summer Open Show and a Championship show in the Autumn. Click on the Show News link on the menu for more information.

We encourage the working side of the breed and aim to run an annual Field Trial as well as a Working Test. We are proud to send a team to represent the Club at the annual  Inter-Club Working Tests which are hosted by Golden Retriever Clubs around the country. Our Field Trial and Working Test Secretaries are developing some new working training sessions. Click on the Working link for more information.

Our Puppy Line advisor is there with advice for anyone wondering whether a Golden Retriever is the right dog for them, and she has a list of members with puppies available. Just click on the Puppy Line link for more information.

Our Re-Homing Officer is there to help those from our area with a dog that they need to find a new home for. She is completely discreet and will do everything she can to make sure that the dog finds a new, permanent home as quickly as possible. If you feel you can offer a new home to a dog please get in touch with her. Just click on the Re-Homing Link for more information.