For the last 50+ years, Jackie Mertens’ “Topbrass” has been the dominant name in field-bred golden retrievers. Within that timeframe, Topbrass goldens have chalked up an amazing record of achievements, including the breed’s one and only National Amateur Field trial Championship (NAFC).
20-plus Field trial and/or Amateur Field trial Championships (FC and AFC).
100-plus “3-star dogs” (Qualified All Age goldens).
100-plus dogs with the highest Hunt Test titles from AKC< UKC/HRC, and NAHRA, and many, many dogs with lower Hunt Test titles and Working Certificates.
Topbrass goldens also excel in Obedience, Agility, Dock Diving and any other Sporting Dog event they participate in.
Then, too, year after year, countless Topbrass goldens, titled and untitled, hunt waterfowl and every type of upland game birds all across America.
In 1968 Jackie Mertens bred her show golden,” Ch. Goldenloe's Bronze Lustre, and felt she needed a suitable kennel name for the line of outstanding show dogs she intended to develop.” …."I decided to go with 'Topbrass.' 'Brass' for the color of the dogs. Back then so many kennel names included some variation of the word 'gold,' which I wanted to avoid. 'Top' because I wanted to breed...well, you know...the best, top of the line." With that last statement Jackie gave just a glimpse of her intensely competitive nature...which her gracious, down-to-earth personality usually masks.” And with that Topbrass was born.
“No other breeder produces such consistent quality in field goldens. A few produce an occasional FC or AFC, but Jackie produces them consistently, year after year,”
In 2016, Jackie found a younger partner with the same Work ethic as herself. Allison Sinclair and Jackie have worked together since that time as Allison continues to take over many “Topbrass” responsibilities.
To contact Jackie, please email Allison with your information and a detailed message regarding your questions. (Photo by Diane Glassmeyer)