mini golden

Question
Hi
I have had goldens my whole life and always will but as I am getting older having a big dog is getting tough on me.
While vacationing in Ireland I spotted a women with her dog- it looked exactly like a Golden and acted like one ( tennis ball in it's mouth and all)I commented about it looking like a mini Golden and the woman was insulted- she refered to it as a pure breed- If I recall right she said it was a golden spaniel. She also said that every American that has seen her dog asks if it is a Mini Golden. She mentioned that Goldens were bred from her dogs breed. I have searched the internet including both UK and Ireland kennel club sites to find this breed. Do you know what the breed is?

Answer
I wonder if it was a Cocker Spaniel.  They come in various colors some about the same as Goldens.  They have the same reputation for loyalty, affection, and eager to please as the Goldens.  I don't know if they like tennis balls, but many breeds do.  Even if that wasn't what you saw, the Cocker might be a good choice.  For something even smaller, consider the Sheltie.  I think they are one of the nicest smaller dogs.  

While you can browse pictures and descriptions of dogs at www.akc.org I think flipping through a book might be better.  See what your library has.  Also read up on the origins of the Golden.