Golden Retrievers

The Golden Retriever breed is popular for many good reasons. They are very affectionate, trustworthy, and intelligent. Goldens are amazing family dogs and very popular as service dogs and therapy dogs. Being originally bred as bird dogs, most enjoy retrieving and swimming.

They are eager to please, which makes them easy to train using positive reinforcement training. They are sensitive dogs and do not do well with rough, punishment based training. They have a deep need to be with their human “pack” and should never be left alone for long periods, or kept as an outdoor dog. They lack guard instincts so do not usually make good watchdogs.

What exactly is an “English” Golden Retriever?

There is only one Golden Retriever breed. What is referred to as an English Golden Retriever is not another breed. Some breeders and websites infer they are rare and different, using terms like English Creams, Rare Russian Whites, Exquisite Platinum Retrievers, etc. This is marketing, to increase interest in their puppies.

In fact, the breed originated in the Highlands of Scotland in the late 1800’s and all Goldens worldwide are descended from this original breeding stock.

English and American Goldens have developed differences due to the fact they have been bred to different Standards. A Breed Standard is a written and pictorial description of how the ideal Golden should look and behave. There are 2 major breed Standards in Golden Retrievers, the AKC (American Kennel Club) and the KC (British Kennel Club). Many countries around the world follow and breed Goldens to the British KC Standard, so their dogs are called “English” Golden Retrievers.

English Golden Retrievers have been imported to the US from various countries that follow the KC Standard, such as Denmark, Spain, Russia, Netherlands, Ukraine, France, Hungary, Australia, etc.

Differences between English and American Goldens

One obvious difference can be color as many English Goldens are a light cream. This takes us back to the 2 Standards. AKC requires medium shades of gold, the lightest and darkest shades are considered undesirable. The British KC Standard accepts all cream and golden shades.

AKC STANDARD: Rich lustrous golden of various shades. Predominant body color which is either extremely pale or extremely dark is undesirable.

BRITISH KC STANDARD: Any shade of gold or cream, neither red nor mahogany.

 It is a misconception that all English Goldens are cream colored. In fact, they range from cream to dark golden. The golden shades of English Goldens are also very popular in Europe and America.

All Goldens are great dogs, English and American. Blending American and European lines together results in less inbred, more genetically diverse dogs, with many of the best traits from both lines.

Other Physical Differences

American Goldens

• Slightly taller and more leggy
• A smaller more refined head with smaller, higher set ears Thicker, longer coat
• More athletic and generally more active

English Goldens

• Stocky and heavier boned
• Blocky head and lower set, medium ears
• Less profuse coat, can be straight or wavy Generally calmer temperaments

Health

Studies by the Golden Retriever Club of America and the British Kennel Club indicate English Goldens have a lower incidence of death by cancer (61.8% for American dogs vs 38.8% for English)

The studies showed a median age for an English Golden to be 12 years and 3 months, and the median age for American Goldens at 10 years and 8 months. These differences could be caused by a gene mutation in American dogs, and/or partially explained by environmental differences. In Europe dogs are altered much later or not at all, which seems to have an influence on both orthopedic problems and health in general.

Male or Female

Most of the time people looking at getting a new puppy already know what sex they want from past dogs and experiences. I love both my boys and girls. They each have their own distinct personality but in general there are some differences. Large breeds, including Goldens, are not completely mature and filled out until 2-3 years old. When you have a puppy/young dog it seems like they will never grow up and settle down. Once they hit 2-3 you have the perfect dog and you start missing the puppy silliness!

Males obviously will be larger, about 2” taller and 10+ pounds heavier, and usually have somewhat longer coats. They mature more slowly so are playful and goofy for a long time. They are a lot of fun but can get a little difficult during adolescence due to their larger size and energy. Males are big lugs, very affectionate and cuddly and bond tightly with their people. They want a lot of love, time and attention. They are where you are, and if any dog would follow you off a cliff it would be the male, LOL!

Females are smaller, and often more athletic. They mature earlier so can be easier to raise. I find they are often a bit smarter and easier to train. They are loving and loyal but a bit more independent than males. This is not a bad thing, males can get a little overwhelming with their adoration! Females seem more intuitive and in tune with your feelings, happy or sad. Having a rough day? That girl will look in your eyes and know and want to help.

Females love you and see you as their best friend.
Males worship you.