The golden retriever is arguably the most popular of all types of retrievers. Affectionate, intelligent, beautiful, easy to train… for many, it is the perfect dog. But did you know that there is more than one type of golden retriever? Some fans of the breed are unaware that there are 3 varieties.
Keep reading below to find out what they are and discover the characteristics that make them unique.
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What are the 3 types of Golden Retrievers? What is the difference between them?
Golden retrievers are usually classified into 3 separate types. They are:
- American golden retriever
- British golden retriever
- Canadian golden retriever
The differences between these three varieties are minimal and are associated with the physical appearance, for example, the characteristics of the coat. These differences arose naturally in the breeding process, and it should be noted that they have no real effect on the temperament or health of the dogs.
Although there is talk of types or varieties of golden retrievers, a purebred specimen is considered 100% golden retriever, regardless of the type. These are not separate breeds, but variations within the same breed.
1. American Golden Retriever
Without a doubt, this is the most common and popular type. Compared to the others, the American Golden Retriever is the slimmest and least muscular. According to the Golden Retriever Club of America, these specimens are easier to recognize by the color of their coat.
- As its name suggests, the coat is a bright golden color, which can vary from dark gold to light gold.
- Although it is a light golden specimen, its fur will always be darker than that of its British counterpart.
- The dense wavy coat is neither too thick nor too silky. It has long hair feathers on the neck, the back of the legs, and the tail.
- Unlike the British and Canadian, the American Golden Retriever has lighter eyes, shaped more triangular than round.
- Males can reach an average height of 58 to 61 cm, and females are generally between 54 and 57 cm.
2. British or English Golden Retriever
The two most significant differences between the British and American Golden Retrievers are physical build and coat color.
- The British Hound has more powerful forequarters and a broader skull.
- In addition, her cape is a lush cream color, rather than light gold. This type retains the breed’s wavy, feathery coat, but is slightly shorter. The detachment of its outer layer is less.
- Another feature that helps distinguish one type from another is the shape of the eyes since the British have darker and rounder eyes.
- The English golden retriever measures very similar to the American, but sometimes it can be a little smaller; the difference is minimal. Some males can measure between 55 and 61 cm, while some females only reach 50-55 cm in height.
3. Canadian Golden Retriever
This type of golden retriever looks a bit different than the other two varieties. First, its coat is thinner and shorter, and its body reaches higher.
- The Canadian Golden Retriever exhibits a medium to dark gold-colored coat, not as feathery as that of its siblings. In this case, the texture of the hair also varies ( finer ). It is a dog that looks less hairy than the others.
- These specimens are usually slightly taller than the British and Americans, reaching an additional almost 2 inches on average.
According to the Golden Retriever Club of Canada, the coat of any golden retriever should be less harsh than that of a short-haired dog and less silky than that of a setter.
Should I consider any differences in temperament depending on the type of golden retriever?
No. Regardless of what type of golden retriever you choose as a pet, the temperament will always be the same. Expect your dog to be friendly, affectionate, intelligent, active, obedient, and outgoing.
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Quick Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
What is the golden retriever breed like?
The golden retriever is first and foremost a devoted family dog. He is distinguished by being affectionate, obedient, energetic, intelligent, and reliable. He is the typical pet who does everything possible to please his owner.
Not only does he love spending time with his family, but he is also very welcoming to friends and strangers. This is why it is not considered a good choice as a guard dog. They are good with children and are easy to train. However, training and socialization from an early age are always recommended.
The golden retriever breed has a long history as a hunting and working dog, which is why they are very intelligent and athletic specimens. They generally need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and burn off any excess energy.
His beautiful golden coat requires brushing 1-2 times a week to remove dead hair, as well as the occasional bath to keep it clean. As an owner, you can expect a heavy shedding 1-2 times a year.
How do I know what kind of golden retriever I have?
The 3 types of golden retrievers are very similar to each other. After all, they are just variations of the same breed. Even so, there are some differences that will help you distinguish them.
To find out what type of golden retriever you have, consider the following:
- American type. Slender body, significantly golden fur ( can vary in intensity ), clear, slanted eyes.
- British type. Slightly stockier body, broader skull, cream-colored coat, round dark eyes.
- Canadian type. Shorter and thinner layer, medium golden color ( can become dark ), and apparently taller body.
Are all types of golden retrievers the same color?
Not quite. The golden retriever breed is distinguished by its exquisite golden coat, but this golden color can exhibit different shades. A pure golden retriever can be cream, light gold, medium gold, or dark gold (never red or brown).
This color spectrum is strict, especially for competitive dogs. If a specimen falls outside this range of gold, it cannot compete or be officially registered.
Typically, the American Golden Retriever’s coat ranges from light to dark gold, the British Golden Retriever is creamy-gold in color, and the Canadian Golden Retriever exhibits a medium to dark gold hue.
Despite the high demand for the color gold, some mixed dogs fall outside this spectrum. It is possible to find white, red, copper, and even black golden retrievers.
It may interest you: The 30+ Colors of the Chihuahua Breed – Types and Patterns of Stains
What are crossbred or mixed golden retrievers?
The golden retriever is a dog well known for being purebred, but this does not prevent breeders from developing different crosses. Some of the most common include:
- The goldendoodle or golden poodle. Cross between the golden retriever and the standard poodle.
- They not only come in gold tones but also in black.
- The golden mountain or golden bolero. Cross between the golden retriever and the Bernese Mountain Dog. It is a family dog, but with a certain protective instinct.
- The golden chi or golden chi . Cross between the golden retriever and the chihuahua. It physically resembles the Chihuahua but has a much larger build.
- The golden lab or goldador. Cross between the golden retriever and the labrador. It has an obedient, gentle temperament and average energy levels.
- The goldmation or golden Dalmatian . Cross between the golden retriever and the Dalmatian. This dog exhibits a slightly reserved personality.
