Everyone knows the Golden Retriever, one of America's most popular dogs. We all immediately recognized their smiling faces, long golden hair and ever-wagging tails! According to the American Kennel Club, Goldens are the fourth most popular breed in the United States.
You may know exactly what a Golden is and some people claim there are 8 species, but did you know there are actually only 3 species and they are all technically the same breed?
If you're looking to add a new member to your family, check out the three recognized types of golden retrievers and the five "unofficial" types of golden retrievers below.
Are There Different Types of Golden Retrievers?
While all are technically one breed (Golden Retriever), there are technically 3 official sub-types of Golden Retrievers: American Goldens, British (or English) Goldens, and Canadian Goldens. Before you get too concerned about which one might be right for you and your family, know that the differences are very small.
In addition to these three "official" types, there are also a few other specific breeds that are often talked about: Creamy English Golden Retriever, Field-raised Golden Retriever, Red Golden Retriever, and Show Golden Retriever. These are simply subspecies of the American, British, or Canadian Goldens.
There are also Black Golden Retrievers and Mini Golden Retrievers, but none of them are technically Golden Retrievers.
Read on to find out more.
>>> If you are looking for a new puppy, here at My Golden Retriever Puppies we offer all three main types (American, British & Canadian Goldens) as well as the sub-types mentioned above. Find your new best friend in our list of quality productsGolden retriever puppies for sale.
What you should know about the 8 different types of Golden Retrievers
- The three official types: American Golden Retriever x Canadian Golden Retriever x English/British Golden Retriever
- English Cream Golden Retriever
- Field Bred Golden Retrievers
- Rote Golden Retriever
- Show Golden Retriever
- Mini-Golden Retriever
- black golden retrievers
- frequently asked questions
A Brief History of the Golden Retriever
The modern Golden Retrievers we know and love today are descendants of the first Goldens bred in Scotland in the mid-1800s. These Goldens resulted from a combination between the Tweed Water Spaniel, the Bloodhound and the Yellow-Colored Retriever.
These original Goldens were bred to hunt and endure the harsh Scottish winters. Over the past 200 years, Golden Retrievers have been bred and refined to create different styles and variations of the great family pet we all love.
American vs Canadian vs British/English Golden Retrievers
American Golden Retrievers
When you think of that familiar face you've seen in family movies or walked around your local pet store with the owner, you probably picture the American Golden Retriever. The American Golden is considered the general standard for the breed. While there are similar Canadian and British equivalents, American is the most popular.
The American Golden Retriever has a rich golden coat. The gold tones may vary slightly but should not be too light or too dark. Adult males are 23-24 inches in height while females are 21.5-22.5 inches. Male American Goldens can weigh up to 65-75 pounds, while adult females are slightly smaller at 55-65 pounds.
American Golden Retrievers are loved by everyone and show loyalty and a friendly nature. They are also very intelligent and willing to please. However, American Goldens are known to be slightly more energetic than other variations of the breed.
They make excellent pets for younger couples who enjoy lots of outdoor activities, or for families who can spend a lot of time playing with them.
Canadian Golden Retrievers
Canadian Golden Retrievers are essentially the same as American Goldens, with minimal variations.
These Goldens have a long golden coat that can vary slightly in shade. They are the same size as adult American Golden Retrievers, with males measuring 23 to 24 inches and females 21.5 to 22.5 inches. Canadian Goldens are also roughly the same weight, with males weighing 65-75 pounds and females 55-65 pounds.
Overall, Canadian Goldens and American Goldens are the same dogs in different places.
British/English Golden Retrievers
The foreign variant of the Golden is the British or English Golden Retriever. While very similar to American Goldens, they have some subtle differences. The British Kennel Club first recognized the British Golden Retriever in 1931 and the American Kennel Club in 1932.
British Golden is typically a lighter shade of gold than the American type. They also come in shades of cream, which some breeders call "English Cream." They are smaller in stature, with adult males reaching 22 to 24 inches and females 20 to 22 inches in height. The standard weight of British Golden Retrievers is not listed, but most weigh between 55 and 70 pounds.
British Golden Retrievers are very affectionate, friendly and intelligent. Many breeders report that the British Golden has fewer potential health issues like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia than the American or Canadian versions. However, there are no studies that prove this.
MORE>> Golden Retriever x Labrador
English cream golden retriever
The English Cream Golden Retriever is a variant of the British Golden Retriever and is known for its strikingly light-colored coat. Sometimes referred to as "rare white European retrievers," English Cream Goldens are among the most desirable of all Golden Retriever types, often considered refined and elegant.
The English Cream Golden has a very light cream to white coat that is shorter and thicker than the standard American Golden. They have a stockier build, with males standing around 21 to 24 inches tall and females around 20 to 23 inches. Adult male English creams can weigh anywhere from 50 to 75 pounds and females weigh around 45 to 70 pounds.
English Cream Goldens have delightful personalities with a calm and friendly disposition. They are incredibly smart and easy to train too. That being said, Cream English Golden Retrievers are often more expensive than other types of Goldens due to their desirable looks. Depending on the breeder, the average pup can cost around $3,500. see oursSelling cream colored English Golden Retriever puppiesFor more information.
Golden retriever raised in the field
Field-bred Golden Retrievers are most reminiscent of the original Goldens bred in 19th-century Scotland. They are highly motivated working dogs who enjoy engaging in sporting activities such as hunting.
These Goldens vary in color from dark gold to red, with shorter to medium length coats. They are smaller than other golden retrievers, with adult males measuring 21 to 23 inches and females 21 to 22 inches. Males can weigh from 60 to 70 pounds and females from 50 to 65 pounds.
Field-grown Goldens are ideal for people who spend a lot of time outdoors. These dogs want to help with hunting or accompany you when fishing. They enjoy water sports and basically any outdoor activity. They may not be a good fit for families who spend a lot of time indoors and cannot exercise daily. see oursFree range Golden Retriever puppies for sale.
Goldroter Retriever
Red Golden Retrievers are often field-bred variations of Goldens that are red in color.
Red Goldens get their name from their distinctive red coat. It's usually a deep, bright red that sets them apart from other types of Goldens. Their hair is often finer and longer than other types of Goldens.
They tend to get smaller, with males reaching around 22-23 inches and females 21-22.5 inches. Adult males can weigh from 65 to 75 pounds and females from 55 to 65 pounds.
Because most Red Goldens are field bred Goldens, they are very motivated and work oriented. These dogs have high energy levels and will benefit from being given chores to help them. Many owners report that they tend to be a bit talkative and want to put things in their mouths when they shouldn't, such as the owner's hands. look at oursRed Golden Retriever puppies for sale.
show golden retrievers
Show Golden Retrievers are a style bred to precise breed specifications for show competition.
With perfectly golden coats and long hair, Show Goldens are often quite striking in appearance. They are big-boned and stout in stature, with a broader, broader head than the average Golden.
Show Golden Retrievers share the same wonderful qualities as other types of Goldens, they are friendly and good-natured. However, because Show Goldens are bred to very specific breed standards, they are often expensive. They are ideal for owners who want to show their dogs at tournaments.
If you are looking for a new puppy, here at My Golden Retriever Puppies we offer all three main types (American, British & Canadian Goldens) as well as the sub-types mentioned above. Find your new best friend in our list of quality productsGolden retriever puppies for sale.
Mini-Golden Retriever
A mini Golden Retriever is exactly what it sounds like: a smaller Golden. There is some debate as to whether mini Golden Retrievers really should be considered a type of Golden, given that they are technically mixed breeds. Most breeders get mini Goldens by crossing an American Golden with a Cocker Spaniel or Miniature Poodle, so we don't technically consider them true Golden Retrievers.
Because Mini Golden Retrievers are hybrid breeds, they don't actually have breed specifications. Coat color can vary from light cream to dark gold or red, with extreme variation in length. Their heights vary, but most are under 20 inches, both males and females. Their weight can also vary, typically ranging from 30 to 50 pounds.
Miniature Golden Retrievers are excellent for those who want certain personality traits in a Golden Retriever without having a medium to large size. That being said, mini Goldens don't always take on the friendly, carefree nature of purebred Goldens. Because they are mestizos, they may have traits from other breeds.
Golden Retriever also
Just like the mini Golden, anything called the “Black Golden Retriever” is basically a crossbreed. Purebred black Golden Retrievers do not exist, but can essentially be bred by mixing any variation of a Golden with a black Labrador, Newfoundland, or other breed.
The coat, size and weight of a Black and Golden will vary as they are actually a mixed breed. Because many Goldens are crossed with Labradors, they would likely be medium to large in size, with males or females weighing between 50 and 75 pounds.
Some Goldens can even be mixed with Newfoundlands, which would result in a much larger dog weighing 80 to 120 pounds or more.
Which Golden Retriever is Right for You?
Determining which type of Golden Retriever is best for you comes down to your unique lifestyle. All species make great pets, but some have distinctive traits that make them better suited to certain households. Each Golden Retriever puppy also has a different cost, so make sure you know themgolden retriever preisbefore you decide. To find out which Golden is ideal for your family, you can consult a trusted breeder or trusted vet!
Find your new best friend in our list of quality productsGolden retriever puppies for saleand our high qualityGolden Retriever Züchter.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 8 Types of Golden Retrievers
Are Male Or Female Golden Retrievers Better?
While one gender isn't necessarily better than the other, male Golden Retrievers tend to be more clingy, and female Golden Retrievers are known to be more independent. Both can show moderate signs of territorial behavior, but more so in females due to their maternal instincts.
MORE>> 6 Key Differences Between Male and Female Golden Retrievers
What is the best color for golden retrievers?
The standard gold has proven to be the most popular color among golden retrievers. Each type of paint has specific properties. A light shade tends to appear whiter in light, while darker Golden Retrievers are made up of deeper reds and blacks.
What is the difference between English, Canadian and American Golden Retrievers?
The most obvious difference is in the shades. English Golden Retrievers are typically lighter in color than American Golden Retrievers. In addition to the color differences, an English Golden Retriever's head is broader with a square muzzle. Canadian Golden Retrievers are slimmer and taller.
What color is the Canadian Golden Retriever?
The Canadian Golden Retriever is similar to the American and British Golden Retriever. They all have their signature style in natural light, dark or golden colors.