Types Of Golden Retrievers: Why There Are Really Only 3 Kinds
Everyone is familiar with the Golden Retriever, one of America’s favorite dogs. We all instantly recognize their smiling faces, long golden hair, and ever-wagging tails! In fact, according to the American Kennel Club, Goldens are the 4th most popular breed in the U.S.
You may know exactly what a Golden is, and some people claim there are 8 types, but did you know there are really only 3 types, and they’re 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?
Though they’re all technically one breed (Golden Retriever), there are technically 3 official subtypes: American Goldens, British (or English ) Goldens, and Canadian Goldens. Before you get too stressed out about which might be right for you and your family, just know that their differences are very slight.
On top of these three “official” types, there’s also a number of other specific varieties people often talk about: English Cream Golden Retrievers, Field-bred Golden Retrievers, Red Golden Retrievers, and Show Golden Retrievers. These are all simply subtypes of American, British, or Canadian Goldens.
There are also Black Golden Retrievers and Mini-Golden Retrievers, but neither of these are technically Golden Retrievers. Keep reading to find out more.
If you’re looking for a new puppy, here at My Golden Retriever Puppies, we offer all three of the main types (American, British & Canadian Goldens), as well as the subtypes mentioned above. Find your new best friend from our list of top-quality Golden Retriever Puppies For Sale.
What You Should Know About The 8 Different Types of Golden Retrievers
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- The Official Three Types: American Golden Retrievers vs. Canadian Golden Retrievers vs. English/British Golden Retrievers
- English Cream Golden Retrievers
- Field-Bred Golden Retrievers
- Red Golden Retrievers
- Show Golden Retrievers
- Mini Golden Retrievers
- 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 mid-1800’s Scotland. These Goldens resulted from combining the Tweed Water Spaniel, Bloodhound, and Yellow-Colored Retriever.
These original Goldens were bred to hunt and withstand the harsh winters of Scotland. Over the last 200 years, Golden Retrievers have been bred and refined to create different styles and variations of the great family dog we all adore.
American vs. Canadian vs. British/English Golden Retrievers
American Golden Retrievers
When thinking of that familiar face you’ve seen in family movies or trotting through your local pet store with their owner, you’re probably imagining the American Golden Retriever. The American Golden is considered the general standard of the breed. While there are similar Canadian and British counterparts, the American is the most popular.
The American Golden Retriever has a rich gold coat. The shades of gold can vary slightly but can be neither too light nor too dark. Adult males stand at the height of 23-24 inches, while females stand at 21.5-22.5 inches. Male American Goldens can weigh as much as 65-75 pounds, while adult females are slightly smaller at 55-65 pounds.
American Golden Retrievers are well-loved by all, showing loyalty and friendly nature to everyone. They are also highly intelligent and eager to please. With that said, American Goldens are known for being a little more energetic than other breed variations.
They make an excellent pet for younger couples who enjoy many outdoor activities or 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 variation.
These Goldens have a long golden coat that can vary slightly in the shade. They stand at the same height as adult American Golden Retrievers, with males being 23-24 inches tall and females being 21.5-22.5 inches tall. Canadian Goldens are also the same in weight, with males being 65-75 pounds and females 55-65 pounds.
Overall, Canadian Goldens and American Goldens are the same dogs in different locations.
British/English Golden Retrievers
The overseas variant of the Golden is the British or English Golden Retriever. While very similar to American Goldens, they do have some subtle differences. The British Kennel Club first recognized the British Golden Retriever in 1931 and the American Kennel Club in 1932.
The British Golden is typically a lighter shade of gold than the American type. They also come in shades of cream, which some breeders refer to as “English Cream.” They stand shorter in stature, with adult males reaching 22-24 inches and females reaching heights of 20-22 inches. The standard weight for British Golden Retrievers is not specified, but most weigh anywhere between 55 to 70 pounds.
British Golden Retrievers are highly devoted, friendly, and intelligent. Many breeders report that British Golden has fewer potential health conditions like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia than the American or Canadian versions. Still, there are no studies to confirm this.
To learn more about the differences between the British or English Golden Retriever and the American Golden Retriever, check out our blog post on Golden Retriever vs. Labrador.
English Cream Golden Retriever
The English Cream Golden Retriever is a variation of the British Golden and is known for its distinctly pale coat. Sometimes called “Rare White European Retrievers,” English Cream Goldens are among the most coveted of all Golden Retriever types, often seen as sophisticated and elegant.
The English Cream Golden has a very pale cream to white coat shorter and thicker than standard American Goldens. They have a stockier build, with males standing around 21-24 inches tall and females standing approximately 20-23 inches. Adult male English Creams can weigh anywhere between 50-75 pounds, and females weigh about 45-70 pounds.
English Cream Goldens have lovable personalities with a calm, friendly nature. They are incredibly smart and easy to train, as well. With that said, English Cream Golden Retrievers are often more expensive than other types of Goldens because of their desirable appearance. Depending on the breeder, the average puppy can cost around $3,500. See our English Cream Golden Retriever puppies for sale for more information.
Field-Bred Golden Retriever
Field-bred Golden Retrievers are the most reminiscent of the original Goldens bred back in 1800s Scotland. They are highly motivated working dogs that enjoy sporting activities like hunting.
These Goldens range in color from dark golden to red, with shorter to mid-length coats. They have a smaller stature than other Golden Retrievers, with adult males standing at 21-23 inches and females at 21-22 inches. Males can weigh between 60 and 70 pounds and females between 50 and 65 pounds.
Field-bred Goldens are ideal for people who spend a lot of time outdoors. These dogs want to help with hunting or accompany you while fishing. They enjoy water sports and basically any outdoor activity. They may not be an excellent match for families who spend a lot of time indoors and cannot provide daily exercise. See our Field-bred Golden Retriever puppies for sale.
Red Golden Retriever
Red Golden Retrievers are often variations of the Field-bred Golden that happen to be red.
Red Goldens get their name from their distinctly red coat. That is often a deep, bright red that distinguishes them from other kinds of Goldens. Their hair is often thinner and longer than other types of Goldens, as well.
They tend to stand smaller in size, with males topping out at around 22-23 inches and females 21-22.5 inches. Adult males can weigh between 65 and 75 pounds and females between 55 and 65 pounds.
With most red Goldens actually being Field-bred Goldens, they are highly driven and motivated to work. These dogs will have high energy levels and benefit from being given tasks to assist with. Many owners report that they do tend to be a little mouthy, wanting to grab things in their mouth even when they should not, such as their owner’s hands. Check out our Red Golden Retriever puppies for sale.
Show Golden Retriever
Show Golden Retrievers are a style that is bred to meet exact breed specifications to be shown in competitions.
With perfectly golden coats and long hair, Show Goldens are often quite remarkable in appearance. They are large-boned and thick in stature, with a wider, more broadhead than average Goldens.
Show Golden Retrievers have all the same wonderful characteristics as other types of Goldens, being friendly and well-natured. However, since Show Goldens are bred to meet very specific breed standards, they are often costly. They are ideal for owners who are looking to exhibit their dogs in competitive dog shows.
If you’re looking for a new puppy, here at My Golden Retriever Puppies, we offer all three of the main types (American, British & Canadian Goldens), as well as the subtypes mentioned above. Find your new best friend from our list of top-quality show Golden Retriever puppies for sale.
Mini Golden Retriever
A mini Golden Retriever is precisely what it sounds like: a smaller Golden. There is some debate about whether mini Golden Retrievers should really be considered a type of Golden, as they are technically crossbreeds. Most breeders get mini Goldens due to crossing an American Golden with a Cocker Spaniel or miniature poodle, so we technically don’t consider them to be true Golden Retrievers.
Since mini Golden Retrievers are hybrid breeds, they have no actual breed specifications. Their coat color can vary from light cream to dark gold or red, with extreme variations in length. Their heights vary, but most are under 20 inches tall, males and females. Their weights can vary as well, typically staying anywhere between 30 and 50 pounds.
Miniature Golden Retrievers are excellent for anyone who desires certain personality traits of a Golden Retriever without the medium-to-large size. With that said, mini Goldens do not always take on the friendly, happy-go-lucky nature of purebred Goldens. Since they are crossbred, they can have attributes of other breeds.
Black Golden Retriever
Much like the mini Golden, anything being referred to as a “black Golden Retriever” is basically a crossbreed. Purebred Black Golden Retrievers do not exist but can essentially be created by mixing any variation of a Golden with a black Labrador, Newfoundland, or other breeds.
The coat, height, and weight of a black Golden will vary because it is actually a mixed breed. Since many Goldens are bred with Labradors, they would likely be of medium-to-large build, with males or females anywhere between 50 to 75 pounds.
Some Goldens may 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 depends on your unique lifestyle. All kinds make a great family pet, but some have distinct characteristics that make them better suited for specific homes. Each Golden Retriever puppy has a different cost too, so make sure you know the golden retriever price before deciding. To know which Golden is ideal for your family, you can consult with a reputable breeder or trusted veterinarian!
Find your new best friend from our list of top-quality Golden Retriever Puppies For Sale and from our high quality golden retriever breeders.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 8 Types of Golden Retrievers
Are male or female Golden Retrievers better?
While one specific gender isn’t necessarily better than the other, male Golden Retrievers tend to be more affectionate and female Golden Retrievers are known to be more independent. Both can show moderate signs of being territorial, but more so in females due to their motherly instincts.
What is the best color for Golden Retrievers?
Standard gold has been shown to be more popular out of the colors of Golden Retrievers. Each color type has specific characteristics. A lighter shade tends to look more white in the light while the darker Golden Retrievers consist of more deep reds and blacks.
What is the difference between English, Canadian, and American Golden Retrievers?
The most obvious difference lies in the shades of color. English Golden Retrievers are typically a lighter shade than the American Golden Retrievers. Aside from color differences, the head of an English Golden retriever is broader with a square muzzle. Canadian Golden Retrievers are leaner and taller.
What color is a Canadian Golden Retriever?
The Canadian Golden Retriever is similar to the American and British Golden Retriever. All of them have their signature styles in either light, dark, or natural golden coat colors.
How many types of Golden Retrievers are there?
Officially, there are only three types of Golden Retrievers recognized based on their region: American, Canadian, and British. Each type has subtle differences in build and coat but shares the same friendly temperament.
What is the rarest type of Golden Retriever?
Among the types of Golden Retrievers, the British or English Cream Golden Retriever is often considered rarer in the United States. This is due to its strikingly pale coat and the fact that it’s less commonly bred in the U.S. compared to its American and Canadian counterparts.
What is the difference between a show Golden Retriever and a field Golden Retriever?
Show Golden Retrievers and field Golden Retrievers differ mainly in their physical appearance and energy levels. Show Goldens are bred to conform to specific breed standards suitable for the conformation ring, featuring a thicker coat and a more structured build. In contrast, field Goldens are bred for work, often leaner with a higher energy level to excel in hunting and field activities.