My Best Friend Ruthie
An English Cream Golden Retriever
Everyone knows that golden retrievers are beautiful dogs blessed with long, shiny coats in some shade of gold — and they have wonderful demeanors to boot.
If you've seen the English cream golden retriever, or "white" golden retriever, in magazines or ads, you may be wondering what it is and where you can get one. What makes them different from the average golden retriever that you see every day in America? Are they the same breed? Is the only difference the coat color? In this article we will take a look at some differences and learn the truth about English cream golden retrievers.
Are Cream Golden Retrievers Still Golden Retrievers?
Yes. It's incorrect to call a lighter-colored golden retriever by a different name. Sometimes, breeders change their name to trick buyers into thinking that these lighter-colored dogs are rare. Some breeders incorrectly call them "rare white European golden retrievers," "exquisite platinum imported golden retrievers," or "English cream golden retrievers." But, no matter what they are called, they are golden retrievers; they are recognized as such by English and Canadian authorities.
Are American Golden Retrievers Genetically Different From English Ones?
Somewhat. Even though American goldens descend from English lines imported to the U.S. via Canada, the breed evolved and developed differently than its English counterpart because it was bred according to the American Kennel Club standard rather than the standard of the Kennel Club of the UK. Let's take a look at a few of the differences.
English Golden Retriever vs. American Golden Retriever
| English | American | |
|---|---|---|
|
Color |
Generally Lighter |
Generally darker |
|
Topline |
Level slope |
Back slopes down a little |
|
Head |
Broader head |
Narrower profile that blends into skull |
|
Eyes |
Round, level eyes |
Almond-shaped |
|
Ears |
Level with eyes |
Behind and just above the eyes |
|
Neck |
Long, protruding neck. Clean and often trimmed ruff. |
Medium length, muscular, and untrimmed |
|
Tail |
Level with back |
Slight upward curve |
|
Built |
Heavier, stockier build |
Leaner, more lightweight appearance |
|
Height |
Male: 22-24 in. Femaie: 20-22 in. |
Male: 23-24 in. Female: 21.5-22.5 |
|
Lifespan |
12 years |
10-11 years |
|
Cancer Rate |
38.8% |
60% |
Are White Golden Retrievers Rare?
No. Those who are looking for a "white" or "platinum" golden retriever will be disappointed. While some goldens may appear very light in color, they are not actually white. The color white doesn't genetically appear in this breed. Any ad offering "rare white golden retriever puppies" should be interpreted as a scam! Terms like "white," "platinum," "rare," or even "English cream" are marketing words used to trick buyers into paying more for an ordinary retriever with a lighter coat color.
A "white" golden is also frowned upon by both British and American kennel clubs. Any amount of light-colored hair is considered a fault and will be penalized.
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