Difference in Golden Retrievers

There is only one breed of Golden retriever, although there may be different styles. Whether your Golden is conformation or Field Golden they are all within one breed. The official Golden retriever club of America clarifies that there is only one Golden retriever breed. However, some people who think of certain dogs as Golden retrievers may not be Golden retrievers after all, such as the black Golden retriever and the mini Golden retriever. It is crucial to know the difference between Golden retrievers and identify true blue Goldens.

Field Bred Golden Retrievers

These golden retrievers were bred to embody what Golden retrievers are good at, which is hunting. This style of Goldens are on the smaller end of the spectrum when it comes to size. Field bred Goldens are athletic and have more drive compared to other styles. What is the difference between golden retrievers?

They have shorter coats with use ranging from gold to red. They are distinct for their high levels of energy.

They have excellent hunting and ability skills and make awesome family pets. They must be trained properly and be given a job to do.

You might find that field-bred Golden retrievers are mouthy. They were bred to grip things with their mouth.

To clarify, field-bred Goldens are true-blue Golden retrievers. They are just a particular style. What is the difference in golden retrievers?

On the opposite side of the spectrum are conformation Golden retrievers, otherwise known as show Goldens.

Show Golden Retrievers

Show goldens were bred to have a certain look. This appearance is what dog show judges are examining on the show stage. These dogs must conform to the standards. What is the difference in golden retrievers?

Standards have evolved over the years, and currently, the standard favors a thick, robust, big-boned body and long full coats. Goldens must have a well-built head.

The popular opinion is the show Golden retrievers are friendlier and more sociable. It is more laid-back than field Golden. Like field Golden retrievers, it is only a style of Golden, not a separate breed.

Red Golden Retrievers

Red is a common hue in Golden retriever coats. A majority of field Goldens have a red or dark gold coat. If you see a Golden retriever with a red coat, there is a huge chance that it is a field bred.

Characteristics of red golden retrievers:

• Smaller build compared to the standard
• Short coat
• Agile
• High prey drive
• Mouthy

These aren’t general rules; it is just a common trend. Some red Golden retrievers are big and with well-built heads as well as long coats.

English Cream Golden Retrievers

This type of Golden retriever comes by many names, and there are numerous myths about it. Some believe that they are healthier and have gentler temperaments. Some even claim they are not actually Golden retrievers.

Simply because they are white doesn’t mean they are superior to other Goldens. Instead, what you should look for is pedigree.

If your dog comes from a lineage of good-tempered ancestry from their parents to their grandparents, then they are likelier to be healthy and good-tempered dogs. It doesn’t matter what shade of color they come in.

The problem with a majority of Golden retrievers is people want to make a profit by selling Golden retriever puppies. Because of this, they irresponsibly breed dogs that are unhealthy and have problematic pedigrees. They might even breed closely related bloodlines.

When choosing a Golden retriever puppy, it is crucial to choose a reputable breeder that performs health and DNA testing for every dog they breed.

Although there are tons of myths about English cream Golden retrievers, there is some truth to it.

They are indeed stockier and have blockier heads and thicker coats.

They are also more expensive because people also have the impression that they are rare, so they will pay the cost.

CANADIAN GOLDEN RETRIEVER

What is the difference in golden retrievers? The Canadian Golden retriever has some distinct differences from the previous goldens mentioned. Canadian Goldens have shorter and thinner coats than their counterparts. It might not also be as feathery.

This style of dog is also taller by as much as 2 inches. This makes this dog distinct from the other three styles.

BRITISH GOLDEN RETRIEVERS

These golden retrievers are distinct for their long and feathery and coat. This is a characteristic of the breed. They are smaller than Canadian Goldens but not by a far stretch.

There is only a small difference between British and American Golden retrievers. They have a similar appearance when it comes to size and coat. Their temperaments are comparable as well.

Their main difference is their physical build. British Goldens have a more robust skull and muscular forequarters. You will also observe that they have rounder and darker eyes.

AMERICAN GOLDEN RETRIEVERS

This type of golden retriever is lankier and not as muscular compared to other varieties. They have typically dark Golden coats with a darker hue than their British counterparts. However, it is similar in length and waviness.

Although they have darker coats, the American Goldens will have lighter colored eyes, which are slant-shaped and triangular.

Mini Golden Retrievers

Dogs that are known as mini Golden retrievers are not dwarf Golden retrievers or a mutation. Instead, they are a mix of Golden retriever, the mini poodle, and cocker spaniel.

Similar to English cream Golden retrievers, they got this moniker because it helps breeders sell more puppies.

When you think about it, would you buy a Golden Cocker? Mini golden retriever sounds more elegant.

The goal of breeding mini Golden retrievers is to develop a smaller and healthier golden that sheds less.

There is a theory called hybrid vigor. It is the belief that mixed breeds are superior in health. Breeding smaller breeds such as mini poodles and cocker spaniel will create a smaller dog. Since they are part poodle, they will be shedding less. However, there are some doubts about these dogs.

Mini Golden retrievers sell double the price of true blue goldens. It can attract breeders who may want to be involved in the process for purely monetary benefits.

It is crucial to note that crossbreed puppies are inconsistent in their appearance. Some may veer towards one parent rather than the other. The optimum way to have puppies with a consistent appearance is to breed two crossbreeds. However, this may cause inbreeding in dogs. It is the reason why a majority of Golden retrievers are unhealthy.

Be extremely cautious where you obtain your mini Golden retriever. Make sure you’re purchasing from a reputable breeder.

Black Golden Retriever

In truth, there is no such thing as a black Golden retriever. They don’t exist. They are included in this list because many people assume that it is one of the Golden retrievers’ official colors. They also have the impression that it is a genetic mutation.

If you find a dog that is similar to the black Golden retriever, it might be a different breed, such as the following:

• Flat-coated retriever
• Newfoundland
• Black lab and golden retriever crossbreed
• Black German shepherd and Golden retriever crossbreed
• a mix of Labrador, golden retriever, setter, or spaniel crossbreed

Accepted Color and Shades of Golden Retrievers – the Difference in Golden Retrievers

Another method to differentiate golden retrievers from each other is by their color. Goldens are distinct for their luxurious locks that are a shiny golden color. Keep in mind that colors are strict, especially for show dogs. If a dog’s coat is out of the accepted color range, it cannot be registered under the AKC, nor can it compete.

The following are three classifications of golden retriever coat:

• Light golden, which include the cream-colored variety
• Golden
• Dark golden but not completely red

Final thoughts

You should factor in the difference in golden retrievers when you are considering this breed as your new pet. It will help if you have an informed choice so you can select the best Golden retriever for your lifestyle and needs. Field goldens are awesome if you have a wide space for them to explore and satisfy their need to hunt. But they might not be the best choice if you live in a smaller area. Instead, laid-back show retrievers might be a better option.