The Retriever Expert Expert Care Tips For Your Retriever
Are you thinking of adding an additional pet to your family? Well, consider the English Cream Golden Retriever – an intelligent and gentle breed that’s quickly climbing in popularity. This cuddly little pup is perfect for families and dog lovers who are looking for a furry companion!
A Golden Retriever has traditionally been known as an intelligent, loyal, and friendly shape-shifter: from couch potato to running buddy — these dogs are up for anything! But what makes the English Cream Goldie stand out? These beautiful pups offer a creamier coat and the same loyal disposition shared by other golden retrievers.
Do you think this breed could be right for you? Ask yourself some questions: Do I have the time and commitment it takes to welcome a new pet into my home? Am I prepared to provide regular walks outside as well as mental stimulation within my home? Do I have space available in my daily schedule to give this pup lots of love and attention?
If your answers are all yes, then the English Cream Golden Retriever could be just the pet you’ve been dreaming of. Time to start your research on these beloved pets!
History of English Cream Golden Retrievers
Originally, Golden Retrievers hailed from Scotland, where they were bred to be hunting dogs and retrieving (hence their name) ducks and other waterfowl that hunters had shot. But English Cream Golden Retrievers are a bit different from their classic golden-colored counterparts-they hail from, as the name suggests, England!
The breed was first developed in the early 1800s to create an even more gentle, friendly, and intelligent version of the classic Golden Retriever. The creamy or white coloration of the English Cream Golden Retrievers is thought to be a result of the selective breeding of the Tweed water spaniel and the yellow wavy-coated retriever.
Despite their roots as hunting dogs, Golden Retrievers-and English Cream Golden Retrievers, in particular-became popular as family pets in the 20th century. Their friendly and mellow nature, combined with their love of playing and being active, made them beloved members of many households. Golden Retrievers are even known for their “soft mouths,” which means that they’re gentle enough to pick up an egg without breaking it!
What is an English Cream Golden Retriever: Appearance
🐕 Size and Build
The English Cream Golden Retriever stands between 21 ½ to 24 inches tall, measured from paw to shoulder. They weigh between 55 and 75 pounds, making them slightly larger than their American Golden Retriever counterparts. They are stockier and bigger boned, with a slightly larger head and wider muzzle, resulting in a stronger jaw.
Their eyes are positioned closer together, and they tend to be rounder. Their ears are level with their eyes, giving them an alert and attentive look.
🐕 Coat Color
One of the most notable features of the English Cream Golden Retriever is its coat. The color of their soft and silky fur should be “any shade of gold or cream, neither red nor mahogany,” according to breed standards. The cream color is a unique trait that sets the English Cream
Golden Retriever apart from other subtypes of the breed, which do not recognize this color. However, if a Golden Retriever is too pale, they are seen as undesirable by American breed standards.
Their coat is medium-long in length, with longer hair around their ears, neck, and tail. Known as feathering fur, this hair is slightly wavier than the rest of their coat. Their double coat provides protection against the elements, and while they are moderate shedders year-round, they have two heavy shedding seasons.
What is an English Cream Golden Retriever: Temperament
As a dog lover, you need to know what you’re in for when you decide to bring a new canine friend into your home. One of the most popular dog breeds is the golden retriever, known for its pleasant personality traits. English cream golden retrievers or white golden retrievers, in particular, are a highly sought-after breed for their temperament.
🦮 Intelligence
Firstly, it’s essential to note that English cream golden retrievers are highly intelligent dogs. This breed was originally developed for retrieving hunting games, so they have an inborn ability to understand and follow commands. Golden retrievers are often used as a service dog, and this is where their intelligence comes to the fore.
They can provide different types of assistance, including guiding the visually impaired, detecting seizures, and monitoring diabetics. Moreover, their clear-headedness and perceptiveness make them perfect as a therapy dog.
🦮 Loyalty
Another classic trait of the white golden retriever is loyalty. They have a tremendous sense of attachment to their owners and their family. These dogs thrive on human interaction/attention and love to be around their humans as much as possible.
This incredible bond between the dog and its family makes them a perfect choice for families with young children, as the dog’s watchfulness and loyalty help to keep them safe from any harm.
🦮 Obedience
When it comes to obedience, the English cream golden retriever is known for following commands. They are eager to please their owners, so training them is relatively easy. They are quick learners and respond well to positive reinforcement techniques when it comes to obedience training. Once the golden retriever understands what you expect of them, they will follow your commands to the letter.
🦮 Attentiveness
Finally, we come to attentiveness. English cream golden retrievers are incredibly attentive dogs. They are always aware of their surroundings and pick up on any changes in their immediate environment. This keen sense of awareness and loyalty make them excellent guard dogs. They will bark to alert their owners when something is amiss or when they sense a threat.
What is an English Cream Golden Retriever: Health Issues
🐶 Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
These conditions can have severe impacts on their bodies if left untreated, making it essential that owners of this breed stay mindful of the potential risks. Hip dysplasia is the most common and takes place when a dog’s hip joint doesn’t fully form in a healthy way. This misalignment causes the cartilage in the joint to deteriorate, making movement painful and uncomfortable.
On the other hand, elbow dysplasia occurs when three parts of the elbows don’t develop properly and battle each other for space as they move. Both these conditions will lead to your pup having difficulty in walking or running, possibly even lameness in one or both legs, which can become worse over time.
🐶 Cardiac Concerns
Another of these dogs’ most common susceptibilities is a condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). This disease weakens the heart muscles and often occurs when modern breeding practices mean that particular breeds no longer possess appropriate genetic diversity.
In English cream golden retrievers, this means that many individuals suffer from the disorder, leading to a decrease in the quality of life for these beloved pets. The good news is that treatment is available for DCM, and with proper care, dogs with this condition can still enjoy happy and healthy lives.
🐶 Ophthalmologist Health
Another prevalent vulnerability this breed faces specifically is Ophthalmologist health problems, such as progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, and Golden Retriever uveitis (GRU). Progressive retinal atrophy is a degenerative disease that affects the eye’s retina, causing it to weaken and eventually leading to blindness.
Cataracts occur when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy or opaque and blocks light from reaching the back of the eye, where it normally processes images and produces sight.
GRU, sometimes referred to as moon blindness, is an inflammatory disease of the uveal tract in the eye that can cause severe eye pain. Each of these conditions can be painful for your pup and detrimental to their vision if left untreated or undiagnosed.
Therefore, if you are considering getting an English cream golden retriever pup, have them tested by a vet experienced in ophthalmologist examination and treatment plans to get the best prognosis.
🐶 Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis
Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (or NCL) is a debilitating disorder that can impact the health of English Cream Golden Retrievers. This condition affects various components of the animal’s nervous system, including the cerebellum and brain. Symptoms typically include seizures, difficulty navigating or standing, and altered behavior or mental capacities.
Ultimately, this illness leads to death due to degeneration of the neural system, leading to a shorter lifespan for these beloved animals. Unfortunately, no cures exist, but milder treatments may be available depending on the severity and underlying causes. For example, drugs may control seizures while providing comfort and stability to affected animals.
Thus it is important to seek veterinary treatment promptly when signs of NCL emerge to slow potential health decline and provide the best possible quality of life for your beloved companion pet.
🐶 Cancer
Cancer can develop in many different forms in a Golden Retriever breed. Oftentimes it will manifest itself as lymphoma or cancer in the skin. However, some forms of cancer may affect other organs and body parts too. Monitoring your dog’s health regularly is important if you own an English Cream Golden Retriever.
Early detection is key if your pup properly battles any possible invasions of cancer or related illnesses. You should also consult with a vet if you notice any unusual behaviors or signs, such as lumps or welts on the skin, that could suggest that cancer has developed.
Exercise and Living Conditions
As you probably know, Golden Retrievers are an active breed that loves to run and play. The English Cream Golden Retriever, in particular, enjoys the great outdoors and is happiest when they have plenty of space to roam.
To keep your pup healthy and happy, it’s important to ensure they engage in regular exercise. This can come in many forms, such as walks, runs, hikes, or games of fetch. Aim for at least 30 minutes of activity per day, but don’t be afraid to mix it up and give your pup some variety in their routine.
Now, let’s talk about living conditions. English Cream Golden Retrievers are known for their friendly and gentle nature but can also be quite sensitive to their surroundings. They thrive in homes with plenty of natural light and fresh air and may become anxious or depressed if confined to a small space with little stimulation.
Be sure you have the room and resources to provide an English Cream Golden Retriever with a comfortable place to live if you’re thinking about bringing one into your home. This entails providing them with access to a yard or other outdoor space where they may play and a lot of toys, treats, and (of course) love and care.
Training
English cream golden retrievers are smart and quick learners, meaning they can be trained to do just about anything! The possibilities are endless, from basic obedience commands like sit, stay, and come to more complex tricks like rolling over, playing dead, and even opening doors.
When training your English cream golden retriever, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, positive reinforcement is key. This means you should reward your dog for good behavior rather than punish them for bad behavior. Treats, toys, and lots of praise are all great ways to let your dog know that they’re doing a good job.
Another important thing to remember is consistency. Dogs thrive on routine, so it’s important to establish and stick to a consistent training schedule. This means that you should train your dog at the same time every day. Plus, use the same commands and rewards each time.
Lastly, don’t forget to have fun! Training your English cream golden retriever should be a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your furry friend. Don’t get discouraged if your dog doesn’t learn something right away – patience and persistence are key.
Grooming Needs
Like any dog, they have unique grooming needs that must be addressed to keep them happy and healthy. Here’s everything you need to know about grooming your English cream golden retriever.
✅ Bathing
While it might seem counterintuitive, you actually don’t want to bathe your English cream golden retriever too often. Bathing your dog too frequently can strip them of its natural oils and leave its coat looking dry and brittle. Instead, aim to bathe them every three months or so. Use a gentle, dog-friendly shampoo, and be sure to rinse thoroughly to ensure there’s no residue left behind.
✅ Brushing
If you want your English cream golden retriever’s coat to look its best, you’ll need to be diligent about brushing them. Ideally, brushing them at least once a week would be best to keep their coats free of tangles and mats. If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, you may need to brush them more often to remove any dirt, debris, or burrs that may have become trapped in their coat.
✅ Trimming
Although many dogs enjoy digging, it’s important to keep your English cream golden retriever’s nails trimmed to prevent them from getting too long. Long nails can be uncomfortable for dogs, and they can also increase the risk of injury or infection. Use a pair of dog-specific nail clippers to carefully trim your dog’s nails. Take care not to cut too close to the quick- the pink part of the nail that contains the blood vessels.
✅ Cleaning Ears
English cream golden retrievers are known for their adorable floppy ears, but those ears can also be a breeding ground for bacteria, yeast, and other unpleasant things. To keep your dog’s ears healthy, you’ll want to clean them on a regular basis. Use a cotton ball and a pet-safe ear-cleaning solution to gently remove any dirt, debris, or wax that may have accumulated.
✅ Handling Shedding
While grooming can help minimize shedding, it’s important to remember that all dogs shed- even English cream golden retrievers. Keep a lint roller handy to remove any hair from your clothes or furniture. And if your dog has particularly thick or long hair, you may want to consider investing in a deshedding tool to help remove excess hair from their coat.
Proper Nutrition for Your English Cream Golden Retriever
Just like humans, the right nutrition is essential for dogs to keep them healthy and active. Proper nutrition helps maintain a healthy weight, healthy coat, clear eyes, strong bones and teeth, and healthy bowel movements. The key to keeping your English cream golden retriever healthy and happy is to provide a balanced, nutritious diet packed with proteins, carbohydrates, and vitamins.
✔ Proteins
Proteins are an essential component of a dog’s diet. Protein helps maintain strong muscles and tissues, promotes healthy skin and a shiny coat, and can help boost a dog’s immune system. When selecting food for your English Cream Golden Retriever, it’s best to choose options that have real animal proteins, such as chicken, beef, lamb, or fish.
✔ Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are not just essential for human beings. Our furry friends also need a healthy intake of complex carbohydrates from sources such as sweet potatoes, peas, and brown rice. Carbohydrates help maintain their energy levels and provide dietary fiber to keep their digestive tract healthy.
✔ Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins and minerals help keep a dog’s immune system robust. They also help keep them healthy by promoting the growth of strong teeth and bones, healthy skin and coat, and keeping their heart and other organs in good condition. The best way to ensure that your puppy gets all vitamins they need is to choose healthy dog food or consult a vet about dog supplements.
How Often Should You Feed Your Dog?
The question on every English cream golden retriever owner’s mind: how often should they feed their dog? The answer is it’s different for every dog. Some dogs may eat very little or very often, while others may have medical conditions that require more or less food intake than standard metabolic rates dictate. As a rule of thumb, It’s safe to feed your English cream golden retriever twice a day(2 half-bowls) with sufficient food to ensure proper nutrition.
What Should You Avoid Feeding Your Dog?
When feeding your dog, it’s essential to avoid foods that may harm them. Foods like chocolates, avocados, nuts, and grapes can be incredibly toxic to dogs. It’s better to stick to healthy dog food. Moreover, provide your furry friend with dog-safe treats like carrots, apples, or bananas.
What Should You Look For When Buying English Cream?
If you want to buy an English Cream Retriever, it’s better to research the breeders and look for healthy puppies with a good temperament. Below are a few things to look for in an English Golden Retriever breeder:
❗ Store Reputation
Trustworthy breeders and stores that sell dogs will always have a good reputation, meaning that they have a long history of breeding purebred dogs and selling them to happy customers. Take some time to research the breeder or pet store you’re interested in buying from. Check out reviews and testimonials and ensure that the appropriate government regulatory bodies license the establishment. This will give you a better idea about the business you’re buying your pooch from. Ensure the breeder provides documents verifying their English cream golden retriever puppies’ health and certification from recognized registries such as the American Kennel Club (AKC).
❗ Confirm They’re Purebred
One of the vital factors to approach before buying an English Cream Golden Retriever is to ensure they are purebred. A reputable breeder or pet store should be able to provide you with the necessary documents proving the puppy’s parents are both purebred English Cream Golden Retrievers. A good breeder should provide the breeding history of the parents. This includes the medical and genetic testing, clearances, and pedigrees, to assure the buyer of the puppy’s pedigree.
❗ Parents Health – Certification
Many responsible breeders prioritize their dogs’ health, which is why it’s advisable to ensure the puppy’s parents have health certifications. Health certifications such as the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) certificate and Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) certificate give you a better insight into the health of the pup’s parents. Ask the dog breeder or store about these documents since owning them confirms their desire to breed healthy, long-lasting English Cream Goldens.
❗ Personally Inspecting the Puppy
Checking the overall health of the English cream puppy is also important. Always take the time to inspect the puppy you want to bring home personally. The English golden retriever puppy should be clean, active, and friendly. Their coat should be shiny, and their eyes and nose should look healthy without any discharge or mucus. Also, ensure their behavior aligns with what you want by spending time with them and playing around before deciding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the three distinct subtypes of Golden Retriever?
The American Kennel Club set its own dog breed standard, while the Canadian Kennel Club and the Kennel Club (KC) did the same for their respective regions. The English type has a thicker coat and heavier head and body structure than other types, whereas American and Canadian types tend to be slightly lighter in both areas. And get this – English Goldens aren’t allowed to have white markings, whereas the other two types are!
Q: Who breeds the English Cream Golden Retriever?
Lord Tweedmouth is credited as the one who originally bred and developed the English Cream Golden Retriever. He created the breed by combining different types of retrievers (and likely some spaniel descendants) to create a beautiful, loyal dog with a great hunting instinct. His original vision was to develop a “lap” retriever. A sturdy and gentle breed that could be used for purposeful work and as a loving family pet. We’re sure he would be delighted at how popular this breed has become today with animal lovers worldwide!
Q: How much does an English Cream Golden Retriever cost?
An English Cream Golden Retriever can be quite expensive. The range of prices you may encounter when you’re looking to buy one can vary greatly. Depending on the breeder and their policies, an English Cream Golden could cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars all the way up to $6,000 or more. But it’s important to keep in mind that finding the right breeder is essential if you want to bring home a healthy new addition to your family. Be sure to do plenty of research about any breeder before investing in an English Cream Golden Retriever. Therefore, you can be certain that what they are offering meets your standards. After all; these dogs can easily become a lifetime companion!
Q: What does the Golden Retriever Club of America (GRCA) recommend for breeding?
When it comes to breeding an English cream golden retriever, the Golden Retriever Club of America (GRCA) has some essential recommendations. For starters, they advise being sure to test both stud and bitch for genetic diseases before commencing with the breeding process. Other key factors include ensuring the dog is physically able to handle pregnancy and birth and selecting two dogs with compatible temperaments and dispositions. All their tips ensure these beautiful dogs stay healthy and vibrant for years. Everyone involved in the process also needs to do their part. Guidelines such as avoiding over-breeding or inbreeding are also recommended by GRCA.
Q: Are dog shows the best way to determine if a Golden Retriever is of good quality?
Dog shows can be a great way to determine if a Golden Retriever is of high quality, assuming they are well organized and have knowledgeable judges. However, there is much more to evaluating the quality of a Golden Retriever than simply their looks. Factors like temperament, health, and trainability should also be considered. Investigating the dog’s pedigree and learning more about its breeder can also go a long way in determining whether or not you have a good quality pup on your hands. Something that’s harder to do from just watching a show. Ultimately, when selecting an excellent member of your family, you’ll want to make sure you factor in all these elements if you’re looking for the best possible outcome.
Final Words
When looking to bring home a new puppy, selecting an English Cream Golden Retriever is a wonderful choice. Not only are they beautiful and loyal companions, but they also have such winning personalities. They love life and could bring joy to any household. Of course, it’s important to find a reputable breeder when considering this breed – you want to ensure you will have a healthy animal that adheres to the breed standards. All in all, an English Cream Golden Retriever is an excellent pup to place your trust and love into!
