Golden retriever dogs were first bred with other types of retrievers in the 1800s, but they were recognized as a separate breed in 1911. Since then, golden retrievers have been used for hunting and performing tricks in circuses. They’re also popular family pets because they’re gentle and loving towards their owners. Because of their friendly and people-loving characteristics, they can be wonderful guide dogs, therapy dogs, and search and rescue dogs.
There are three varieties of golden retrievers: American, Canadian, and English. The golden retriever originated from Scotland, but each area developed its unique characteristics because of the breeding standards. Today all types of golden retrievers are still suitable for working or living as family pets. However, some dog breeders focus on improving specific characteristics depending on what the individual breeder wants from their dog. While they may look similar, they each have their own distinct characteristics. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the three types of golden retrievers to help you choose the right one for you.
English Golden Retriever
The English golden retrievers are often used as working dogs or show dogs and have a strong sense of smell. They are also known for their loyalty and obedience. Like other types of retrievers, the English golden retriever has a water-resistant coat that protects them in the wild. Their long, feathery cream coats can be either flat or wavy. The feathering is shown prominently on the throat. While they are smaller than the American and Canadian types, they are solid and usually heavier than the American type. The English golden retriever is known to have round eyes, a short muzzle, and a muscular body. The UK Kennel Club requires different standards than the American and Canadian Kennel Clubs. The golden cream color is not desirable in the American Kennel Club (AKC), while most shades are desirable in the Canadian Kennel Club.
American Golden Retriever
The American golden retriever is a lankier, less muscular version of the English golden retriever. They are often used as family pets and are known for their gentle nature. The American golden retriever is also an efficient hunter that can be trained to track and retrieve. The AKC breed standard states that the dog should “not be timid, but possess a reasonable degree of intelligence, eagerness, and self-confidence.” The coat, which comes in rich shades of gold, cannot be too dark or too light. If the color falls outside the acceptable range, the dog cannot compete or be accepted into the AKC. Their coat is long, dense, and wavy, with heavy feathering around the neck, chest, thighs, and tail. The eyes are almond-shaped and usually lighter in color.
Canadian Golden Retriever
The Canadian golden is considered the largest of the three types of retriever, weighing between 55 and 75 pounds. They can have various shades of coat color but are usually darker than the American golden retriever. The coat is shorter and thinner than the other two types but still has feathering on the legs, neck, thighs, and tail. The eyes, which are slightly tapered, are set farther back on the broad head. The ears are set farther back as well.
So, which type of golden retriever is right for you? It really depends on what you are looking for in a dog. The English golden retriever is a good choice if you want a loyal and obedient dog. The American golden retriever is a good choice if you are looking for a gentle and loving family pet. And if you want a working dog with strength and endurance, then the Canadian golden retriever is a good choice. While they have slight differences in composition, they are equally perfect to become part of your family.
