Should you adopt an American or English Cream Golden Retriever? What are there differences between these two breeds? Keep reading below to learn more!
The Popularity of the Golden Retrievers
Both the American and English Golden Retrievers are known to be friendly, loyal, obedient and intelligent canines making great family pets. Hence, the American Golden Retrievers consistently rank in the Top 5 most popular dog breeds according to the American Kennel Club (coming in at #4 in 2020).
While the popular English Cream Golden Retriever is not an officially registered dog breed, the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes them as “Golden Retrievers.” Puppies are often sold under the coat colors of cream, white, silver and even platinum. A true English cream coat color will be the lightest of all coats.
Next, let’s look at the common traits both breeds share.
FUN FACT: Although the English Cream Golden Retriever’s coat is lighter in color, they never have purely white coats!
Both the American and English Golden Retrievers share many common traits including:
- Friendly personality.
- Intelligence (and why they can learn up to 240 commands, phrases or words!).
- Calm disposition.
- Loyal family dogs.
- Easy to train.
- Excellent working dogs (for example as hunting and guide dogs).
- Prone to Separation Anxiety.
So, what are the differences between the two breeds?
Below we will take a closer look at the key, but subtle differences between the American Golden Retriever and the English Cream Golden Retriever. Understanding these differences will help you make an informed decision on which Golden Retriever is right for your family, home and life.
Golden Retrievers: Key Differences
While many believe all Golden Retrievers are the same, there are actually 3 varieties of Golden Retrievers including:
- American Golden Retriever.
- English Golden Retriever.
- Canadian Golden Retriever.
Below, we look at the key differences between the first two Golden Retrievers, the American and the English.
Physical Characteristics:
- English Golden Retrievers are stockier and heavier than American Goldens.
- The English Golden also has a larger/wider head.
- Thickness & length of coats vary between the two Golden Retrievers: American Goldens have a thicker and longer coat. The English Goldens have coats that are shorter and wavier.
- The American Goldens have medium-to-large-sized eyes that are brown or dark brown. The English Goldens have well-rounded eyes in medium-or-dark brown.
Temperaments:
- English Goldens are typically calmer and more mature than their American cousins. As a result, it makes them a bit easier to train. American Golden Retrievers are typically known to be a bit more high-energy and hyper.
Coat Colors:
- The English Cream Golden Retriever is lighter in coat color. The American Golden Retriever sports a more gold coat color in different shades.
Health:
- English Golden Retrievers are slightly healthier than the American Golden Retrievers and live between 12 and 14 years (compared to the average of 10-11 years for the American Golden).
- The English bloodlines are less prone to cancer with a cancer rate of 38.8%. (In contrast, the American Goldens have a cancer rate of over 60% making them one of the most cancer-prone dog breeds in the world.)
So, whether you decide to add an English Cream Golden Retriever or an American Golden Retriever to your family, your life will be complemented with a gentle, friendly and loyal family dog!
Arkansas Bear Creek Goldens and Doodles
English Cream and ¾ English Cream Golden Retrievers Available for Deposit Now!
We are a small family breeder located in the heart of the Ozarks in Northern Arkansas. We strive to raise healthy, happy, well-socialized, quality Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle, Labradoodle, Mini Labradoodle, and Aussiedoodle puppies.
All our puppies come with a health guarantee for their first 12 months of age.
Please text or call us at 870-404-0127 or 870-404-1189 or use our Contact Form here for more information about upcoming litters.
Image Credits (in order of appearance):
Arkansas Bear Creek Goldens and Doodles
Rob Wee/Pixabay
Manfred Burdich/Pixabay
RD LH/Pixabay
Sherry Galey/Pixabay
