Un golden retriever

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Son origine et historique
Le retriever doré (golden retriever en anglais) est un chien de chasse qui a été développé au Royaume-Uni, plus précisément en Écosse, au milieu du 19e siècle. À cette époque, la haute société faisait de la chasse au canard et à la sauvagine, un sport très prisé, mais dont les chiens utilisés ne répondaient pas aux besoins des chasseurs. C’est alors que l’épagneul de Tweed, maintenant disparu, et d’autres chiens de chasse, tels que le retriever à poil plat, furent croisés pour créer le retriever doré que nous connaissons aujourd’hui. Il s’agit d’un chien de chasse performant et polyvalent, autant dans l’eau que sur la terre ferme.

Apparence physique
Le retriever doré est un chien de grande race mesurant entre 23 et 24 pouces (58 – 61 cm) au garrot pour le mâle et entre 21,5 et 22,5 pouces (55 – 57 cm) pour la femelle. Le poids moyen de ce chien adulte se situe normalement entre 60 et 75 lb (27 à 34 kg), selon le sexe et la taille de l’animal. Le retriever doré tient son nom de la couleur de son poil, un blond doré. Par contre, son poil peut se décliner en plusieurs tons, allant du blond presque blanc à un roux acajou. Le retriever doré possède un poil semi-long, imperméable avec une bonne quantité de sous-poil, ainsi que de belles franges sous le ventre, derrière les pattes et une jolie queue bien fournie.

Longévité et santé
Le retriever doré a une longévité moyenne se situant entre 10 et 12 ans. Cette race est connue pour ses problèmes de santé, comme la dysplasie de la hanche et du coude, des maladies du cœur, des problèmes au niveau des yeux, des dermatoses et des otites. Elle est aussi sujette à plusieurs types de cancer qui en sont malheureusement la première cause de décès. Il est donc bien important d’amener régulièrement votre chien chez votre médecin vétérinaire pour s’assurer qu’il reçoit les meilleurs soins possibles rapidement en cas de problèmes de santé.

Niveau d’énergie et tempérament
Le retriever doré, bien qu’il soit un chien de chasse au départ, est une race avec un niveau d’énergie moyen. Ce type de chien aime travailler avec son maître et, comme il est très obéissant, il excelle dans les concours d’obéissance à cet effet. Il s’agit d’une race qui s’adapte à de nombreux styles de vie, autant avec une famille de sportifs qu’avec une famille ayant de jeunes enfants. De nature douce et affectueuse, le retriever doré est idéal pour les familles qui accueillent un chien pour la première fois. De plus, cette race s’entend très bien avec les autres chiens et les autres animaux.

Entretien
Ayant un poil semi-long et un sous-poil abondant, le retriever doré demande un entretien régulier. Il suffit d’un bon brossage en profondeur une fois par semaine et d’un bain une fois par mois (ou deux) pour bien conserver sa fourrure et éviter de retrouver du poil partout dans votre maison. Ce type de chien subit une mue importante normalement deux fois par année, généralement au printemps et à l’automne. Lorsque vous lui donnerez un bain, il sera très important de bien le sécher avec un séchoir professionnel pour faire sortir le poil mort et faire sortir toute l’humidité se trouvant dans le sous-poil pour empêcher les problèmes de peau.

Saviez-vous que…
Le retriever doré est la troisième race la plus populaire au Canada et aux États-Unis. Également, les présidents américains Gerald Ford et Ronald Reagan ont tous deux été propriétaires de retrievers dorés lors de leur séjour à la Maison-Blanche.

Jean-Christophe Boulinguez

Juge de conformation au Club Canin Canadien

Canadian Kennel Club
Conformation Judge

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Sir Dudley Marjoribanks (Lord Tweedmouth) se prit d’affection pour la couleur dorée du Retriever et fit l’acquisition en 1865 d’un chien appelé  » Nous « , originaire de Brighton en Angleterre ; il le fit se reproduire avec une chienne épagneul Tweedwater, un retriever de couleur foie. Après plus de 20 ans d’élevage et de croisements avec des Labradors, des Setters rouges (et sans doute des Bloodhund pour améliorer le flair et renforcer l’ossature), la race Golden retriever a été fixée. En 1908, elle fut enregistrée et porta le nom de « Golden flatcoat » jusqu’en 1913, date à laquelle il prit le nom de Golden ou Yellow retriever pour finalement, en 1920, garder le nom qu’il porte aujourd’hui.

Personnalité

Le Golden retriever est un gentil chien qui s’adapte généralement bien à la vie de famille. Il adore participer à toutes les activités, à l’intérieur comme à l’extérieur. C’est avant tout un retriever : il va donc essayer de traîner, de tirer ou de porter tout ce qu’il peut attraper. Il adore l’eau et il faut veiller à sa sécurité à proximité d’un plan d’eau. Le Golden retriever est cependant un chien anxieux et il faut l’éduquer, en tenant toujours bien compte de sa grande sensibilité.

Comme de nombreuses races, le Golden retriever peut être atteint de différentes affections oculaires héréditaires, ainsi que de dysplasie de la hanche et du coude (problèmes articulaires douloureux pouvant perturber la mobilité). Des tests oculaires et une évaluation radiographique des hanches sont donc indispensables avant toute reproduction.

Exercice

Le Golden retriever adulte a besoin de beaucoup se dépenser pour rester en forme. Il convient en revanche de contrôler l’exercice physique des chiots afin d’éviter les problèmes osseux/articulaires. Deux heures d’exercice quotidien devraient suffire à un chien adulte mais il en acceptera plus avec plaisir.

Nutrition

Les chiens de grandes races, au solide appétit, ont des besoins nutritionnels différents de ceux des petites races, en particulier sur le plan minéral et vitaminique. Le Golden retriever peut être sujet à la dilatation-torsion d’estomac : des petits repas fréquents aident à limiter le risque.

Entretien

En raison de la densité de son pelage, un Golden retriever doit être entretenu régulièrement. Le sous-poil, de nature hydrofuge, est extrêmement épais ; il ne faut donc pas laisser des bourres se former, qui pourraient nuire au bien-être du chien. Même si la longueur de son poil attire l’eau et la boue, il est facile à nettoyer une fois sec.

Les meilleures races canines pour les enfants

Si de nombreux chiens sont connus pour être sociables avec les enfants, à la fois les chiens et les enfants doivent apprendre à se comprendre, à se respecter et à ne pas se faire mal. Les chiens et les jeunes enfants ne doivent de toute façon pas rester seuls et les adultes doivent surveiller toutes leurs interactions.

Le standard du golden retriever : caractéristiques physiques

• Classification FCI : groupe 8
• Chiens rapporteurs de gibier, leveurs de gibier, chien d’eau

Le standard a pour but de présenter les caractéristiques morphologiques que devrait posséder tous les chien d’une même race. Chaque secteur de son corps est commenté et dispose d’une synthèse exprimant son aspect idéal. Contrairement aux chiens d’expositions, le standard du golden retriever se base sur les caractéristiques liées à sa performance au travail.

Nul n’est parfait, toutefois si votre chien n’est pas en concordance avec ces informations il serait bon de se renseigner sur sa provenance.

Tête et crâne

La tête du golden retriever doit être bien ciselée et proportionnée au reste du corps. Sa boite crânienne est large sans être lourde. Le museau doit être puisssant et large afin qu’il posséde une bonne mâchoire qui lui facilitera la tâche lors de son travail. La truffe est de préférence de couleur noire.

Yeux

La couleur idéal est le marron foncé et le bord des paupières doit être foncé, quasiment noir. Les yeux doivent être bien placés et de taille normal pour qu’il ne soit pas gêné lors de son travail.

Oreilles

Les oreilles du Golden retriever doivent être de taille moyenne et « pendante », à hauteur des yeux. Il faut que l’attache de son oreille soit à la même hauteur que ses yeux.

Mâchoire du golden retriever

Les mâchoires d’un golden retriever doivent être puissantes et fortes afin de transporter du gros gibier. Les quarante-deux dents constituent la dentition complète de ce chien. Il dispose d’un articulé en ciseaux parfaitement régulier, cela signifie que les incisives supérieures et les incisives inférieures se superposent.

Cou

Le cou du Golden Retriever doit être assez long tout en étant musclé afin de pouvoir transporter du gibier. Il ne doit ni trop musclé ni trop gras pour ne pas occasionner des difficultés lors de ses déplacements.

Pied

Les pieds du golden retriever sont ronds. Ils resemblent à des pieds de chat.

Corps du golden retriever

Le corps du golden retriever doit être plus long que haut, il est bien proportionné et bien équilibré. Sa ligne dorsale doit être horizontale et parallèle au sol, sa démarche en résulte.

Le golden retriever dispose de deux couches de poils. La première couche, les poils courts, est imperméable et la seconde couche, les poils longs, détermine sa couleur. Le golden retriever mue généralement deux fois par an.

Toutes les couleurs allant de l’or au crème sont acceptées. Sa couleur ne doit jamais être rouge, orangé ou acajou.

Taille du golden retriever

hauteur au garrot : mâles : 56 à 61 cm, femelles : 51 à 56 cm.

Poids du golden retriever

Mâles : 28 à 32,5 kg, femelles : 24 à 28 kg.

Caractéristiques : docile, intelligent, naturellement doué pour le travail.

N.B : les mâles doivent avoir deux testicules d’apparence normale complétement descendus dans le scrotum.

Caractéristiques du golden retriever : Mâle – Femelle

	Mâle	Femelle
Taille	56 à 61 cm	51 à 56 cm
Poids	28 à 32,5 kg	24 à 28 kg
Reproduction	À partir de 10 mois	Il est conseillé d’accoupler la femelle qu’à partir de ses troisièmes chaleurs
	Actif toute l’année	2 périodes de chaleur par année. Les premières chaleurs apparaissent entre 8 et 12 mois.
Caractère	Affectueux, câlin, jovial, brave, intelligent, agile, obéissant, fidèle.
Température corporelle	chiot : 38-39 °C adulte : 37,5-38,5 °C
Fréquence respiratoire	chiot : 20-22/mn adulte : 14-20/mn
Pulsations cardiaques	chiot : 100-130/mn adulte : 60-120/mn

Ranking as the 3rd most popular dog breed in America, it is unsurprising that the Golden Retriever is a dog we all know and love.

However, the English Cream Golden Retriever may not be a breed you are as familiar with:

• What is the difference between the English Cream and the traditional American Golden Retriever?
• Are there added health benefits?
• Do English Cream Retrievers cost the same?
• Are they the same breed?

Not to fear, this article contains a complete guide to the English Cream Golden Retriever, discussing everything from their loving and gentle personalities to what they are like as tiny puppies.

Let’s begin with ten facts you didn’t know about this breed.

1. They Are Actually Called Rare White European Retrievers

This breed is thought to be about 171 years old

Recently, the term English Cream Golden Retriever has been popping up everywhere, but what dog breed are they?

Sometimes referred to as Rare White European Retrievers or Exquisite Platinum Imported Golden Retrievers, these canines are often claimed to be healthier than standard Golden Retrievers.

However, this is untrue.

An English Cream Golden Retriever is a Golden Retriever that is paler in coat color and English in origin.

They are not pure white, but instead a pale yellow to cream.

2. English Cream Golden Retrievers Were First Bred in Scotland

First seen in Scotland, the English Cream Golden Retriever was bred somewhere between 1854 and 1894.

Around 1868, Baron Tweedmouth of Guisachan bred together his two rare dogs, Wavy Coated Retriever x Tweed Water Spaniel (both now extinct).

The four puppies were used as gundogs and favored for their “soft mouth” grip.

Their skill of retrieval was unrivaled as they could retrieve both in water and on land.

Over time this breed made its way over to America, the first records show the Golden Retreiver popping up in America in around 1910.

Shortly afterwards, in November 1925 the first Retriever was registered with the American Kennel Club being named the American Golden Retriever.

3. English Cream Golden Retrievers Have Three Bloodlines

It is important to understand the difference between American, English and Canadian Golden Retrievers.

While they are all descended from the same original bloodline, transatlantic breeding has caused slight variations in the breed and breed standards.

Despite their slightly different appearance, personality variations are uncommon, and all three bloodlines have similar temperaments.

English Cream Golden Retrievers have a broad head and body, but are the smallest of the three.

Standing between 20 and 22 inches, they are easy to spot with their round, dark eyes and generally lighter coats.

In comparison, American and Canadian Golden Retrievers are often darker and taller. Canadian Goldens also tend to be slightly slimmer than their American and English cousins.

4. Cream Is Not An Accepted Breed Color

Because of this, potential owners may struggle to find an English Cream Golden Retriever.

When reviewing their breed standard you will notice cream is not an accepted color.

5. They Are Not Healthier Than Golden Retrievers

Some breeders will try and advertise these canines as “healthier” because of their cream color coat.

However, there is no evidence to support this.

English Cream Golden Retrievers are prone to the same health conditions seen in darker coated Golden siblings.

Although it is thought to be less common in this breed (when compared with Labrador Retrievers) hip and elbow dysplasia are frequently seen in this pooch.

As with other large dog breeds, hip dysplasia is a developmental condition caused by incorrect formation of the hip joint.

Generally speaking, the condition is genetic, but can also be triggered by obesity at a young age.

In most cases the condition can be managed with pain medication, but in more severe cases hip dysplasia may require surgery to correct.

They are also prone to Osteochondritis Dissecans. This is a condition whereby the cartilage separates from the bone.

It can occur anywhere within the body but is most commonly seen in the elbow, knee, shoulder or hip joints.

Retrievers are also known to have ongoing problems with their eyes and heart.

Conditions such as cataracts are often commonplace in the English Cream Golden Retriever, and although uncommon, it is not unheard of for this breed to develop heart issues such as Cardiomyopathy.

A survey completed in 2004 found that the three most common causes of death for the Golden Retriever were: various types of cancer, heart issues and old age.

6. English Cream Golden Retrievers Should Run For 1 Hour/Day

These active dogs need around 60 minutes of exercise each day.

Like other types of Retriever, the English Cream Golden Retriever is at his happiest outdoors.

Nothing brings this breed more joy than a game of fetch with their favorite human- except maybe a cuddle at home afterward.

True to their heritage, these guys love to swim and are true waterdogs.

Consequently, owners should try to take these dogs to places where it is safe for them to swim.

On average, this breed needs around two walks each day, 30 minutes each in length. Try to keep these walks varied to keep their interest and prevent them from getting bored.

Although very good natured, like any other breed, they will grow bored if their exercise needs are not met (this can lead to problem behaviors such as destructive behavior and barking).

7. English Cream Golden Retriever Puppy’s Cost Up To $3,500

The best way to describe these puppies is cute.

While all puppies tend to be cute, these little white balls of fluff manage to be very cute!

It is not uncommon to find varying shades of pale cream to gold within the same eight puppy litter.

English Cream Golden Retriever puppies are often described as little bundles of energy.

These curious pups love to be out exploring and don’t quite understand the concepts of strangers, just friends they haven’t made yet.

Prospective owners can expect to pay between $1,000 and $3,500 USD for a Golden Retriever puppy of any coat color.

This price can vary depending on pedigree, show status, location and the breeder’s reputation.

Owners may struggle to find a suitable breeder in America. This lack of supply to meet demand, combined with their high price tag, makes this breed a magnet for irresponsible breeders and puppy farms.

Consequently, when shopping for a puppy it is important to be sure you are finding a responsible breeder.

8. They Are Known For Their Heavy Shedding Coat

Retrievers are a playful breed, who are at their happiest while out playing with their owner.

While this dog has a very mellow and low maintenance personality, the exact opposite is true of their grooming routine.

Goldens are known for their heavy shedding and the English Cream Golden Retriever is no different.

If not brushed regularly enough, their long hair will matt, so it is important to brush them from nose to tail tip at least once a week.

While they shed year-round, they will have two yearly “blow outs” whereby they shed their undercoat and grow in a new seasonal one.

During this time, daily grooming with a shedding brush or glove is necessary to give your furniture any kind of chance and to stop the hair from matting.

These dogs love to play in muddy puddles and roll in the mud so bathing when dirty is the best way to preserve their lighter coats.

However, overbathing is very bad for them and causes skin conditions such as Atopic Dermatitis.

Consequently, owners should only bath when necessary, using a shampoo designed for dogs with sensitive skin.

Ears will need regular checks and cleaning to prevent infection and tooth brushing will also need to occur to keep breath minty fresh!

Nails will need to be clipped to prevent them from getting too long; this should be done by a professional, such as a groomer or veterinarian.

9. This Dog Eats Three Meals Every Day

They love mud, so be prepared to regularly wash their light-colored coats!

There is not a lot that the English Cream Golden Retriever dog does not enjoy!

Like other Retrievers, these dogs are not fussy in what they eat, preferring instead to gobble up anything they can get their cream-colored paws on!

Whatever owners choose to feed, it should be between 2 and 3 cups (or equivalent) of high quality dog food. This should be split into three or two meals each day (one in the morning and in the evening).

Whatever you feed, it should contain around 30% protein, 12-18% fat and 30-35% carbohydrates.

When it comes to treats, try to feed healthier treats such as dog safe fruits and vegetables, as opposed to calorie filled over the counter treats.

This breeds diet works best if you follow the 80/20 rule.

Feeding 80% of your dog’s calories in their main food source and making up the remaining extra 20% with treats.

Some owners recommend feeding bones as a form of dental hygiene.

However, this should be done with caution, only feed thicker bones to avoid splintering, only allow your dog to chew for short periods of time and only ever feed under owner supervision.

10. English Cream Golden Retrievers Are Perfect Family Dogs

Kind, loving and gentle, these guys are renowned for their patience with children.

Their kind and playful nature makes them a perfect match for young children.

Although they are considered to be a large dog, they are extremely gentle and are not at all accident prone.

This patience and kindness extends to other household pets.

With good socialization, this loving pooch gets on well with all pets, big and small. Even if they are introduced to one another later in life, the English Cream Golden Retriever is very patient and will quickly adapt to their new companion.

Known to be very intelligent and to enjoy games, a bored Retriever is a menace, barking, howling and even destroying furniture.

To stimulate this canine, it may be beneficial to teach your dog tricks, or even enter them in a canine sport.

They naturally want to please, and consequently they make very fast learners.

It is not uncommon to see one of their siblings in an obedience ring, picking up basic and more complicated commands very quickly.

Although that being said, they are known to have a cheeky and mischievous side and occasionally may put their own fun first!

Summary

An English Cream Golden Retriever (as the name implies) is a Golden Retriever of English origin with a cream coat.

They are slightly different to an American Retriever but have similar genetics and personalities.

Some breeders will try to charge more for puppies, saying that they are healthier, but there is very little evidence to support this.

They are kind and loving dogs, with gentle personalities that win over the whole family, making good dogs for people of all ages, looking for an active dog who loves to play with their closest human companions.

What are English Cream Golden Retrievers? Are they different from American Goldens? How are they similar? Are there REALLY health differences? Are there exaggerations on the internet? What is the history of the breed? You will find answers to these questions and more on this page.

The Golden Retriever pictured above is our Micah who is an excellent example of an English Golden Retriever. He is a champion of 6 countries, an FCI International Champion, and a Canadian Grand Champion.

English Golden Retrievers Are Not a Separate Breed

All Golden Retrievers are one breed and are registered as simply Golden Retrievers by the American Kennel Club. However, there are two different types of Golden Retrievers bred to two different standards. The type commonly referred to as English Cream Golden Retrievers are actually Golden Retrievers imported primarily from Europe. These imports are bred to the FCI standard instead of to the AKC standard for Golden Retrievers.

History of the “Breed”

A Scottish nobleman named Lord Tweedmouth bred the first Golden Retrievers in the highlands of Scotland in the late 1800’s. The Kennel Club in Britain first recognized them as a breed in 1911. Several years later, breeders began importing some of these original Golden Retrievers into the United States. In 1932 the Golden Retriever became an AKC breed. Over the years, AKC changed the standard to suite the tastes of Americans. The European standard took a slightly different direction.

Then about 20 years ago a few puppy mills began importing the lighter colored European dogs to the U.S. They gave them the name English Cream Golden Retrievers and began marketing them as if they were a separate breed. They often called them “White Golden Retrievers” as well as English Cream Golden Retrievers.

Good breeders also imported, though for different reasons. The puppy mills saw an opportunity for monetary gain. However, most often the good breeders saw some good qualities in the European lines. These breeders were trying to improve on something in their own lines. Structurally, the imports often had stronger front ends. Strong European fronts combined with strong hind quarters of a well-bred American Golden Retriever can produce very well structured puppies. These breeders rarely imported the European Goldens for color.

Good breeders in the past rarely called their imports English Cream Golden Retrievers. Still today, it is difficult for most good breeders (including us) to refer to these imports as English Creams. However, the term has become commonplace amongst Americans.

English Golden Retrievers Are Not All Cream

Golden Retrievers living in Europe are not all cream. Their color can range from a light cream to a deep gold. You will find all the beautiful shades of cream and gold in Europe. You can even find all shades of color within the same litter. However, Golden Retrievers in Europe are never truly white. The lightest colors you will find are a pale cream.

Nonetheless, Americans attached the name English Cream Golden Retrievers to those imported Golden Retrievers that are lighter in color. These imports can be from England, Europe, Australia, and even Canada. Many Americans have become enamored with the cream color.

However, it is more than just their color that makes the European Golden Retrievers beautiful. Breeders on the separate continents are breeding to a different standard.

Differences Between American and English Golden Retrievers

The most obvious difference between the two types of Golden Retrievers is coat color. Cream is an acceptable coat color for Golden Retrievers in Europe. It is not in the U.S. However, if you take a closer look, there are other differences. The head in Europe has a bigger blockier look. European dogs are also slightly shorter and heavier. Their coats are not quite as long. European coats can be a little wavier than their American counterparts. Their ears are a little lower set. There are many other differences. Some of these differences are discussed below. However, there are more similarities than differences.

English Golden Retrievers are Slower to Mature

English Golden Retrievers are slower to mature than American Goldens, with some lines maturing slower than others. Most English Goldens will continue to develop for years. They fill out and mature in both their body and especially their head later than American Golden Retrievers. Many imported Golden Retrievers don’t reach full maturity until about 4 years of age. This may be part of the reason that English Golden Retrievers live longer.

Health Differences Between American and English Golden Retrievers

There are a few health differences between the two Golden Retriever types. Most notably, there is evidence that the cancer rate in Golden Retrievers is less in Europe than in the U.S. Click Here to see results of a study done by the Golden Retriever Club of America on cancer. Click Here to see results of a study done by the Kennel Club in England on cancer. These studies were not meant to be compared. The sample was not large enough to make the results conclusive. However, the difference is noticeable. About 60% of American Goldens die of cancer. 40% of Golden Retrievers in England die of cancer. You cannot ignore these results. We think that the overall health of English Goldens is better. The average life span is more than a year longer.

Nonetheless, there are a few health issues that both American and English Golden Retrievers are prone. Go to our Health page to read about several of these problems and what can be done to minimize them . This page also discusses how we test to screen for those problems.

Is Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Less a Problem in English Golden Retrievers?

Some breeders say that there is less hip dysplasia in English Golden Retrievers. However, I do not believe that to be true and have never seen any evidence that supports such statements. Read our page on Hip Dysplasia in Golden Retrievers to understand the different ways that hips are tested. This page also discusses how the criteria for what is considered an acceptable dog to breed differs between the continents. Read our Elbow Dysplasia in Golden Retrievers for information on this health issue. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia is a problem in all Golden Retrievers. Your best chance of getting a dog free from hip and elbow dysplasia is two-fold. Get a puppy whose parents and other relatives have been tested and received good test results. Take care of your puppy’s growing joints while he/she is young.

There is no evidence of any kind pointing to the imports having better hips and/or elbows. On the surface, it might appear as if the imports have better hips and elbows. However, the reality is that MANY breeders in the U.S. are exaggerating the results of hip and elbow test results. Read our page on How to Choose a Good Breeder to see how. Hip and elbows like many other genetic diseases are primarily in certain lines. You can find good lines and bad lines in both the imports as well as American Golden Retriever pedigrees.

Temperament Differences Between English and American Golden Retrievers

Generally speaking, Golden Retrievers from imported lines tend to have softer, calmer, and sometimes less confident temperaments than American Golden Retrievers. Field lines are the most confident and active Goldens. See our page on the Golden Retriever temperament for more details and information.

Attributes Common to All Golden Retrievers

Because both types of Golden Retrievers are descendants of the same dogs, there are more similarities than differences. It doesn’t matter if American bred or European bred. Goldens are loving and sweet, gentle but playful, a devoted companion, and a friend for life.

Playful as Puppies

Golden Retrievers can be a handful as puppies and although sweet and loving, they also have an energetic, playful side. They settle down a good bit usually around the age of two if trained well as a puppy. To be calm adults, Golden Retrievers need consistent training for a good foundation. However, many people who have lived with an older Golden Retriever for years tend to forget those active puppy years. They forget all the work that an energetic puppy can be. A Golden Retriever is a puppy until he/she is two years old. They may remain a puppy at heart for many years later.

Love and Thrive on Being With People

Golden Retrievers love to be with people and therefore need to always be house dogs living inside with a family. They will become depressed if stuck out alone in a backyard. They might develop bad habits out of boredom, such as digging and chewing shrubbery. Few Golden Retrievers can tolerate being left alone for extended periods of time. When forced to do so, many will become crazily excited when they do get time with a human.

Not One Man Dogs

Although they love their own people most, Golden Retrievers are not “one man dogs.” They will love everyone who comes in contact with them. A well-bred Golden Retriever doesn’t make a good guard dog. Most Goldens will bark when a stranger comes to the house. However, they’d prefer to lick an intruder to death than to bite.

Enjoy an Active Outdoor Life

They love an active lifestyle with an outdoorsy family. They enjoy walks, hikes, camping, and swimming in any type water they can find. Unfortunately, they also enjoy the mud and don’t understand the idea that you may not.

Good With Children, As Service Dogs, In Obedience and Agility, and In Therapy Work

Golden Retrievers are wonderful dogs for families with children because of their gentleness. They are wonderful service dogs because of their willingness to please as well as their high intellect. They are wonderful dogs for those wanting to compete in obedience and agility because of their intelligence. And they are wonderful dogs in hospitals serving as therapy dogs because of their loving dependable nature.

Minimal Temperament Differences Between Males and Females

With Golden Retrievers, there is not a lot of difference in the personality/temperament of boys and girls. Both are loving and sweet. The parents of a litter make a bigger difference in temperament than the sex of the puppy. However, with that said, within a litter, there are some small trends. A slightly larger percentage of girls are more independent. A slightly larger percentage of boys are more “velcro dogs” and less independent. These are only generalities though. There are many litters that are just the opposite. The biggest difference between the sexes is in size and look. Boys are 10-15 pounds heavier. Boys will have a bigger, blockier head whereas a girl’s head will be more feminine. The only significant difference between male and female Golden Retrievers of any type is in the size and the appearance.

Most people are already familiar with the Golden Retriever – you know, the small gorgeous dog adorned in a long, shiny coat? Well, there are actually several types of golden retrievers, each varying in coat color. One of the rarer variations is the English Cream Golden Retriever. It is so rare that, in fact, it is only recognized by British and Canadian authorities. This means that the dog does not meet the American Kennel Club standards, and your dog may not be official in the States. Surprised? Read on to discover more about your dog. Here are five things you didn’t know about the English Cream Golden Retriever.

1. Cream color does not signify superiority

Some people consider the cream color of a golden retriever to be generally more attractive. However, this does not necessarily mean that a lighter-coated puppy is any way superior or well-bred. In fact, it is advisable to pay particular attention to the breeding program if it concentrates mainly on color. If the breeder claims that the light creams are healthier or more valuable than darker colored Golden Retrievers, chances are they are just looking to attract more buyers.

2. They are not actually from England

Although the name suggests that this dog breed originates from England, all Golden retrievers can actually trace their roots to Scotland. Most of the current light coated Golden Retrievers are actually bred in North America, while others are descendants of dogs imported from various European countries, Australia, New Zealand, and Scandinavia.

3. They are slightly different from American Golden Retrievers

American Golden Retrievers were bred from English variants imported to the U.S through Canada, but they developed and evolved differently from their English counterparts. This is particularly because they were bred according to the AKC standards as opposed to the UK standards. The English Cream Golden Retriever comes with:

• A straighter top line
• A more protruding chest
• A darker nose
• Rounder eyes
• A broader head
• A heavier, stockier build
• And of course, a generally lighter coat color

The American Golden Retriever features a sloping back end, more lightweight appearance, and generally darker eyes.

4. They have a long history

According to the Golden Retriever Club of Canada, the cream color was introduced to the English Standard back in 1936. However, it was only after years of selective breeding that the lighter specimens were baptized “English Cream Golden Retrievers”. These light-colored specimens go by several other different names today. These include White Golden Retrievers, Platinum Blond Goldens, White Goldens, Light Golden Retrievers, Blond Golden Retrievers, European Golden Retrievers, and English Golden Retrievers. While the American Kennel Club recognizes that there are various shades of of Golden Retrievers, it strongly discourages predominant body colors that are either too dark or too pale, such as is the case with English Cream Golden Retrievers.

5. They are slightly healthier than American Golden Retrievers

A certain study showed that American Golden Retrievers were more susceptible to various cancers than the English Cream Golden Retriever. These cancers include osteosarcoma, mast-cell tumors, lymphosarcomas, and hemangiosarcomas. American Goldens had a 61.8 percent chance of acquiring the cancers while the English bloodlines were only 38.8 percent susceptible. The studies also revealed that the English Cream Goldens had an average life expectancy of 12 years while their counterpart American goldens averaged 10 years and 8 months. However, this does not mean that the English Cream is immune to cancer and will live up to its prime age. It all depends on good breeding. The secret is essentially a combination of nature and nurture, meaning good genes and optimal care by a responsible owner.

Le Golden retriever et les enfants :
Doux, attentionné, amical et jovial, ce chien est fait pour vivre avec des enfants.

Attention tout de même à ce que les enfants respectent la tranquillité et la nature de ce chien. Des règles de vie devront être mises en place pour garantir la sécurité de tous et rendre la cohabitation interspécifique harmonieuse.

Le Golden retriever et les Personnes âgées :
Toutes les qualités et le bon caractère du ce chien exceptionnel lui accordent la possibilité d’évoluer auprès de personnes âgées.

Cependant, ces dernières devront être suffisamment dynamiques et prêtes à subvenir aux nombreux besoins de dépense de ce chien.

Santé

C’est un chien très robuste. Bien que Golden Retriever soit né pour le travail dans l’eau et qu’il ait une robe parfaitement imperméable, il faut bien le sécher à la base de la queue quand il sort de l’eau : autrement, il risque de souffrir de la  » broken tail  » (queue cassée), c’est-à-dire une contraction douloureuse des muscles adducteurs qui conduit le chien à porter incorrectement sa queue, précisément comme s’il se l’était cassée.

> Pour en savoir plus sur les principales maladies et la santé du Golden retriever

Espérance de vie :
La durée de vie de ce chien peut aller jusqu’à 12 ans.

Résistant / robuste :
Le Golden retriever est un chien sportif à la santé robuste, qui plus est, doté d’une belle espérance de vie. Selon plusieurs enquêtes, peu de chiens n’atteignent pas l’âge de 10 ans. Ces chiens sont donc solides et résistants.

Supporte la chaleur :
Plutôt endurant, il faudra tout de même veiller à proposer au chien de l’eau fraîche et renouvelée régulièrement pendant les fortes chaleurs ainsi que la possibilité de patauger pour se rafraîchir.

Supporte le froid :
Le sous poil épais de ce chien ainsi que l’imperméabilité que lui confère son pelage lui permettent de résister aux intempéries, mais attention toutefois aux températures glaciales.

Tendance à grossir :
Tellement amical et joyeux, on a souvent tendance à vouloir faire plaisir à ce chien en lui donnant quelques friandises ou os par ci par là. Il faut néanmoins être vigilant car le Golden Retriever est particulièrement sensible à l’embonpoint et pourrait rapidement souffrir d’obésité.

Contrairement aux idées reçues, les chiens “enrobés” ne sont pas des chiens en bonne santé. Ajuster les rations journalières et proposer au chien une bonne dépense physique seront nécessaires pour éviter de subir des excès.

Maladies fréquentes :

• Prédispositions aux cancers (hémangiosarcome, lymphome, ostéosarcome, mastocytome)

• Dysplasie de la hanche et du coude

• Hypothyroïdie

• Cataracte

• Atrophie / dégénérescence rétinienne

• Allergies oculaires

• Otites

• Maladies dermatologiques (dermatites, vitiligo, furonculose, folliculite, ichtyose)

• Hépatite par surcharge en cuivre

• Risque de “Broken tail” (queue cassée) si la queue n’est pas bien séchée à la sortie de l’eau

Toilettage et entretien

L’entretien du poil de ce chien n’est pas difficile ni contraignant mais nécessite tout de même un brossage régulier, notamment pour les sujets à poils ondulés et frangés.

Son pelage pouvant facilement s’emmêler, selon ses activités régulières, un brossage quotidien sera parfois nécessaire, hebdomadaire a minima.

Par ailleurs, une attention particulière devra être apportée à ses oreilles tombantes pour éviter et/ou prévenir toutes infections.

Perte de poils :
La perte de poils de ce chien est régulière et d’autant plus importante lors des périodes de mue, notamment au printemps.

Prix

Le prix d’un Golden Retriever varie en fonction de ses origines, son âge et son sexe. Il faut compter en moyenne 900€ pour un chien inscrit au LOF. Les lignées de certains élevages de Golden Retriever peuvent être vendues jusqu’à 2180€.

Espérance de vie moyenne : environ 12 ans

Remarques et conseils

 » Golden  » ne signifie pas  » chien à la robe d’or « , mais  » chien d’or « ,  » rapporteur d’or « , dans le sens métaphorique du terme. D’ailleurs, tous les Golden n’ont pas une robe couleur or, mais ils sont souvent couleur crème (ce qui est aussi très beau)…

En plus d’être une excellent chien de chasse, chien de compagnie et chien guide d’aveugle, le Golden Retriever est également utilisé par les équipes de recherche et de sauvetage ou encore par les unités de police pour détecter drogues et explosifs grâce à son flair et ses capacités de pistage inouïes.