History Of The English Cream Golden Retriever
First, lets lay some widespread speculation to rest. The English Cream Golden Retriever is not a different breed to the Golden Retriever. Some breeders have tried to rename lighter colored Golden Retrievers in an attempt to convince would-be buyers that they are getting a very rare dog.
In fact, the Golden Retriever breed naturally includes dogs with a range of coat colors, all from the same original bloodlines. From the warm, medium gold of most Golden Retrievers found in America to the lighter cream shades of many European bred Golden Retrievers, these dogs are all from the same gene pool, and they are all absolutely the same breed of dog.
The very first known Golden Retrievers were bred in Scotland in the mid to late 1800s by Baron Tweedmouth of Guisachan. The breeds he crossed are two now-extinct dog breeds, the Wavy Coated Retriever and the Tweed Water Spaniel. The four puppies that resulted from this cross were the first Golden Retrievers, and, as such, they were also the first English Cream Golden Retrievers.
The American line of Golden Retrievers, first imported to the United States through Canada, has somewhat changed over the centuries, as some physical features and genetic traits show, but make no mistake, both variations are descended from the same original crossbred pair, and both are purebred Golden Retrievers.
Formal Recognition Of English Cream Golden Retrievers
When White Golden Retrievers first started showing up in litters, the United Kennel Club viewed it as a fault and banned it as an official color. However, things took a turn in 1936, and they added white/cream as an acceptable coloration. In the United States, cream and white Goldens are not accepted and remain that way.
Today, the only way to get a kennel-club accepted White Golden is to get a puppy from a litter of English-bloodline White Golden Retrievers. American Golden Retrievers with cream or white coats are not accepted anywhere, so make sure to ask the breeder about bloodlines. It may also be a red flag, as any experienced Golden breeder should know this.
English Cream Golden Retrievers May Have Dark Siblings
An interesting fact to know is that a white Golden Retriever puppy can have both light and dark siblings in the same litter. Therefore, a good breeder cannot always expect the whole litter to only contain light golden puppies, for example.
Variation in the colors of your Golden Retrievers litter comes down to its bloodline.
Something to note is that most Golden Retriever puppies are initially light in color but may darken as they get older. Usually, you can determine how dark or light they will be by looking at the color on the tip of their ears.
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History Of English Cream Golden Retrievers
First of all, it is good to clarify some aspects of this breed. The English Golden Retriever is not a different breed from the Golden Retriever they are the same breed. What happens is that some breeders have tried to create the idea that these lighter-colored retrievers are an exotic breed to sell them at a higher price. By doing this, people who buy them think they are paying more because it is a rare dog. None of this is true.
The Golden Retriever breed includes in its original blood a wide variety of coat colors. The warm and medium golden colors are most abundant in the United States to the lighter creams bred in Europe.
In The United Kingdom
Golden Retrievers were first accepted for registration by The Kennel Club in 1903, as Flat Coats Golden. They were first exhibited in 1908, and in 1911 were recognized as a breed referred to as Retriever .
In Scotland
In July 2006, the Golden Retriever Club of Scotland organized a gathering of Golden Retriever enthusiasts at the ancestral home, Guisachan House. A photograph taken by photographer Lynn Kipps to commemorate the occasion captured 188 Golden Retrievers, and so holds the record for the most Golden Retrievers in one image.
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Should I Get An English Cream Golden Retriever
Since they are active dogs with a lot of energy and require exercise, an ideal home for an English Cream Golden Retriever would be a large house with an owner who has the time for play.
The breed is also great with kids and other pets, making them good family dogs.
Generally, Golden Retrievers cost between $500 to $2,500 or more. So, expect the English Cream Golden Retriever price to fall anywhere in that area.
At the time of this writing, the cost for English Cream Golden Retriever puppies is about $695 to $1,500.
English Cream Golden Retriever Health Issues
An English Cream Golden Retrievers health is not determined by its coat color.
Actions taken by English Cream Golden Retriever breeders certainly affect the breeds health and good breeders prioritize a healthy bloodline.
Some breeders try to claim that the pale coat is equivalent to a healthier or superior retriever, but that is false.
Focusing on specific colors while breeding can lead to hereditary health issues or reduce the Golden Retriever gene pool.
The parents health will likewise play a part in the health of an English Cream Golden Retriever, so physical and blood tests should be performed.
Hip dysplasia, eye conditions, and some heart diseases are common in the breed.
The Canine Health Information Center advises that Golden Retrievers should be evaluated for hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. They should also be examined by an ophthalmologist and receive a congenital cardiac exam as well as an advanced cardiac exam.
You will also want to check their ears regularly to avoid infection.
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Are English Cream Golden Retrievers Calmer
One of the reasons why English Cream Golden Retrievers are so popular is that they are more mellow and calmer than other Golden Retrievers. However, that doesnt mean they are less playful, especially as puppies. They are as friendly and outgoing as their American and Canadian counterparts even in adulthood.
Golden Retrievers are known to mature slowly.
Even as young adults of a year or two of age they can act like goofy, silly and stubborn teenagers, and sometimes even for life. But they are a bit less crazy as adults.
Some people believe that English Cream Golden Retrievers are smarter dogs, so they think they are easier to train. But, it is actually their calmer temperament, and not intelligence, that can make them easier to train.
However, do not let their calmer attitude lead you to believe they are not very active.
They love to play and need a lot of exercise, at least an hour a day. Whatever you do with them, make sure to switch it up each time so that they are never bored and get the mental stimulation they need for their curious brains.
English Cream Golden Retrievers Are More Expensive
The chances of your neighborhood breeder breeding English Cream goldens are less than the chance theyre breeding gold golden retrievers.
And since the neighborhood breeders are typically pricing their dogs on the lower end, while quality breeders are typically charging on the higher end, its safe to assume that, yes, you will pay more for an English Cream.
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What Are English Cream Golden Retrievers
June 5, 2019 by Karen Summers
What are English Cream Golden Retrievers? Are they different from American Golden Retrievers? 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
Then about 20-25 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.
English Golden Retrievers Are Not All Cream
Differences Between American and English Golden Retrievers
English Golden Retrievers are Slower to Mature
English Vs American Golden Retriever Overview
Before we get into the differences and similarities of these two types of goldens, its important to know why were even having this discussion in the first place.
Isnt a golden retriever a golden retriever no matter where it comes from?
Well, sort of
In the mid-1800s, golden retrievers were first bred in Scotland by crossing a Tweed water spaniel and a wavy-coated retriever.
Sir Dudley Marjoribanks created the breed to retrieve gunned down birds in fields and marshes.
Obviously, they made it over here to America, but then some differences started to evolve.
Heres why:
So yes, a golden retriever is a golden retriever, but depending on where it comes from and what the breeders purpose was, you will find differences between them.
However, what these differences are, and how pronounced they are, depends on who you ask.
If you ask an English Cream golden retriever breeder, theyll tell you that English Creams are healthier and calmer.
And to muddy the waters even further most English golden retrievers arent even from England.
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How To Care For Your English Cream Golden
English Cream Golden Retrievers have high maintenance coats that require weekly brushing to avoid matting.
Theyre not hypoallergenic dogs and are considered heavy shedders. Shedding can become worse when blowing their coats during spring and fall.
Control the fur frenzy with lint rollers, a vacuum, and grooming tools like a de-shedding brush, comb, and glove.
For bathing, this could be done once or twice a month. It will depend on how much outdoor and swimming time theyre getting.
Ears should be checked and cleaned weekly. Paying attention to eye and ear care can help keep infection at bay. Teeth brushing is best done daily, but its okay to do it once a week.
Nail clipping is best done monthly, but it will depend on how active your fido is. Active canines tend to wear their nails down. If not, you can trim them every two weeks or when you hear them clicking against the floor.
You can also bring her to the grooming salon for some pampering.
Speaking of being active, English Cream Golden Retrievers need at least an hour of exercise a day. You can divide this into a two 30-minute-walk.
Whats important is for your pooch to get tired, so that she can be happy and relaxed in the evening.
Although they love the outdoors, you should still mix up her activities to avoid boredom. Their love for water is a great option. Invest in a doggy pool so she can play on her own in your backyard.
Just take it easy with the doggy snacks because all Golden Retrievers love food!
Defining Characteristics Of The English Cream Golden Retriever
The main defining characteristic of the English Cream Golden Retriever is its pale colored coat.
Furthermore, they are identified by their slightly arched broad heads without prominent frontal or occipital bones. Their thick, feathery tails are also noteworthy of the breed.
Golden Retrievers are also known for their kind eyes and soft expressions in contrast with their powerful, sturdy, symmetrical, balanced build.
English Cream Golden Retrievers are confident and alert. They are natural workers and highly intelligent.
In addition, Golden Retrievers have gentle, soft mouths that can carry game and even eggs without cracking the shell.
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This Dog Eats Three Meals Every Day
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 of high quality dog food. This should be split into three or two meals each day .
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 dogs 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.
What Kind Of Dog Is An English Cream Golden Retriever
For more information view health testings on OFA.org. English Cream Goldens are such an exquisite breed. They are intelligent, playful, honest, loyal, and loving companions. Once you have a golden, you will always want a golden. They will always be by your side, full of love, and will make your heart melt!
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English Cream Golden Retriever Temperament & Behavior
The English Cream Golden Retriever temperament will maintain puppy behavior into adulthood since the breed matures slowly, keeping them playful.
Golden Retrievers are friendly, outgoing, and enthusiastic, on top of being intelligent and very devoted to their human counterpart.
They are great hunting companions thanks to their calm demeanor and worker sensibility, hence why the breed is classified in the gundog group.
Their smarts, loyalty, and laidback and loving character makes them good family dogs.
In addition, the hardworking breed also serves as therapy, service, guide, and search and rescue dogs.
Golden Retrievers are known for frequenting dog events and dog shows, and they love the outdoors.
With that being said, as long as they get plenty of exercise, English Cream Golden Retrievers are comfortable indoors, too.
Are English Cream Golden Retrievers Good Family Dogs
Golden Retrievers are notoriously friendly, intelligent and loyal. Many Golden Retrievers go to work with their owners every day as therapy dogs providing comfort, warmth and sweetness to hospital patients who would otherwise feel isolated. Because of their gentle nature there is less chance of them developing dog or human aggression than many other breeds, or biting anyone if they see someone fall down in the street. Naturally this.
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English Cream Golden Retrievers Are Not From England
No, most English Cream goldens youll find in America are not from England.
Just like French fries are not from France.
All golden retrievers originated from Scotland in the mid-1800s when Lord Tweedmouth bred a Tweed water spaniel and a yellow wavy-coated retriever.
Most American breeders of these goldens either breed dogs from here in the States or import their dogs from all over the world, including:
- Denmark
- The Netherlands
So how did English Cream goldens get their misleading name?
According to Bev Brown, the Kennel Club and the Golden Retriever Club, were the first ones to write up the breed standard.
And in the early 1900s, all dog shows in Britain were held in England.
So in America, we called the champions of those dog shows, English Champions.
The English seems to have stuck with goldens that look like the English champions in those days, so 100 years later were calling them English Cream Golden Retrievers.
English Cream Golden Retrievers Are Not Rare
English Cream goldens are rather common across the world and are becoming more common in America.
Dont let fancy names like, Rare White European Golden Retrievers, or, Exquisite Platinum Imported Golden Retrievers make you think that they are more rare or valuable than they are .
If a breeder is selling you on the fact that their dogs are rare, run away.
If theyre talking about how their dogs are healthy family dogs with good temperaments, then youre probably on the right track.
As far as how popular each color is, we did a study and asked 600 golden retriever owners what color their dog is.
Heres what they said:
Gold: 51.6%
Light gold : 31.5%
Red: 16.8%
As you can see, light gold, or cream-colored, golden retrievers are the second-most common color after gold.
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Disposition: What Makes The English Cream Golden Stand Out
English Cream Golden Retrievers have a robust, solid build and broadheads. Theyre also known for their dark, round, puppy-like eyes.
Their glossy coat is cream-colored, but even the whitest shade would still have gold highlights through their fur. Theyre not actually white, so its more appropriate to use the term cream.
But did you know that cream was only added to the English standard in 1936? Even with selective breeding, it took years before they got called English Cream Golden Retrievers.
Overall, Golden Retriever colors come in different shades of gold from light to dark.
English Cream Golden Retrievers Should Run For 1 Hour/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 .
Owning An English Cream Golden Retriever: 3 Pros And Cons
They Are Actually Called Rare White European Retrievers
However, this is untrue.