When you think of a Golden Retriever, you likely picture a friendly dog with a golden coat. But did you know that there are actually several different types and colors of Golden Retriever, each with its own unique colors and characteristics?
In this article, we’ll look at the various Golden Retriever types and colors, as well as the differences in personality and cost.
Brief Golden Retriever History
In the 1800s, Lord Tweedmouth of Scotland began breeding a new type of dog that would become known as the Golden Retriever. He wanted a dog that could retrieve game birds from both land and water, and he succeeded in creating a versatile and intelligent breed.
The Golden Retriever quickly became popular among hunters and families alike, thanks to its gentle nature and trainability. Today, Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds in the world, cherished for their loyalty, companionship, and loving nature.
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Golden Retriever popularity
The American Kennel Club (AKC) released its list of the most popular dog breeds in the United States for 2021, and the Golden Retriever is still ranked third, behind the French Bulldog and the Labrador Retriever.
This is the nine-year in a row that the Golden Retriever has been ranked third on the AKC’s list. The Labrador Retriever has been the number-one breed for 31 years in a row (since 1991).
Different colors of Golden Retrievers
Did you know that Golden Retrievers come in five different colors? Red, black, light golden, dark golden, and cream white.
The three most popular Golden Retriever shades recognized by the American Kennel Club are cream white, dark golden, and light golden. Red and black retrievers are rare and are not accepted by the AKC.
| DESCRIPTION | Color Type(Breed Standard) | Registration Code |
|---|---|---|
| Golden | Standard | 093 |
| Light Golden (Cream) | Standard | 119 |
| Dark Golden | Standard | 080 |
Breed Standard Color
Some people may think that any color is acceptable for a particular breed, but this is not the case.
Breed standard color means that the color is accepted within the breed standard and is a traditional and well-known color in this breed.
There are many different colors that are accepted within breed standards set by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Kennel Club of the United Kingdom (KCUK).
These breed standards are guidelines that describe the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a particular breed.
Breeders and judges use these standards to determine whether a dog meets the requirements for registration with the AKC or KCUK.
For Golden Retriever the breed standard color is Light Golden(Cream), Dark Golden, and Gold.
Red Golden and Black Golden are considered non-breed standards in the Golden retrievers breed.
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How To identify a Golden retriever color
Here’s a quick guide to help you identify them:
- The classic Golden Retriever is the most common color and has a golden coat with a black nose.
- The English Cream Golden Retriever is similar to the classic but has a cream-colored coat.
- The Red Golden Retriever is relatively rare and has, as you might expect, a reddish coat.
- The Black GoldeRetriever is also relatively rare and has a black coat with a brown or liver-colored nose.
While all Golden Retrievers are beautiful, there is something special about the Classic Golden that makes them the most popular color choice for this beloved breed.
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types of Golden Retrievers
There are three types of Golden Retrievers: American Golden Retrievers, Canadian Golden Retrievers, and English Golden retrievers.
| Type | Size | Price | Color |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Golden Retriever | 20-14 inch tall | $1,000-$3,000 | Cream, White |
| American Golden Retriever | 23 to 24 inches tall | $ 1,000-$ 3,500 | Dark, Light , Golden |
| Canadian Golden Retriever | 23-24 inches tall | $ 1,000-$ 3,500 | Dark Golden |
| Red Golden Retriever | 22-23 inches tall | $ 1,000-$ 3,000 | Mahogany Red |
English Golden Retrievers:
English Golden Retrievers are the traditional type of Golden Retriever. They are bred in England and have a longer coat than other types of Goldens.
English Golden Retrievers are usually 20-24 inches tall and can be either white or cream in color. Prices for English Golden Retrievers can vary depending on the breeder, but they typically range from $1,000-$3,000.
American Golden Retrievers
These Goldens are bred in the United States and have a shorter coat than English Golden Retrievers.
They are also generally bigger and more popular, making them one of the most popular breeds in the United States.
Prices for American Golden Retrievers can vary depending on the breeder, but they are typically very affordable around $500-$3,500. Cost of owning a golden retriever is highlighted here.
Canadian Golden Retrievers
These Goldens are bred in Canada and share many characteristics with American Golden Retrievers.
They are slightly smaller than their American counterparts and have a light to dark golden coat. Canadian Golden Retrievers are known for their gentle dispositions and trainability. They make great family pets and companions. Prices for Canadian Golden Retrievers start at around $1,500 USD.
What determines a Golden Retriever’s color?
When it comes to determining the color of a golden retriever, it all comes down to the parents. If both parents are golden retrievers, then there is a very high chance that the puppy will be too.
However, if one parent is a golden retriever and the other is not, then the puppy could be any number of colors.
To tell the color of your golden retriever puppy when it is full grown, you will need to look at the parents and see what color they are.
If both parents are goldens, then chances are your puppy will be as well. However, if one parent is a different color, then your puppy could be any number of colors when it grows up.
When do Golden Retrievers change color?
Many people don’t realize that Golden Retrievers can change color as they age. The change is usually most apparent in the first year or two, but it can continue throughout their lifetime.
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Some goldens will lighten to a cream color, while others will darken to a red or mahogany hue. The change is usually gradual and not drastic, but it can be quite noticeable if you’re used to seeing your pup in one particular shade.
So why does this happen? It’s simply due to the fading of pigment over time. Like many things in life, Goldens just get a little bit lighter with age.
Why do some golden retrievers look so different?
According to this study, the gene MC1R is responsible for a wide variety of these colors, it plays the leading role in defining the coat color of golden retrievers.
The gene MC1R is autosomal-recessive, meaning that it must be inherited from both parents in order for it to be expressed.
Golden retrievers typically have two copies of the recessive allele, which leads to their characteristic gold and white coat color. However, some golden retrievers may inherit one or two copies of the dominant allele from one or both parents.
This can lead to a wide range of coat colors, including black, dark golden, and red.
While the gene MC1R is responsible for the majority of coat colors in golden retrievers, it is not the only factor involved.
Conclussion: Colorful Golden Retrievers
In conclusion,there are many different types and colors of golden retrievers. American, English and Canadian goldens come in colors such as gold, golden, white, cream, red and black. No matter what type or color of golden you choose, they make great furry friends.
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