English vs American Golden Retriever: Full Comparison Guide!
When talking about the ideal dog for a family, it`s rather difficult to think you could go wrong with Golden Retrievers. But hold one! What breed should you go for from these two royal-like canines: English vs American Golden Retriever?
Bred at first specifically for hunting purposes, Golden Retrievers have made a typical development into the amazing family dogs that they are today.
Eager to please, smart, obedient, friendly-nature – Golden Retrievers are well known for their continuous joy to play.
The “retriever” name has its reference in its ability of this breed to retrieve birds and marshes during hunts because of their rather soft mouth.
Quite wonderful around kids, Goldies are the perfect canine companions for most dog enthusiasts.
English Golden vs American Golden Overview
Before going anymore into details, first of all it`s quite important to be aware why we have this discussion.
In the end, a Golden Retriever is a Golden Retriever regardless of where it comes from, right?
Well, kind of! In the middle of the 1800s, Goldens started to be bred in Scotland. Like anything else, obviously at some point they made it in the United States. However, there were differences that began to develop.
- The American Kennel Club and the UK`s Kennel Club have breed standards that are rather different. So, normally dog breeders that tried to adhere to all these standards had different priorities.
- Because Europe and the United States are so far away from one another led to these canines being mainly bred between each other.
- Dog breeders have different preferences in terms of dog features and qualities as they have different purposes (e.g. show ring, hunting). So, they bred Golden Retrievers with differences that are quite sometimes noticeable.
So, a Golden Retriever might be eventually still a Golden Retriever! However, depending on what purpose had the dog breeder or where the dog comes from, there`ll always be some differences.
History
Like mentioning above, Goldens have their roots in Scotland two centuries ago in 1868. At that time, Lord Tweedmouth decided to mate a Tweed Water spaniel with a Wavy-Coated retriever.
The breed is known to have a close relation to the Russian Tracker canine which doesn`t exist anymore.
According to the AKC, Goldens represent the 3rd most popular dog breed in the U.S which say a lot about this amazing canines.
Color & Coat
Perhaps the most obvious distinction between English and American Goldies is in the collar of their coats.
English Golden Retrievers have lighter coat colors than their American neighbours, most of the time in cream shades.
American Goldens have darker colors which come in several shades of glowing gold with medium average. Their coat is often longer and thicker.
Structure
If talking about the body structures, English versions are favored by eye-level ears, linear topline and level tail. They also have dark brown eyes and strong square muzzles.
Their American neighbors have a 30-degree topline, ears which set above the level of their eyes and somehow behind, and a tail which curves upward. – More info!
The American`s muzzle blends smoothly into their skull, while their eyes are either sometimes light brown, either dark brown.
Temperament
English Goldies are quite well known for their peaceful disposition and temperament. Evidently, not all American Goldies are hyper canines, and not all their English counterparts are calm. However, there`s an obvious difference if we are to calculate things on average.
Generally speaking, English Goldens are a bit more mellow in temperament than their American neighbors!
So, if you are interested in a calmer canine for your family, especially if you have children, then go for the English version of the Golden Retriever.
Nutrition
No matter if you own an American Golden Retriever or an English Goldie, you want your fluffy friend to live healthy and happy.
For this to happen, you better start thinking only at high-quality pet food for your pooch. This plays a major role in the well-being and general health of your canine.
Goldens are playful, full-of-energy dogs. So, obviously, you have to start feeding them according to their weight, level of activity and unique dietary necessities.
Give your Golden Retriever the right mixture of carbs, fats and proteins, and they`ll turn out to be healthy and happy canine companions! – Click here!
There are three significant things you`ll want to take into account when purchasing pet food for your dog:
- Always go for pet food with a high content of meat, not only increased protein content which could also very well come from vegetable sources.
- Keep away from filler ingredients, which could include rice, soy or corn, but other as well.
- Macros have more importance than total amount of calories for each specific meal.
Grooming
Maintaining your American or English Goldie looking nice and smooth is pretty much all about keeping an eye on their coat.
They tend to shed a lot sometimes as they are the lucky owners of a double coat. Obviously, their fur will need serious attention and care at times.
- Your English or American Golden shedding can be kept under control if you brush their fur regularly. You`ll get thanks from both your puppy and your couch! For top results, use a brush with bristles as well as an undercoat rake.
- Bathe your Golden canine when they become too smelly, but only use quality shampoos so you can keep damages away from their lovely fur.
- Your Golden may sometimes experience ear infections, so it`s essential to check their ear on a regular basis. Moreover, use ear cleaning solutions on a weekly basis in order to prevent ear infections.
- Your Goldie would never be shaved. There`s a reason behind the way their fur is the way it is. Mother Nature knew what was doing since the beginning of time – even during warm weather. Their double coat will offer them protections against fleas, sun as well as other overall health problems.
- Trim the hair on their pads and feet so you don`t get Golden starting to wear slippers soon. Also, their nails being trimmed from time to time are a great idea as well.
Exercise
This depends very much on genetics, age and general health. So, there`s no right or wrong answer regarding this matter as it`s different from one canine to another.
If your Golden, regardless if English or American, is still a puppy, keep in mind the “5 minute rule.” This states that your pup should receive 5 minutes of overall exercise for every month of their life.
So, if your English Golden Retriever puppy is 4 months old, they`ll only require 20 minutes of exercise a day. The exercises should include gentle fetching games or brief walks on a leash.
If your American or English Golden Retriever is already a teenager now, an hour of exercise per day should be more than enough. Keep in mind the genetics of your canine and adjust the time frame accordingly.
In terms of older Goldies that might experience joint pains or arthritis, you should get in touch with your veterinarian. This is to avoid any possible health issues when considering the amount of exercise your dog needs on a daily basis.
Health & Lifespan
When talking about the median age of Goldies, the English Crème Goldens are found at around 12 years, while their American neighbors only just below 11 years.
Latest research has shown that Goldens in general have been known to experience cancer at some point in their life more than their equivalent number across the pond.
A health research performed by the GRCA in 1998, also known as the Golden Retriever Club of America, found that hemangiosarcoma, lymphosarcoma, osteosarcoma as well as mast cell tumour affected 61% of American Goldies.
On the opposite side, another research performed in 2004 by the UL Kennel Club discovered their dog breed was only affected at a rate of 39%.
Price
As with everything in life, with these pups you generally get what you decided to pay for.
English Goldies are most of the time pricier than their American relatives. An English Golden puppy can cost around $500 – $1.000, but healthy pups from the most reputable dog breeders can even reach $.1500 – $2.500.
However, there are several factors that generally are taken into account other than the canine`s style.
Did the dog breeders chose to feed the canines quality pet food or just “junk” bought from Walmart?
Do they already think at their next litter when the puppies are born, or are they taking their time and socialize the pups to prepare them to feel comfortable around you?
Are they living in Florida, where life isn`t that expensive, or in California where nothing is affordable?
Breakdown
So, we hope our English vs American Golden Retriever guide has offered you the kind of knowledge you were interested in.
No matter which way you go with your decision, you will never go wrong as both these dogs are amazing family canines.
Both of them are loyal, affectionate and friendly pooches, so if these are some qualities are looking in your future canine companion, you are all set.
Instead, if you are searching for a guard-dog, you should better look for a different dog breed. Goldens are too friendly for guard duties; you might very well find them playing with a stranger rather than barking them away.
When talking about the ideal dog for a family, it`s rather difficult to think you could go wrong with Golden Retrievers. But hold one! What breed should you go for from these two royal-like canines: English vs American Golden Retriever?
Bred at first specifically for hunting purposes, Golden Retrievers have made a typical development into the amazing family dogs that they are today.
Eager to please, smart, obedient, friendly-nature – Golden Retrievers are well known for their continuous joy to play.
The “retriever” name has its reference in its ability of this breed to retrieve birds and marshes during hunts because of their rather soft mouth.
Quite wonderful around kids, Goldies are the perfect canine companions for most dog enthusiasts.
English Golden vs American Golden Overview
Before going anymore into details, first of all it`s quite important to be aware why we have this discussion.
In the end, a Golden Retriever is a Golden Retriever regardless of where it comes from, right?
Well, kind of! In the middle of the 1800s, Goldens started to be bred in Scotland. Like anything else, obviously at some point they made it in the United States. However, there were differences that began to develop.
- The American Kennel Club and the UK`s Kennel Club have breed standards that are rather different. So, normally dog breeders that tried to adhere to all these standards had different priorities.
- Because Europe and the United States are so far away from one another led to these canines being mainly bred between each other.
- Dog breeders have different preferences in terms of dog features and qualities as they have different purposes (e.g. show ring, hunting). So, they bred Golden Retrievers with differences that are quite sometimes noticeable.
So, a Golden Retriever might be eventually still a Golden Retriever! However, depending on what purpose had the dog breeder or where the dog comes from, there`ll always be some differences.
History
Like mentioning above, Goldens have their roots in Scotland two centuries ago in 1868. At that time, Lord Tweedmouth decided to mate a Tweed Water spaniel with a Wavy-Coated retriever.
The breed is known to have a close relation to the Russian Tracker canine which doesn`t exist anymore.
According to the AKC, Goldens represent the 3rd most popular dog breed in the U.S which say a lot about this amazing canines.
Color & Coat
Perhaps the most obvious distinction between English and American Goldies is in the collar of their coats.
English Golden Retrievers have lighter coat colors than their American neighbours, most of the time in cream shades.
American Goldens have darker colors which come in several shades of glowing gold with medium average. Their coat is often longer and thicker.
Structure
If talking about the body structures, English versions are favored by eye-level ears, linear topline and level tail. They also have dark brown eyes and strong square muzzles.
Their American neighbors have a 30-degree topline, ears which set above the level of their eyes and somehow behind, and a tail which curves upward. – More info!
The American`s muzzle blends smoothly into their skull, while their eyes are either sometimes light brown, either dark brown.
Temperament
English Goldies are quite well known for their peaceful disposition and temperament. Evidently, not all American Goldies are hyper canines, and not all their English counterparts are calm. However, there`s an obvious difference if we are to calculate things on average.
Generally speaking, English Goldens are a bit more mellow in temperament than their American neighbors!
So, if you are interested in a calmer canine for your family, especially if you have children, then go for the English version of the Golden Retriever.
Nutrition
No matter if you own an American Golden Retriever or an English Goldie, you want your fluffy friend to live healthy and happy.
For this to happen, you better start thinking only at high-quality pet food for your pooch. This plays a major role in the well-being and general health of your canine.
Goldens are playful, full-of-energy dogs. So, obviously, you have to start feeding them according to their weight, level of activity and unique dietary necessities.
Give your Golden Retriever the right mixture of carbs, fats and proteins, and they`ll turn out to be healthy and happy canine companions! – Click here!
There are three significant things you`ll want to take into account when purchasing pet food for your dog:
- Always go for pet food with a high content of meat, not only increased protein content which could also very well come from vegetable sources.
- Keep away from filler ingredients, which could include rice, soy or corn, but other as well.
- Macros have more importance than total amount of calories for each specific meal.
Grooming
Maintaining your American or English Goldie looking nice and smooth is pretty much all about keeping an eye on their coat.
They tend to shed a lot sometimes as they are the lucky owners of a double coat. Obviously, their fur will need serious attention and care at times.
- Your English or American Golden shedding can be kept under control if you brush their fur regularly. You`ll get thanks from both your puppy and your couch! For top results, use a brush with bristles as well as an undercoat rake.
- Bathe your Golden canine when they become too smelly, but only use quality shampoos so you can keep damages away from their lovely fur.
- Your Golden may sometimes experience ear infections, so it`s essential to check their ear on a regular basis. Moreover, use ear cleaning solutions on a weekly basis in order to prevent ear infections.
- Your Goldie would never be shaved. There`s a reason behind the way their fur is the way it is. Mother Nature knew what was doing since the beginning of time – even during warm weather. Their double coat will offer them protections against fleas, sun as well as other overall health problems.
- Trim the hair on their pads and feet so you don`t get Golden starting to wear slippers soon. Also, their nails being trimmed from time to time are a great idea as well.
Exercise
This depends very much on genetics, age and general health. So, there`s no right or wrong answer regarding this matter as it`s different from one canine to another.
If your Golden, regardless if English or American, is still a puppy, keep in mind the “5 minute rule.” This states that your pup should receive 5 minutes of overall exercise for every month of their life.
So, if your English Golden Retriever puppy is 4 months old, they`ll only require 20 minutes of exercise a day. The exercises should include gentle fetching games or brief walks on a leash.
If your American or English Golden Retriever is already a teenager now, an hour of exercise per day should be more than enough. Keep in mind the genetics of your canine and adjust the time frame accordingly.
In terms of older Goldies that might experience joint pains or arthritis, you should get in touch with your veterinarian. This is to avoid any possible health issues when considering the amount of exercise your dog needs on a daily basis.
Health & Lifespan
When talking about the median age of Goldies, the English Crème Goldens are found at around 12 years, while their American neighbors only just below 11 years.
Latest research has shown that Goldens in general have been known to experience cancer at some point in their life more than their equivalent number across the pond.
A health research performed by the GRCA in 1998, also known as the Golden Retriever Club of America, found that hemangiosarcoma, lymphosarcoma, osteosarcoma as well as mast cell tumour affected 61% of American Goldies.
On the opposite side, another research performed in 2004 by the UL Kennel Club discovered their dog breed was only affected at a rate of 39%.
Price
As with everything in life, with these pups you generally get what you decided to pay for.
English Goldies are most of the time pricier than their American relatives. An English Golden puppy can cost around $500 – $1.000, but healthy pups from the most reputable dog breeders can even reach $.1500 – $2.500.
However, there are several factors that generally are taken into account other than the canine`s style.
Did the dog breeders chose to feed the canines quality pet food or just “junk” bought from Walmart?
Do they already think at their next litter when the puppies are born, or are they taking their time and socialize the pups to prepare them to feel comfortable around you?
Are they living in Florida, where life isn`t that expensive, or in California where nothing is affordable?
Breakdown
So, we hope our English vs American Golden Retriever guide has offered you the kind of knowledge you were interested in.
No matter which way you go with your decision, you will never go wrong as both these dogs are amazing family canines.
Both of them are loyal, affectionate and friendly pooches, so if these are some qualities are looking in your future canine companion, you are all set.
Instead, if you are searching for a guard-dog, you should better look for a different dog breed. Goldens are too friendly for guard duties; you might very well find them playing with a stranger rather than barking them away.
