The GOLDEN RETRIEVER

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 It is undeniable that Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. Along with being strong hardworking dogs, Goldens are exuberant and affectionate. Golden Retrievers thrive in any environment, whether its search-and-rescue, hunting, serving as guide dogs, or being loyal and devoted companions. They are tremendously devoted to their families and desire above all to make their owners the happiest they can be!

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AKC Description of the Breed 

Personality: Intelligent, friendly, and devoted.

Energy Level: Very Active; This dog is active and energetic, and needs daily exercise.

Good with Children: Yes

Good with other Dogs: Yes

Shedding: Seasonal

Grooming: Occasional

Trainability: Eager To Please

Barking Level: Barks When Necessary

What's an English Cream? 

   Are all English Cream Golden Retrievers from England? Where does the term "English" come from?

    In the Golden Retriever world there are two main standards, which have shaped the Golden Retriever as we know it. There is the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the British Kennel Club (KC). Both of these clubs have different standards for the Golden Retriever. The name English Cream Golden Retriever has been assigned to Golden Retrievers bred to the British Kennel Clubs standards. 

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                        So What are the Standards? And How does this Effect the Breed?

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       Muzzel, and Ears 

The AKC Standard: 

• Head- Broad in skull, slightly arched laterally and longitudinally without prominence of frontal bones (forehead) or occipital bones. Stop well defined but not abrupt. Foreface deep and wide, nearly as long as skull. Muzzle straight in profile, blending smooth and strongly into skull; when viewed in profile or from above, slightly deeper and wider at stop than at tip. No heaviness in flews. Removal of whiskers is permitted but not preferred.

• Ears- rather short with front edge attached well behind and just above the eye and falling close to cheek. When pulled forward, tip of ear should just cover the eye. Low, hound-like ear set to be faulted.

The KC Standard: 

• Head and Skull – Balanced and well chiseled, skull broad without coarseness; well set on neck, muzzle powerful, wide and deep. Length of foreface approximately equals length from well defined stop to occiput.

• Ears – Moderate size, set on approximate level with eyes.

     Muzzle 

    The AKC desires the muzzle to be straight and the foreface to be nearly as wide as the skull. This has created a small conical shaped muzzle. While on the other hand the KC desires the foreface to be approximately equal length from the well defined stop to occiput. As a result English Goldens have larger and wider muzzles resulting in stronger jaws. 

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   Ears

    The AKC desires the Golden Retrievers ears to be set well behind and above the eyes. While on the other hand the KC desires the ears of the Golden Retriever to be level with the eyes. This created very different looks. 

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The British Kennel Club calls for a level topline and straight hindquarters without the slight rear angulation. This angulation is often found in the American Golden Retriever. 

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The History of the Breed