Golden retrievers are one of the most popular breeds of dogs for a reason: their loyalty, obedience, and friendly nature make them ideal pets for families. They are also relatively easy to train and are good with children. But one thing that makes them so special is the wide range of golden retriever Colors.
While most people are familiar with the classic “golden” color, did you know there are several different types of golden retriever colors? While the breed standard only recognizes three colors (golden, cream, and red), there are many more variations.
In this article, we’ll look at some of the most popular Golden retriever types and colors, as well as some rarer variations.
So whether you’re looking for a golden retriever puppy or just curious about the different colors these dogs come in, read on to learn more!
Kennel Club standards for Golden Retriever:
According to the Kennel Club, a Golden Retriever should be “well balanced, powerfully built without awkwardness” with a “symmetrical head” and “kind expression.” The coat of a purebred Golden Retriever should be dense and waterproof, with feathering on the thighs, backs of the legs, underbody, and tail. The coat colors can be cream, golden, or light to a dark golden brown. There should be no white markings.
The Golden Retriever is a breed of dog originating in Scotland. They were originally bred to retrieve game birds such as ducks and grouse during hunting expeditions. The name “retriever” refers to their ability to retrieve the game without damaging it.
Golden Retrievers have an instinctive love of water and are easy to train to basic or advanced obedience commands. They are also popular pets; in 2016, 201, and 2018, they were the third most popular breed of dog in the United States as per the American Kennel Club.
Different colors of Golden Retrievers:
As we mentioned, there are three main Golden Retrievers recognized by the breed standard: golden, cream, and red.
Shades of golden retriever
The Golden Retriever Club of America (GRCA) defines the golden retriever color as “any shade of gold, with no white markings.” The cream color is similar to the golden but tends to be a bit lighter in the shade. Red Golden Retrievers can range from a light coppery color to deep mahogany.
However, there are many more colors of Golden Retrievers out there than just these three. Some breeders have even developed new colors by crossbreeding Golden Retrievers with other dogs.
While not all of these colors are recognized by the breed standard, they can still make for beautiful and unique dogs. Let’s take a look at Golden Retriever colors below.
Blond or Light Golden Retrievers:
As the name suggests, these dogs tend to have a lighter coat than the traditional Golden Retriever. They are sometimes also called “white golden retrievers.” However, it’s important to note that true white Golden Retrievers do not exist.
If you see a breeder advertising “white Golden Retrievers,” they are likely either blond Golden Retrievers or a mix of Golden Retrievers and other dogs.
The light golden retriever is relatively common. However, because of their lighter coats, they may require more grooming than other types of Golden Retrievers. Their light fur also makes them more susceptible to sunburn, so you’ll need to be extra careful about protecting them from the sun.
Dark Golden Retriever
These dogs have a coat that is a bit darker and richer in color than the traditional Golden Retriever. They are sometimes also called “red golden retrievers,” although their coats can range in color from deep gold to rich mahogany.
The color of dark golden retrievers is often affected by the temperature, so their coats may appear lighter in the summer and darker in the winter.
Dark golden retrievers are relatively rare, but they make beautiful pets. You may also need to be extra careful about caring for their coat to prevent matting and tangles. With age, some dark golden retrievers may also develop white hairs in their fur.
Red Golden Retrievers
As we mentioned before, red is one of the three colors recognized by the Golden Retriever breed standard. Red Golden Retriever can range in color from a light coppery shade to deep mahogany. They are sometimes called “red goldens” or “mahogany goldens.”
Like dark golden retrievers, the temperature can affect the color of red golden retrievers’ coats. Summer and winter coats may appear lighter or darker in color, respectively.
Cream Golden Retrievers
Cream Golden Retrievers are similar to traditional golden retrievers, but they tend to have a coat that is lighter in color. The cream color is caused by a recessive gene, which is relatively rare. Cream Golden Retrievers are sometimes called “white golden retrievers,” although true white Golden Retrievers do not exist.
In general, cream Golden Retrievers make wonderful pets. However, grooming may be more difficult because of their light fur. If you are interested in getting a Cream Golden Retriever, be prepared to pay a premium. Because they are so rare, Cream Colored Golden Retrievers often come with a hefty price tag.
Golden Retrievers with white marking
Some Golden Retrievers have white markings on their chests, paws, or faces. A genetic mutation causes these markings, and they are relatively rare. Golden Retrievers with white markings are often called “parti-colored” or “pied.” While the breed standard does not recognize them, they are still beautiful and unique dogs.
Golden Retrievers with white markings often have a coat that is a mixture of colors. The base color is typically gold, but it can be lighter or darker depending on the individual dog. The white markings are usually on the chest, paws, or face.
Grooming needs of Golden Retrievers
Golden Retrievers have a reputation for being one of the most easy-to-care-for dog breeds. They are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming and don’t require much special care. That said, there are a few things you should keep in mind when grooming your Golden Retriever.
Golden Retrievers shed: All dogs shed, but Golden Retrievers seem to shed a bit more than other breeds. To help control the shedding, you’ll need to brush your dog regularly. Daily brushing is best, but weekly brushing will also do the trick.
Bathing Golden Retrievers
You’ll need to bathe your Golden Retriever every few months or as needed. Be sure to use a dog-specific shampoo to avoid drying their skin and coat. After bathing, thoroughly dry your dog to prevent it from getting chilled.
Nail care for Golden Retrievers
Like all dogs, Golden Retrievers need their nails trimmed regularly. If you hear your dog’s nails clicking on the floor when they walk, it’s time for a trim. You can either do it yourself or take them to a groomer.
Ear care for Golden Retrievers
Golden Retrievers are prone to ear infections, so it’s important to keep their ears clean and dry. You’ll need to check their ears regularly and clean them with a dog-specific ear cleaner if necessary.
Taking care of your Golden’s luscious coat
As we mentioned before, Golden Retrievers come in three different colors: light, dark, and red. Each of these colors requires extra coat care.
Light-colored Golden Retrievers
Light-colored Golden Retrievers must be brushed more often to prevent their fur from matting. You’ll also need to be careful about exposing them to too much sunlight, as their light fur can sunburn easily.
Dark-colored Golden Retrievers
Dark-colored Golden Retrievers are less likely to sunburn, but they may be more susceptible to heatstroke. Be sure to keep an eye on them on hot days and ensure they have plenty of water to drink.
Red Golden Retrievers
Red Golden Retrievers have coats ranging in color from light to dark. As a result, they may require extra coat care depending on their unique coat color.
Regardless of the color of your Golden Retriever’s coat, you’ll need to brush them regularly to prevent mats and tangles. It would be best if you also bathed them every few months or as needed.
Do Golden Retriever puppies Change Color?
It’s not uncommon for Golden Retriever puppies to change color as they grow up. For example, a light-colored puppy may darken as they mature. Or a red puppy may turn blonde or golden as they get older. This is perfectly normal, and it’s nothing to be concerned about.
They may also change color if they spend a lot of time in the sun. For example, a light-colored Golden may start to get darker patches on their coat if they spend a lot of time outdoors.
Another common reason for color changes is if a Golden Retriever is mixed with another breed. For example, a Golden Retriever mix may take on the colors of the other breed.
However, with age, the majority of Golden Retrievers will settle into one of the three standard colors: light, dark, or red. So if your puppy’s color changes, don’t worry – it’s probably just a phase.
How to determine the future coat color of a Golden Retriever Puppy?
If you’re wondering what color your Golden Retriever puppy will be when they grow up, there are a few things you can look at.
First, take a look at their parents. If both of their parents are the same color, then it’s likely that your puppy will be that color as well.
For example, if both of their parents are light-colored, then your puppy is likely to be light-colored as well. You can also ask the breeder what color the parents are. This can give you a good idea of what color your puppy is likely to be.
Finally, you can look at the color of the puppy’s coat. If they have a light-colored coat, they’re likely to be a light color when they grow up. If they have a dark-colored coat, they’re likely to be a dark color when they grow up.
Of course, there’s no guarantee that your puppy will stay the same color as they grow up. But if you’re curious about what color they’re likely to be, these are a few things you can look at.
Golden Retriever Types For Competition:
Not all Golden Retrievers are created equal. There are three types of Golden Retrievers: English, American, and Canadian. Each of these types is slightly different and used for different purposes.
English Golden Retrievers
English Golden Retrievers are the most popular type of Golden Retriever. They’re known for being gentle, loving, and intelligent. An English Cream Golden Retrievers may have feathering on their legs and tail and usually have a light golden coat.
American Golden Retrievers
American Golden Retrievers are larger than English Golden Retrievers. They have heavier feathering on their legs, thighs, and tail and usually have a dark golden coat. They’re also more muscular, and they have a higher energy level. As a result, they’re often used as working dogs. For example, they might be used as service dogs, search and rescue dogs or therapy dogs.
Canadian Golden Retrievers
Canadian Golden Retrievers are the largest type of Golden Retriever. They have a thick coat that can be either light or dark golden. They’re known for being gentle, loving, and intelligent, like English Golden Retrievers. However, they’re also known for being independent and stubborn. As a result, they might not be the best choice for first-time dog owners.
Conclusion
While the Golden retriever’s coat can come in various colors, the most popular and well-known shade is golden. This unique hue has made the Golden retriever one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. If you’re looking for a beautiful, loyal, and loving companion, a Golden retriever may be the perfect dog.
