If you have seen adverts for English Cream Golden Retrievers, you may be wondering what they’re all about, what makes them different from a standard Golden Retriever, and where you could find an English Cream Golden Retriever puppy. We have all the information you need in this Canine Weekly feature.
When a new word pops up before a recognized breed, often with it comes controversy. Is there such a thing as an English Cream Golden Retriever or is it just a gimmick term? We will find this out and much more, including the temperament of the Golden Retriever and what makes a Retriever an English Cream.
What is a Cream Golden Retriever?
An English Cream Golden Retriever is basically a Golden Retriever who happens to be lighter in color. Sometimes, breeders will change the name of a breed to coax buyers into thinking they have an ultra-rare breed. A breeder can use terms like ‘Platinum Retriever,’ ‘Ultra Rare White European Retriever,’ and ‘English Cream Retrievers. But, regardless of what names they’re given, they are Golden Retrievers.
Golden Retrievers are one of the nation’s favorite breeds, and they sell for a large sum of money, so when a breeder has a less than desirable litter, they’re left significantly out of pocket. A Golden Retriever who ‘has a predominant body color that is either extremely pale or extremely dark is undesirable’ – meaning it doesn’t meet the American Kennel Club Standards for a Golden Retriever has its monetary value decreased.
A way to obtain the value the breeder was expecting is to retail the pup as an ultra-rare dog to unsuspecting buyers.
If you were looking to adopt an English Cream Golden Retriever, there is no such thing, but there are lighter-colored Golden Retrievers, so let’s focus on them.
Golden Retriever Quick Facts
Average Height:
Males: 23 inches – 24 inches (58.42 cm – 60.96 cm)
Females: 21.5 inches – 22.5 inches (54.61 cm – 57.15 cm)
Average Weight:
Males: 65 – 75 lbs (29.48 kg – 34.01kg)
Females: 55 – 65 lbs (24.94kg – 29.48kg)
Average Life Span: 10 – 12 years
Golden Retriever Colors:
- Golden
- Light Golden
- Dark Golden
- White / Cream
Golden Retriever Characteristics
Intelligence: 5/5
Energy Level: 5/5
Bonding Level: 5/5
Trainability: 5/5
Amount of Shedding: 5/5
Tendency to Bark or Howl: 3/5
Kid-Friendly: 5/5
Pet-Friendly: 5/5
Friendliness Towards Strangers: 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone: 1/5
Adapts Well to Apartment Living: 2/5
Sensitivity Level: 5/5
Potential for Weight Gain: 5/5
Are White/Cream Golden Retrievers Rare?
While some Golden Retrievers can be light in color, they are not considered white or cream. Buyers looking for white, platinum, or cream Golden Retrievers will be disappointed. The color white does not genetically appear in this breed of dog, and any online advert offering so should be considered a scam.
White coats are considered faults by both the British and American Kennel Clubs, so fairly worthless to a breeder looking to make a profit. ‘English Cream Golden’ are simply marketing words to trick buyers into paying a substantial sum for an ordinary Golden Retriever with a lighter coat color.
So, Why Are Some Golden Retrievers Lighter in Color?
Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, some of this is down to breeding practices, and some are just because. When it comes to dog coat color, it is basically determined by the gene pool and the pigments produced. Within a litter of pups from the majority of breeds, you will find differences in coat color.
Even a litter of purebred Black Labradors can have some puppies with flecks of white on their chest. Within a litter of dogs with very distinctive markings such as Rottweilers, there can be exceptions to the rule. It isn’t unusual to find Rottweilers with specs or patches of white hairs on their chest, face, or head due to a throwback gene from part of their ancestry.
When some breeds of puppies are born with unusual markings or coloring, they won’t meet Kennel Clubs’ standards and so can’t be used as show dogs or breeding dogs, and they won’t have Kennel Club Papers. Years ago, these pups would be cast aside, or unscrupulous breeders would even end their lives. Today, they’re retailed with fancy terminology, and unscrupulous breeders can make a quick buck.
Should I Avoid Buying an English Cream Golden Retriever?
You shouldn’t avoid buying an English Cream Golden Retriever just because it has a lighter coat color. They have no additional health risks or concerns than any other Retriever. You should, however, buy with caution.
Go to the breeder with your eyes wide open, and don’t believe any claims that this dog will ever be recognized as a Golden Retriever by the American Kennel Club because this won’t be the case.
Be very skeptical of the breeder if they claim that their English Cream Golden Retrievers are more valuable, healthier, or will have a longer lifespan than a darker gold-colored variety. Look for good bloodlines, full clearances, good structure, and a good temperament.
A good breeder should offer a history of health and longevity in their bloodlines, as well as vet check certification and Kennel Club papers. They should also allow access to the parent dogs and allow you time to socialize with the puppies.
What Kind of Temperament Should I Expect?
Golden Retrievers are the nation’s third favorite pet dog breed, and for very good reason. They are the ideal family dog – good with children, patient, around toddlers, and loving to all. Golden Retrievers are one of the most intelligent dog breeds out there; this you can see in their expressive eyes, making them even more adorable.
As with all intelligent dog breeds, the Golden Retriever benefits from obedience training and plenty of mental stimulation and exercise as they grow. Puppies should start on a good diet because this is a food-orientated breed, prone to weight gain.
Golden Retrievers are often used as assistance and therapy dogs because they have a level of empathy that is really quite unique. This, combined with high intelligence and a strong work ethic, makes them invaluable in our society.
Originally bred as gun dogs, Retrievers can have a high prey drive which may require behavior correction from pups. They will play fetch all day long and love to be in the water. The hallmark of the breed is their sweet, calm nature, and their instinct is always to please their master.
Put a little into training, socializing, and caring for your Retriever, and you will gain a whole lot more back in love, loyalty and kisses!
Owning an English Cream Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are not free from breed-related health conditions, and they can be prone to:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Cataracts
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Osteochondrosis Dissecans
- Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
- Bloat
- Hemangiosarcoma
- Hypothyroidism
- Epilepsy
- Osteosarcoma
The color of the Golden Retriever you get has no bearing on any health issues or life expectancy. But, it is important to have access to the parent dog’s medical reports as this can rule out any genetic conditions that may have been passed down. Responsible breeders won’t breed from dogs who have health issues, but as we know, not all breeders are responsible.
How to Care for an English Cream Golden Retriever
Aside from their need for lots of attention and exercise, Golden Retrievers, whatever their color, are relatively easy dogs to take care of. They’re probably one of the best larger breeds for first-time dog owners.
Below, we will look into some of the most important aspects of English Cream Golden Retriever care.
Food and Diet Requirements
Golden Retrievers are very prone to weight gain, so you need to be sure to watch the quantity of food you offer. Some dog foods are specifically for weight management. It is also an idea to discuss diet with your veterinarian as they may recommend food that’s fortified with joint-supporting supplements and be able to keep an eye on your Golden Retrievers weight.
Exercise Requirements
Golden Retrievers are a high-energy breed who need lots of play and attention alongside daily walks and mental stimulation. If this breed isn’t adequately exercised, they are prone to destructive behaviors, such as chewing or becoming very depressed dogs. Retrievers don’t like to be alone and are incredibly sensitive, so they’re not a good option for people out at work all day.
Golden Retrievers love obedience and agility training; their main aim in life is to please, and they have a phenomenal determination to achieve what is expected of them. They make fun jogging buddies and are a built-in babysitter for energetic children who love tug of war, fetch, and hide-and-seek.
Training Requirements
Golden Retrievers are super-friendly, gentle dogs, but they can grow relatively big, so training is essential. Fortunately, they are incredibly intelligent, so training isn’t a challenge, and they’ll often pick things up extremely quickly – ever eager to please their parents!
As soon as your puppy comes home, toilet training should begin. Retrievers are one of the easiest breeds when it comes to house training as their instinct is always to do the right thing and keep their family happy with them.
Golden Retrievers are very playful dogs, and if not socialized with other dogs early on, they can be very bouncy and a little too much for many dogs. Once they learn the boundaries and what is acceptable, a Golden Retriever will usually remember his manners in the park!
Grooming
Here is the downside. There is no avoiding the excessive shedding of the Golden Retriever, and it is this which keeps them from the lower maintenance categories. They require substantial grooming and often purchases of things like couch covers to keep your home and furniture as fur-free as you can.
However, they love the water, and so bathing is just extra playtime in the eyes of the Golden Retriever.
Summary of the English Cream Golden Retriever
As stated many times, there is no such thing as an English Cream Golden Retriever. There is a lighter-colored coat found on many Golden Retrievers, and while this means they’ll never make a top show dog, it doesn’t prevent them from being possibly the most fantastic family dog you’ll ever own.
If you’re attracted specifically to the lighter-colored coat, then shop around with care, and ensure that the breeder you use is responsible, honest, and not trying to sell you something that does not exist.
With minimal training and lots of play and exercise, you will have a deliriously happy dog who will do all he can to keep his family happy. Keep treats to a minimum and pay attention to the quantity of food you provide – he will never let you know that he is full. Be prepared for shedding and a dog who wants to be with you at all times. And expect to have a dog who will love you with every fiber of his being!
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Forrest is a lover of dogs, the wild outdoors, deep mysterious conversations… and coffee. He is the owner of several websites, including Canine Weekly. He resides in Austin, Texas.