What Are The Different Types of Golden Retrievers?

The Golden Retriever is one of America’s best known breeds, but did you know that there are different types of Golden Retrievers? That’s right! While they all have the classic Golden qualities of this lovable breed, there are slightly different characteristics that distinguish different kinds of Golden. So what are the different types of Golden Retrievers? Let's find out!

How Many Types of Golden Retriever Are There?

Whilst there is just one breed of Golden Retriever, there are various subtypes, but it is a debated area. Plenty of people will offer multiple criteria for what distinguishes the different types of Goldens.

It could be argued that there are 3 types of Golden Retriever, although others will argue that there are several more. For the sake of argument, let's look at all of them!

Different Types of Golden Retrievers: By Region

The first way that Golden Retriever aficionados categorize this amazing breed is by region. 3 countries have put effort into developing specific qualities of Golden Retrievers.

British or English Golden Retrievers

Seeing as this was the place they were originally bred, it only makes sense that English breeders would continue to develop one of the world's most famous breeds. British/English Golden Retrievers are generally lighter in color, have long feathery coats and are sturdily built.

Canadian Golden Retrievers

Canadian Golden Retrievers were influenced by the Canadian landscape. They are slightly taller and leaner than other goldens, and range from classic golden colors, to darker golden colored all the way to a red and copper coated color.

American Golden Retrievers

The American Golden Retriever is traditionally a heavily feathered, deeply golden coated variety that is a well built, sturdy companion. 

Different Types of Golden Retrievers: By Color

Another way of separating types of Goldens is based purely on the hue of their coat. They come in a variety of colors, all stunningly gorgeous:

• The classic Golden Retriever hue is a true gold, like the afternoon sun shining on a field of wheat.
• Lighter colors start with a sort of creamy white, generally associated with English Golden Retrievers, a light beige with a tint of honey gold to it.
• The next lightest color is a gold several shades lighter than the classic gold color.
• A deep, darker hue of gold is traditionally found more commonly in American and Canadian Golden Retrievers.
• The final darker option is an amber red hue.

However, the American Kennel Club breed standard for Golden Retrievers only lists 3 options:

• Light Golden
• Golden
• Dark Golden

Different Types of Golden Retrievers: Field vs Show Dogs

Yet another way to break down golden retrievers into sections is to take into consideration whether they’ve been bred for the field or as show dogs. The main distinction here balances how this breed was developed versus how it’s developing.

Field Golden Retrievers

Field bred Golden Retrievers hearken back to the original goal for creating this breed of dog. Field dogs are bred to serve their original purpose of being a well rounded hunting dog able to retrieve downed game on land and in water. They are also well suited to more modern jobs, like search and rescue. Field bred Goldens tend to have a lot of energy and a higher drive to work. They are generally taller and leaner, and have more energy. 

Show Golden Retrievers

Show dogs on the other hand, are bred to conform with breed standards put forth by the various kennel clubs and other organizations that put on dog shows, like the Westminster Dog Show. These organizations will put forth and adjust the standards of breeds that are registered with them. Breeders will then use these standards to help guide their litters toward desirable looks and proportions.

Show Golden Retrievers often have a thicker, more feathery coat and are a bit stockier and shorter in build. Along with their looks, they often have more happy go lucky, laid back personalities when compared to field dogs.

There are plenty of ways to break down this iconic breed and none of them are wrong - they all account for different characteristics both visual and personality-wise. Whatever the type of Golden Retriever you have, we’ve got a design for you! Check out our Golden Retriever Collection for an array of hand-drawn Golden designs.