Do all Golden Retrievers get big
8 Types Of Golden Retrievers (With Pictures)
Want to know about all of the different types of golden retrievers?
There are white goldens, red goldens, gold goldens, mini goldens, and Canadian, English, and American goldens right?
Well, not exactly.
Talking about the different types of golden retrievers is both a simple and complex discussion.
Simple because there is just one recognized breed: the golden retriever.
But complex because there are different styles of goldens and lots of misinformation about them.
This post will sort the lies from the truth and break down everything you need to know about the different types of golden retrievers.
Lets dive in!
Are There Different Types Of Golden Retrievers?
To start this conversation off, its important to note that the Golden Retriever Club of America makes it clear that there is just one breed of golden retriever.
Yes, there are different styles (like conformation vs. field goldens), but theyre all one breed.
On the other hand, what some people call golden retrievers arent actually golden retrievers, like black golden retrievers and mini golden retrievers.
This post is going to look at what some people think are different types of golden retrievers and get down to the truth about each type.
These types are:
- Field bred golden retrievers
- Show golden retrievers
- Red golden retrievers
- English Cream golden retrievers
- American golden retrievers
- Canadian golden retrievers
- Black golden retrievers
- Mini golden retrievers
But before we get into the different types and styles today, it will help to get a good understanding of where golden retrievers came from in the first place.
The History Of Golden Retrievers
Golden Retrievers have an interesting history.
As legend has it, Lord Tweedmouth of Scotland wanted to create a hunting dog that could retrieve shot-down birds from both land and water.
His solution was to breed a wavy-coated retriever with a Tweed water spaniel, thus creating the first litter of golden retrievers in 1868.
Now although theyre common family dogs today, the fact that golden retrievers were originally bred for retrieving birds all day in the wilderness has left some lasting physical and personality traits that we see in them today.
- They have lots of energy because they were bred to hunt all day
- They are athletic because they were bred to swim in lakes and rivers and run through fields
- They have a tendency to be mouthy because they were bred to hold birds in their mouths
So what does this have to do with the different types of golden retrievers?
Everything!
Knowing where golden retrievers came from can help us understand where we are today.
So now lets dive into the supposed 8 types of golden retrievers and discover the truth about each one.
Field Bred Golden Retrievers
Field golden retrievers embody what golden retrievers were originally bred to do: hunt.
Field bred goldens are on the smaller end of the spectrum as far as how big goldens get, theyre athletic, and theyre typically more driven than other styles of goldens.
Their coats are usually shorter and range from gold to red, and they have tons of energy.
They excel at hunting and agility, and make great family pets, as long as theyre trained properly and have a job to do.
They also may be rather mouthy, considering theyre bred to retrieve things with their mouth.
To be clear, field goldens are golden retrievers, theyre just a particular style of golden.
The opposite of field bred golden retrievers are conformation, or show golden retrievers
Show Golden Retrievers
Show golden retrievers are bred to conform to a certain look, and that look is what dog show judges think the golden retriever standard should be.
That has evolved over the years, and these days show golden retrievers are thick, stocky, big-boned, and have long and full coats, with blocky heads.
Many say that this style of golden retriever is more friendly and sociable, and has less energy than field goldens.
And like the field golden retrievers, this is a style of golden retriever.
Click here to learn more about field vs. show golden retrievers.
Red Golden Retrievers
Red is one of the common shades that golden retriever coats come in.
Most field goldens are red, or dark gold, so if you see a red golden retriever you can pretty much expect it to be similar to the field bred style:
- On the smaller side
- Shorter coat
- Athletic
- Driven
- Mouthy
Of course, this isnt a rule, its just a trend.
Red golden retrievers may be big with blocky heads and long coats, too.
On the opposite end of the color spectrum are the cream golden retrievers
English Cream Golden Retrievers
English Cream Golden Retrievers.
White Golden Retrievers.
Rare European Platinum Retrievers.
There are lots of names for these beautiful light-colored goldes.
There are also a lot of myths about them, such as people thinking they have better temperaments, are rarer, or that theyre not even golden retrievers.
Heres the truth: just because theyre white doesnt mean that they are better than any other golden.
What really matters is a dogs pedigree and how theyre raised.
If a dog has healthy good-tempered parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, etc., then theyre likely to be a healthy good-tempered dog, no matter what color they are.
And if a dog is socialized properly as a puppy, then theyll likely be comfortable and confident as adults, instead of anxious or fearful.
The problem with most golden retrievers is that people wanted to make some money by selling golden retriever puppies, so they irresponsibly bred dogs that were unhealthy, had bad pedigrees, or were too closely related.
When getting a golden retriever puppy its important to choose a good breeder that does health and genetics testing for the dogs they breed.
Now although there are lots of myths about English Creams, there do seem to be some truths (or at least trends).
Theyre stockier, have blocky heads, and thick coats.
They also tend to be on the expensive side, but that could be because high-quality breeders choose this style of golden, so they charge more, or because people think theyre rare, so they charge more.
Check out our article here to read more about English Cream Golden Retrievers.
American vs. Canadian vs. British Golden Retrievers
There seems to be a lot of misinformation when it comes to American vs. Canadian vs. British goldens.
Remember, according to the Golden Retriever Club of America, and also the Golden Retriever Club of Canada, there is just one breed of golden retriever.
So to say that these are different types of golden retrievers is a little misleading
However, the breed standards are not so standard across the three nations.
| American Standard | Canadian Standard | British Standard | |
| Height (males) | 23 24 | 23 24 | 22 24 |
| Height (females) | 21.5 22.5 | 21.5 22.5 | 20 22 |
| Weight (males) | 65 75 lbs | 65 75 lbs | Not specified |
| Weight (females) | 55 65 lbs | 60 70 lbs | Not specified |
| Coat colors | Rich, lustrous golden of various shadesPredominant body color which is either extremely pale or extremely dark is undesirable | lustrous golden of various shades. | Any shade of gold or cream, neither red nor mahogany. |
Here are some interesting notes from the table above:
- The British standard accepts shorter goldens (which goes in line with English Cream goldens typically being stockier)
- The AKC specifically says extremely pale or extremely dark is undesirable.
- The British Kennel Club accepts cream as a color (which also goes in line with English Cream goldens being cream-colored)
Although these nations vary in accepted colors and sizes, one thing remains true: golden retrievers are typically sweet, loving family dogs.
So far this list has included different styles or fancy names of the same breed of golden retrievers, but thats about to change
Mini Golden Retrievers
Mini golden retrievers arent small or dwarf golden retrievers, but are instead a crossbreed of a golden retriever, cocker spaniel and/or mini poodle.
Like English Cream golden retrievers, they probably got this name because it would help sell more puppies.
Would you rather buy a Golden Cocker or a mini golden retriever?
The goal of most mini golden retriever breeders is to create smaller, healthier goldens that shed less.
Hybrid vigor (the thought that mixed breeds are healthier) may help them on the healthier side, throwing in smaller breeds like mini poodles and cocker spaniels will help create a smaller dog, and them being part poodle may help them shed less, but there are still some reservations about these dogs.
- Mini golden retrievers can sell for double the price of purebred goldens, so it could attract breeders who are in it for the wrong reasons
- Crossbreed puppies are typically inconsistent in their looks (some may look more like one parent than the other), and the best way to have puppies with consistent looks is to breed two crossbreeds together, but that may reintroduce inbreeding to these dogs, which is why most golden retrievers are unhealthy in the first place
Be very picky about the breeder if you choose to get a mini golden retriever.
Click here to learn more about mini golden retrievers.
Black Golden Retriever
Black golden retrievers dont actually exist.
They made this list because many people think its one of the colors of golden retrievers, or think that its a genetic mutation of golden retriever.
But instead, its probably just another breed.
If you see a dog that looks like a black golden retriever, its probably a:
- Flat-coated retriever
- Newfoundland
- Black lab and golden retriever mix
- Black German shepherd and Golden retriever mix
- Other combination of Labrador, golden retriever, setter, or spaniel mix
Click here to learn more about why black golden retrievers and why its not possible for them to exist.
Related: The Truth About Golden Retrievers With Blue Eyes (With Pictures)
Conclusion
No matter what style of golden retriever one is, theyre all sweet dogs that can be great family pets provided they have proper training and exercise.
Have any questions about the different types of golden retrievers?
Have you had any of these goldens?
Let me know in the comments below!
And if you know someone who would love to read about the different types of goldens, please share this with them!
P.S. If you liked this article, youll love the Complete Guide To Golden Retrievers!
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Golden Retriever Growth & Weight Chart: Everything You Need To Know
Here's everything you need to know about Golden Retriever growth:
Golden Retriever Dog Breed
Golden Retrievers are medium- to large-sized dogs with sturdy, athletic bodies and strong gaits. Please remember that the following growth and weight numbers are estimates and should only be used to gather a general idea of what your Golden Retriever puppy may weigh at different ages.
If your Golden Retriever pup is significantly ahead or behind the following numbers, contact your veterinarian to check that your puppy is growing appropriately. However, dont fret if your dog is a little ahead or behind the growth numbers, as every puppy grows at their own rate!
Pro Tip: Want to be reimbursed for up to 90% of your dogs veterinary bills whenever they are sick or injured? Compare Golden Retriever health insurance options today.
Male Golden Retriever Growth and Weight Chart
| Age | Weight |
|---|---|
| 1 mo. | 3-5 lb. |
| 2 mo. | 10-15 lb. |
| 3 mo. | 20-25 lb. |
| 4 mo. | 25-30 lb. |
| 5 mo. | 35-40 lb. |
| 6 mo. | 35-45 lb. |
| 7 mo. | 40-50 lb. |
| 8 mo. | 45-55 lb. |
| 9 mo. | 50-60 lb. |
| 10 mo. | 55-65 lb. |
| 11 mo. | 60-70 lb. |
| 12 mo. | 60-70 lb. |
| 2 yr. | 65-75 lb. |
Female Golden Retriever Growth and Weight Chart
| Age | Weight |
|---|---|
| 1 mo. | 2-5 lb. |
| 2 mo. | 5-10 lb. |
| 3 mo. | 15-20 lb. |
| 4 mo. | 20-25 lb. |
| 5 mo. | 25-30 lb. |
| 6 mo. | 30-35 lb. |
| 7 mo. | 30-40 lb. |
| 8 mo. | 35-45 lb. |
| 9 mo. | 40-50 lb. |
| 10 mo. | 45-55 lb. |
| 11 mo. | 50-55 lb. |
| 12 mo. | 50-60 lb. |
| 2 yr. | 55-65 lb. |
At what age is a Golden Retriever fully grown?
As larger dogs, Golden Retrievers can take up to two years to reach their full weight. Most Golden Retrievers will be close to their adult height and weight around a year of age but may need one more year to fill out their chest fully.
(Image Source: Pexels)
How big should a 6-month-old Golden Retriever be?
A six-month-old male Golden Retriever will weigh between 35 to 45 pounds, while their female counterpart will weigh around 30 to 35 pounds at the same age.
As for their height, most Golden Retrievers will still need another three to six months to reach their adult height. At this age, they will likely be a few inches away from their adult height, which ranges from 21.5 to 24 inches tall, with male Goldies being on the taller end of the range.
Pro Tip: Check out this ultimate pet parent guide with 39 dog care tips on bonding with your pet, puppy-proofing your home, training, microchips, and more!
How much bigger will my Golden Retriever get?
There are a few ways you can estimate how much bigger your Golden Retriever will get.
First, start with your Golden Retriever puppys age. If they are less than a year old, they still need more time to reach their full adult size. Many Golden Retrievers can take up to two years to completely fill out, though their weight at one year old is usually close to their full adult weight.
Next, reach out to your Golden Retriever puppys breeder if applicable. Their breeder should be able to provide you with a precise estimate of your puppys adult size based on their parents and previous litters their parents had. A puppy is rarely larger than their bigger parent, so this will also give you a general idea of their maximum weight.
Lastly, take a look at your puppys paws. If their paws still look large or oversized next to their body and legs, they are probably still filling out and have some growing left to do, as this is a classic sign of adolescence in canines.
What is the size of a full-grown Golden Retriever?
Per the American Kennel Club Official Golden Retriever Breed Standards, a male Golden Retriever should weigh between 65 to 75 pounds, and a female Golden Retriever should weigh between 55 to 65 pounds.
Male Golden Retrievers will stand at 23 to 24 inches, while female Goldies are slightly shorter at 21.5 to 22.5 inches tall. As adults, Golden Retrievers will appear overall symmetrical and have a powerful body hidden beneath beautiful, golden fur.
(Image Source: Pexels)
How do I make sure my Golden Retriever is healthy?
Golden Retrievers are stunning, sunny dogs that easily steal our hearts. Unfortunately, as a purebred dog breed, they are more susceptible to genetic diseases, which can compromise their lifespan and quality of life. However, many genetic disorders can be treated or prevented with regular veterinary care. Remember that prevention is almost always easier and less expensive than treatment. So regular veterinary care, along with a healthy lifestyle, can provide your Goldie with the best foundation for a happy, healthy life.
Healthy lifestyle choices such as an appropriate diet and exercise routine are crucial in your pups everyday happiness and long-term health. Your veterinarian may recommend a large-breed growth food to your Golden Retriever puppy to support their growth rate which can help prevent or decrease the severity of hip dysplasia in adulthood.
According to the Veterinary Centers of America, Golden Retrievers are also more prone to gaining excess weight. They should be carefully monitored to see if theyve gained weight, as their long coats can easily disguise weight gain. This can be done easily by being mindful of your pups body size and shape when you're petting them, as well as routine observation by a veterinarian as part of your Goldens annual physical exam.
Golden Retrievers are also susceptible to various genetic health disorders, such as oral tumors and aortic stenosis. Aortic stenosis is most commonly found in large, purebred dogs, including Golden Retrievers, and occurs when the aortic valves to the heart narrow. Aortic stenosis causes the body to struggle to pump blood through the valve, creating additional stress on the body.
If untreated, aortic stenosis can lead to muscle failure and even fatality. However, veterinarians can treat many genetic diseases like aortic stenosis and oral tumors through surgery and medication. Your veterinarian can also screen your Golden Retriever for hereditary diseases during their regular exams to keep an eye on your puppys health and to treat any illnesses as soon as possible.
Even with proper prevention and wellness care, necessary veterinary visits can be expensive, with many treatments costing thousands of dollars. Out of over 20,000 pet parents surveyed, only 19.8% said they would be able to pay a $5,000 veterinary expense out-of-pocket. The last thing you should be focused on when the worst happens is how to finance a needed surgery or treatment for your beloved pet. This is where pet insurance comes in.
Pet insurance acts as a safety net by reimbursing you for up to 90% of out-of-pocket veterinary costs for accidents and illnesses. Youll feel at peace knowing that your Golden Retriever will receive top-notch veterinary care should the worst happen, and you can focus on whats really important, being there for your pup while theyre being treated.
Just like people, dogs are living longer lives and will need additional veterinary care to maintain a happy quality of life. Let pet insurance help you with these costs should the worst happen to your dog. Wellness plans are also available as an add-on to help with the ongoing costs of regular veterinary care, like x-rays and exams.
Final Considerations
Dont wait for the worst to happen. Act now and give yourself peace of mind knowing that your Golden Retriever is covered should anything happen. Compare top Golden Retriever pet insurance plans side-by-side with Pawlicy Advisor today!
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