English Cream Golden Retriever | The Loyal Dog Breed
The English Cream Golden Retriever is a different type of Golden Retriever; however, they have a lighter cream color and are considered to be of a more refined dog breed. Known as the “white” or “English” Golden Retriever, this color variation is becoming more popular due to the mild demeanor, bright intelligence and beautiful appearance of the dog. Similar to other Golden Retrievers, the English Cream Golden Retriever is friendly, gentle, and suitable for families, single living, and even as therapy dogs.
Here in this article, you will find all the information you may need to know about the English Cream Golden Retriever; from the origin, physical characteristics, grooming, and diet, and possible health concerns. In this article you will find useful information on this majestic breed if you are considering adopting one or just interested in more information on this breed.
History of English Cream Golden Retriever
The breed of the Golden Retriever was developed in Scotland during the late 1800s by crossing retrievers with water spaniels, blood hounds and Irish setters. The purpose was to develop a useful hunting dog that could do well in both, land and water situations and, most importantly, be intelligent and obedient.
The English Cream Golden Retriever is a specific variation of this breed that was developed in England where the breeders wanted a lighter colored coat and a more refined structure. Although the standard of the Golden Retrievers acknowledges the variety of shades of gold, the English Cream version is lighter, cream to pale gold, which differentiates it from other, darker golden hues.
Despite the many similarities between English Cream Golden Retrievers and the American bred Golden Retrievers, the former is bred in a way that meets the English breed standard. This leads to a longer coated dog, a wider head and a larger body size than the standard size. This variant is now desired not only for the look but also for the personality – calm and friendly.
Classification of English Cream Golden Retriever
By Purpose
Like any other Golden Retriever, the English Cream Golden Retriever was primarily developed as a hunting dog, for water fowling and other types of game. In the later years though, the English Cream Golden Retriever has been associated more with the family companion dog breed. This variation is relatively calm and smart, and is widely employed in service, therapy, and assistance work.
English Cream Golden Retrievers are also involved in dog sports such as agility, obedience, and field trial where they have excellent traits in working and learning.
By Size
The English Cream Golden Retriever is larger than other types of the breed, which adheres to the English standard for the breed’s size. Key size specifications are:
Height (Males): 23-24 inches
Height (Females): 21-22 inches
Weight (Males): 65-75 pounds
Weight (Females): 55-65 pounds
Coat: The coat is longer and thicker than the American Golden Retriiver and wavy with a cream color which can be almost white to a pale gold.
They are larger in size and have a very attractive and thick coat which gives them a very stately and noble look.
Most Popular Traits of the English Cream Golden Retriever
The English Cream Golden Retriever is a friendly and affectionate dog, and its appearance is quite stunning. Some of the following features are characteristic of the breed:
Cream-Colored Coat: The English Cream Golden Retriever is primarily famous for the lighter cream color of its fur which makes the breed classy and sophisticated.
Affectionate and Obedient Nature: Like other Goldies, this English Cream variety is gentle, faithful, and loving and should be suitable for families or individuals.
Intelligent and Easy to Train: English Cream Golden Retrievers are intelligent dogs that can easily be trained for various activities such as training, obedience, and dog sports.
Utility: These dogs can be used for all purposes and are suitable for families, therapy, or sport activities.
Affection towards water: Since they are retrievers, they like water activities such as swimming, fetching and even diving in water bodies like lakes and rivers.
Factors to Choose an English Cream Golden Retriever
The following factors should be considered before getting an English Cream Golden Retriever:
Health Considerations: Like any other Golden Retrievers, the English Cream Golden Retriever is not exempted from genetic diseases such as:
Hip dysplasia: A general disease of the big breeds that pose various complications in the joints and pains.
Elbow Dysplasia: Similar to the hip dysplasia, this disease affects the elbow joint of the dog.
Cancer: Golden Retrievers, in general, are prone to various forms of cancer than the other breeds of dogs. It is therefore important to go for routine checkups and any unusual symptoms must be reported to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
Heart Conditions: Some of the Golden Retrievers are at risk of developing heart disease, therefore it is advisable to keep an eye on their health.
Hence, it is advisable to buy from reputable breeders who have health tested their breeding stock to reduce the possibility of transmitting such diseases.
Grooming Needs: The English Cream Golden Retriever has more extensive and thicker hair compared to the American version and therefore needs grooming to avoid the formation of tangles. Here are the tips on how to take care of their coat:
Grooming: Bathe the coat 2-3 times a week to avoid development of tangle and shedding hair.
Hygiene: This is very important since their ears are long and the ears are likely to attract both dirt and moisture.
Nail care: Avoid the growth of nails by trimming them often to ensure that they are not a problem to you.
Exercise Requirements: The English Cream Golden Retriever is a very spirited dog that needs to be exercised frequently to be on a healthy state. Aim for:
Daily the dog should be exercised for 1-2 hours, including walking, playing and training.
It is also advisable to engage your dog in swimming or other water activities since they enjoy water sessions.
To ensure that the mind is as active as their bodies, it is recommended that they are given a puzzle toy or undergo obedience training.
Temperament and Socialization: The English Cream Golden Retriever is friendly and tends to be sociable; however, it is necessary to expose them to other dogs and people early on. Exposure to new environments and people will make them competent and well rounded individuals in their adulthood.
How to care of an English Cream Golden Retriever
Here are some measures that can be taken to be a responsible owner of an English Cream Golden Retriever:
Ensure that they engage in exercises that will make them physically and mentally fit at all times.
Ensure that they spend quality time with them in the early stages to create well-mannered, assertive dogs.
Feed them a balanced diet so that they can have their nutritional needs met but do not overfeed them since they are susceptible to weight gain.
Regular appointments with the vet should be made to check the health of the dogs and any signs of developing diseases should be detected early.
Grooming them by brushing their coat frequently to make it look shiny and also to avoid tangles.
Fun Facts About English Cream Golden Retriever
Below are some interesting facts about the English Cream Golden Retriever that you may find interesting:
Gentle Giants: They are big in size but very friendly cats for families with children as they hardly display any signs of aggression.
Swimming Enthusiasts: Since they belong to the retriever group, they are naturally inclined to water and thus can be excellent swimming partners.
Great with Other Pets: This breed is usually tolerant of other dogs and other pets in the house, thus making it easy to add it to other pets in the house.
Good for Therapy: English Cream Golden Retrievers are well bred for therapy work because they are friendly and sensitive to people’s needs.
Where to Find an English Cream Golden Retriever
If you are interested in the English Cream Golden Retriever then you should consider the following:
With an emphasis on health and temperaments of the puppies, a breeder must be reputable.
This has involved the identification of rescue organizations that focus on the Golden Retriever as well as other related breeds.
Online platforms like AKC Marketplace or Petfinder for available listings.
FAQs about English Cream Golden Retriaver
Conclusion
The English Cream Golden Retriever is a beautiful subspecies of the famous Golden Retriever dog breed with a cream coat, friendly nature, and great intellect. This breed is perfect whether as a pet for a family, a therapy dog or a dog that will be involved in certain activities. Before adopting an English Cream Golden Retriever, you have to get ready to give them enough exercises, grooming, and health care, then you will be blessed with a loving and loyal friend for many years.