GENERAL APPEARANCE

British type
Some variations do exist between the British type Golden Retrievers prevalent throughout Europe and Australia, and those of American lines and these differences are reflected in the breed standard. Its muzzle is wider and shorter, and its forehead is blockier. It has shorter legs, with a slightly deeper chest, and shorter tail. Its features make it generally heavier than the Canadian type. Males should be between 56–61 centimeters (22–24 in) at the withers and females slightly shorter at between 51–56 centimeters (20–22 in). Their weight, however, is not specified in the UK standard. The KC standard calls for a level topline and straight hindquarters without the slight rear angulation found in American lines. The eyes of the European type are noted for their roundness and darkness as contrasted with the triangular or slanted composition of their American counterparts. A Golden Retriever of British breeding can have a coat color of any shade of gold or cream; however, red or mahogany are not permissible colors. Originally cream was not an acceptable color in the UK standard; however, by 1936 the standard was revised to include cream. It was felt this exclusion was a mistake as the original "yellow" retrievers of the 19th century were lighter in color than the then current standard permitted. As with American lines, white is an unacceptable color in the show ring. The British KC standard is used in all countries with the exceptions of the US and Canada. Some breeders of this type in America may import their dogs to improve the temperament and health noted in those bloodlines . The incidence of cancer among English bloodlines is significantly less than is seen in the American lines.

Canadian type
The Canadian Golden Retriever is a newer type of Golden. Appearance is meant to be similar to the American type in height and weight, with a light coat color. Color is described as not as light as a British type, and not as dark as an American type. Field line Golden Retrievers tend to be smaller and have a less dense coat than their conformation line counterparts, and they are usually darker in color. Golden Retriever, 8 month old puppy.


American type
The American type is similar to the Canadian type. It is tall, with a moderately narrow muzzle, and a chest the is not generally deep. Its stomach does not curve heavily, and its withers are almost level with it's shoulders. The American type is sometimes bred with the English type to give is a white or cream coat. However, American types most commonly have dense, dark coats.

Golden Retriever - Dog Lover