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Cream Goldens
Comparing English vs American Golden Retriever Dogs
Olesya Nikolaev
April 17, 2022
When comparing English vs American Golden Retriever dogs there are a few key differences. The underlying difference between English and American Golden Retriever is that they come from different bloodlines. Both are still considered the Golden Retriever breed with the same historical ancestors. We'll dive into the details and differences of each type below.
January 2021 White Golden Retriever Puppies

American vs English Golden Retriever Differences

American vs English Golden Retriever differences include fur colour, height, face features, bloodline, and origin. Colour is the most obvious difference. American Golden Retrievers are red or yellow, while English Golden Retrievers are white or cream. English Golden Retrievers are generally shorter than American ones by just under an inch. English Goldens have a larger head. The ancestors of both types of Golden Retrievers date back to over 150 years ago, but when that ancestor was taken to the United States, the breed started diverging slightly from the English Golden Retriever.

About the American Golden Retriever

  • Fur Coat: American Golden Retriever fur colour ranges from golden to red. 
  • Height: American Goldens are about 21.5-22.5 inches for females and 23-24 inches for males.
  • Head: American Golden Retrievers have a slightly smaller head when compared to English Cream Goldens.
  • Bloodline: Since being brought to America 150 years ago, the American Golden Retriever started changing slightly when compared to the English Golden Retriever. 
  • Naming: There's no special naming convention for American Golden Retrievers. In North America, they are simply referred to as Golden Retrievers.
  • Life Expectancy: American Golden Retrievers have a slightly shorter life expectancy at about 10-11 years.
  • Energy Levels: American Goldens are generally more energetic when compared to English Cream Golden Retrievers.

About the English Golden Retriever

  • Fur Coat: English Golden Retrievers have cream, white or pale fur. That's why they are also referred to as English Cream Golden Retrievers.
  • Height: English Golden Retrievers are about 20-22 inches for females and 22-24 inches for males.
  • Head: English Cream Golden Retrievers have a blocky head that is bigger than American Goldens.
  • Bloodline: The English Golden Retriever was originated from Scotland in the 1800's and stayed in Europe. In recent times, many English Golden Retrievers in Canada were imported from Denmark, France, Ukraine, Hungary and other European countries. This includes some of our English Golden Retriever dogs as well.
  • Naming: English Golden Retrievers go by many names, such as British, Blonde, White, European, or English Cream Golden Retriever.
  • Life Expectancy: Cream Goldens have a longer life expectancy at about 10-12 years old.
  • Energy Levels: Although English Cream Golden Retrievers are energetic as well, they are generally calmer than American Goldens.

American vs English Golden Retriever Similarities

English and American Golden Retriever dogs have a lot more in common than differences. They are both the exact same breed, as recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC). They are simply different types of Golden Retriever. Both Golden Retrievers look alike because of that.

When it comes to similarities of English vs American Golden Retriever dogs, both types of Golden Retrievers shed a lot. They both have great temperaments. It's a very family oriented and friendly breed. They are loyal, sweet, kind, and reliable. This breed is intelligent and easy to train.

Should You Get an English or American Golden Retriever?

Both the English and American Golden Retriever are great dogs. If you're looking for a one of the pets family pets in the world, both will do great. Given that they are so similar, it's really a matter of personal taste.

Would you prefer a lighter cream colour or a more red/orange coat?

Would you want a slightly taller or shorter dog? If taller, then leaning towards the American Golden Retriever is the way to go. If slightly shorter, then an English Golden Retriever.

Would you want a more energetic or calmer Golden Retriever? If calmer, then English Goldens are generally the way to go.

English Cream Golden Retriever Puppies for Adoption

If you've decided that an English Cream Golden Retriever puppy is the one you'd like to adopt, please submit our Puppy Inquiry Form below. Once we have your information, we will walk you through our puppy adoption process.