English Cream Golden Retrievers are a beloved breed, known for their friendly and gentle nature. They originated in the UK and are a variant of the Golden Retriever breed.
Their unique appearance, with a thick cream-colored coat, sets them apart from other Golden Retrievers. This coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
Their friendly nature makes them an excellent choice for families with children. They are also popular as therapy dogs due to their calm and gentle demeanor.
Their size can vary, but they typically weigh between 55-75 pounds and stand between 20-24 inches tall at the shoulder.
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So, What Is It?
So, what is an English Cream Golden Retriever? They're a color variation of the traditional Golden Retriever known for their beautiful white or cream-colored coat.
They originated in Scotland in the mid-19th century and are similar to traditional Golden Retrievers in many ways. They're friendly, loyal, and intelligent dogs, making excellent family pets.
English Cream Golden Retrievers have a lighter coat color than traditional Golden Retrievers, usually a pale cream or white color, and it's often thicker and softer. Their build is slightly stockier and their head is broader.
They're known for being calmer and more laid-back than traditional Golden Retrievers, still friendly and outgoing but less likely to be hyperactive or overly excitable.
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Origin and History
The English Cream Golden Retriever has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century in Scotland.
The breed was founded by Lord Tweedmouth, a Scottish aristocrat who wanted to create the ultimate gun dog that could work well on both land and water.
Lord Tweedmouth mated an unknown golden-colored wavy coated dog with a now-extinct Tweed Water Spaniel, and the first litter of Golden Retrievers was born.
These puppies and subsequent litters were gifted to friends, and it's believed that one of the first puppies was gifted to Lord Tweedmouth's son, who had a red Irish Setter.
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The breeding of the Golden Retriever with the red Irish Setter is thought to be how the deep red Golden Retrievers came about.
The English cream color came about after breeding the palest Golden Retrievers together.
There is only one Golden Retriever breed, but there are three distinct subtypes: American, Canadian, and English.
The English Cream Golden Retriever is not a mix, but rather a subtype of the Golden Retriever breed.
The Golden Retriever can trace its roots back to the 19th century, and it was recognized by the United Kingdom Kennel Club (UKC) in 1911.
Fans of the breed started taking them to America and Canada around the same time, and the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) recognized the breed in 1925.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) followed suit in 1932, and the breed has been popular ever since.
Breed Characteristics
English Cream Golden Retrievers are friendly and gentle, making them an excellent choice for families with children.
Their friendly nature is due in part to their high intelligence, which makes them easy to train.
They are also highly energetic, requiring regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Their thick, lustrous coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
English Cream Golden Retrievers are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and eye problems.
Size & Appearance
English Cream Golden Retrievers are a medium to large-sized breed, with males typically weighing between 65-75 pounds and females weighing between 55-65 pounds.
They stand between 22-24 inches tall at the shoulder, making them slightly stockier and bigger boned than their American counterparts.
Their topline is level, giving them a proud and overall stockier appearance, whereas the American Golden's topline is more slanted.
Their ears are level with their eyes, compared to the American Goldens whose ears are set higher and further back.
Their eyes are positioned closer together, and they tend to be rounder, giving them a friendly and intelligent expression.
Their neck is stronger, thicker, and more muscular, and their muzzle is slightly wider, resulting in a stronger jaw.
Their coat is medium-long in length, with feathering fur around their ears, neck, and tail, and it's soft and silky to the touch.
They have a double-coat, and they are a moderate shedder all year round, with two heavy shedding seasons.
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Breed Temperament
The Golden Retriever is one of the most friendly and even-tempered dogs you'll ever find.
They are highly intelligent and easy to train, which makes them a great choice for families with children. Their playful attitudes and affectionate personalities make them wonderful dogs for kids.
English Cream Golden Retrievers are calmer and seem more mature compared to American Goldens. They are rarely hyper or overly boisterous.
English Creams are super sweet and friendly, not just with their family but also with strangers they've never met before. They're not too in-your-face with strangers, which makes them a great choice for families who want a dog that's social but not too demanding.
They love to play games in the yard and are very active, so they need a lot of playtime in between exercise sessions to stimulate their body and mind. They're also very loyal, so if you're looking for a sweet-looking obedient pooch, the English Cream Golden is the one for you.
Breed Intelligence and Training
Golden Retrievers are known for their intelligence and are easy to train as family pets, show dogs, and hunting dogs. They are ready learners and intelligent enough to learn new tricks at almost any age.
The English Cream Golden Retriever is particularly intelligent and loyal, making him super trainable. This is why he is a favorite therapy dog option.
Puppies, and even adult retrievers, love to please their masters, which makes training a breeze. They will do just about anything to make their owners happy.
Using positive reinforcement training is the most effective method for training an English Cream Golden Retriever. His favorite reward is likely to be a tennis ball or any other object that he can mouth.
Crate training in a Retriever-sized crate is a good idea for the English Cream, as it will give him a safe space that he can call his own and provide you with peace of mind when you have to leave him at home.
Care and Maintenance
Taking care of an English Cream Golden Retriever involves meeting their dietary, exercise, and grooming needs.
They require a lot of exercise, with more than one walk a day being ideal for this breed. This is especially true if you have children, as they'll likely encourage your dog to play outside. Fetch, tug-of-war, and chase are great games to play with your English Cream Golden Retriever to keep them active.
Regular grooming is essential to prevent matting and shedding. Brushing their coat at least once a week is necessary, with daily brushing during shedding seasons. This will help reduce dog hair in your home and prevent discomfort for your pet.
Feeding and Exercising
Golden Retrievers need a lot of exercise, so more than one walk a day is ideal.
They're highly active dogs, which is great for families with kids who can encourage them to play outside. Playing fetch, tug-of-war, and chase with your Golden Retriever is a great way to help keep them active and entertained.
Since they're great family dogs, they'll likely have no trouble playing with your kids and getting the exercise they need.
Grooming
Grooming is a crucial aspect of caring for your English Golden Retriever. They are big shedders, so be prepared to brush their coats thoroughly at least once a week.
Golden Retrievers have long coats that will become matted if not brushed regularly, collecting dirt and potentially causing discomfort for your pet. Brushing daily may be necessary when they're shedding their undercoat.
More frequent baths may be necessary for this breed, especially if they love to play outside and get dirty. However, be careful not to give too many baths, as it can lead to skin conditions.
Regular ear checks, tooth brushing, and nail clipping will also be necessary to keep your English Golden Retriever healthy and clean.
Training
Golden Retrievers are known for their intelligence and eagerness to please their masters, making them ready learners at almost any age.
Using positive reinforcement training is the most effective method, as it involves rewarding good behavior with objects like tennis balls or other items they can mouth, rather than edible treats.
Their intelligence and loyalty also make them super trainable, which is why they're often used as therapy dogs.
Crate training in a Retriever-sized crate is a good idea, providing a safe space for your dog to call his own and giving you peace of mind when you have to leave him at home.
Golden Retrievers are intelligent enough to learn new tricks at almost any age, so don't be afraid to teach your dog new skills and commands.
Their calm and mature nature makes them a great option for first-time dog owners, and with the right training, they can thrive in a variety of roles.
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Health and Lifespan
English Cream Golden Retrievers are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. The average lifespan of an English Cream Golden Retriever is between 10-12 years.
Some health concerns to be aware of include cancer, with a 38% chance of developing cancer in the English Cream Golden Retrievers and a 60% chance in the darker golden coated dogs. However, individual dogs will have different tendencies based on specific bloodlines.
Taurine deficiencies can lead to heart disease, and English Cream Golden Retrievers are also prone to heart issues like dilated cardiomyopathy. Hip dysplasia is another common concern, which refers to abnormal hip and joint development.
Obesity is a significant issue in many breeds, and English Cream Golden Retrievers are no exception. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help prevent this. Allergies are also common, and may require veterinary attention.
Hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid gland, can lead to weight gain, lethargy, and skin issues. Ear infections are also a concern due to their floppy ears, which can trap moisture. Epilepsy, or seizures, can also occur in some English Cream Golden Retrievers.
To give you a better idea of the potential health issues, here's a list of common concerns:
- Taurine deficiencies
- Heart issues like dilated cardiomyopathy
- Hip dysplasia
- Obesity
- Allergies
- Hypothyroidism
- Ear infections
- Epilepsy
- Bloat (Gastric Torsion)
It's essential to be aware of these potential health issues and take preventative measures when possible. Regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy lifestyle can help ensure your English Cream Golden Retriever lives a long and happy life.
Finding and Owning a Puppy
To find a reputable English Cream Golden Retriever breeder, start by searching online and joining social media groups, such as the English Cream Golden Retriever Facebook group.
Research the breeders thoroughly, reading customer reviews and asking questions to ensure they are reputable.
Always meet the breeder, puppies, and parents in person, and ask to see health clearances and proof of English Cream heritage.
Getting a puppy from a breeder can be expensive, but it often comes with extras like vaccinations, vet exams, and basic training, which can save you money in the long run.
These extras can include house training, simple commands, and even some basic obedience training.
While the upfront cost may be higher, it can lead to cost savings down the line.
The average cost of an English Cream Golden Retriever falls between $1,500 and $3,500, depending on factors like location, breeder reputation, and the pup's lineage.
Annual costs of owning an English Cream Retriever are similar to other Golden Retrievers, with an estimated $3,000 for the first year and $2,000 per year after that.
Finding a Breeder
If you're looking for a reputable English Cream Golden Retriever breeder, start by searching online to find a few breeders that catch your eye. Research them thoroughly, checking for customer reviews and joining social media groups like the English Cream Golden Retriever Facebook group to connect with other owners and ask questions.
Always meet the breeder, the puppies, and their parents in person to get a sense of their temperament and health. This is crucial to ensure you're getting a healthy puppy from a reputable source.
You can expect to pay between $1,500 and $3,500 for an English Cream Golden Retriever, depending on factors like location, breeder reputation, and the puppy's lineage. Some top breeders may charge tens of thousands of dollars.
Don't be tempted to work with a backstreet breeder, as they prioritize profit over the health and well-being of their puppies. Reputable breeders will provide health clearances and proof of English Cream heritage, giving you peace of mind.
Many breeders get their dogs health tested to lower the chance of genetic issues being passed on to their puppies. This can save you money in the long run by reducing vet bills and training costs.
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As Family Pets
The English Cream Golden Retriever is a loving and affectionate dog who loves his humans.
They're very in tune with their family's emotions, making a great therapy dog. This means they'll be happy to provide comfort and companionship to those in need.
English Cream Retrievers are excellent for families with young children and other animals. They're natural socializers and will get along well with most pets.
They need at least 60 minutes of intense exercise every day to be happy. This can be a combination of physical activity and mental stimulation.
English Cream Retrievers are super friendly with family friends and strangers. However, they're not great watchdogs, so don't expect them to be overly protective of their family.
Here's a quick rundown of the characteristics that make them great family pets:
- Loving and affectionate
- Excellent with children and other animals
- Super friendly with strangers
- Intelligent and trainable
- Needs regular exercise and mental stimulation
- Heavy shedder, requires regular grooming
By understanding these characteristics, you can make an informed decision about whether an English Cream Golden Retriever is the right fit for your family.
Owning Costs
Owning an English Cream Golden Retriever can be a costly endeavor, but it's essential to understand the expenses involved to make informed decisions.
You can expect to pay around $3,000 for the puppy's first year, which includes supplies, vet care, and training.
Preventative vet care, food, toys, grooming, and other regular costs will add up to around $2,000 per year after the first year.
Vet expenses can range from $500 to $700 per year, including physical exams, vaccinations, and basic blood tests.
Puppies will need more frequent vet visits in their first year, which can increase the initial vet bill.
Adult English Cream Golden Retrievers will only need one preventative appointment per year, but it's still a significant expense.
The annual cost of owning an English Cream Golden Retriever is relatively consistent, with a one-year-old dog costing around $2,000 and a two-year-old dog costing around $2,500.
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The Bottom Line
Adopting an English Cream Golden Retriever can be a costly endeavor, with prices ranging from $3,000 to $5,000 from breeders, not including any extras.
You'll also need to consider annual costs, which can add a few thousand dollars to your expenses each year.
The overall price of owning an English Cream Golden Retriever can be substantial, so it's essential to budget accordingly before making a decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What color Golden Retriever is most expensive?
The English Cream Golden Retriever is often considered the most expensive type of Golden Retriever due to its unique and sought-after pale cream to white coat. This rare color variation is highly prized for its sophisticated and elegant appearance.
Sources
- English Cream Golden Retriever (animalcorner.org)
- Golden Retriever manual books (goodreads.com)
- lifespan (morrisanimalfoundation.org)
- Adopt a Golden Atlanta in Atlanta (adoptagoldenatlanta.com)
- Golden Retriever Rescue of Mid Florida (grrmf.org)
- Golden Retriever Club of America Rescue (grca.org)
- Golden Retriever Club of America National Rescue Committee (grca-nrc.org)
- English Cream Golden Retriever Facebook group (facebook.com)
- English Cream Golden Retrievers for Sale in Raleigh, NC (candyrockgoldenretrievers.com)
- What Does An English Cream Retriever Cost? (spiritdogtraining.com)
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