The Biggest Differences Between The Three Golden Retriever Types

Genial, friendly, sweet, precious. These are some of the words many people use to describe their golden retrievers or one they've met. The breed ranks highly on many lists of the friendliest dogs. However, a lesser-known fact is that there are actually three different types of golden retrievers: the American, the British/English, and the Canadian. Since they're all still part of the same breed, the differences between each type are minor, but still easy to discern when you compare them side by side. They involve physical traits, including coat, height, weight, and overall body structure. The cost of each type also differs.

In terms of the temperament trait, all three types have relatively identical personalities. The golden retriever — regardless of type — is one of the most affectionate dog breeds, and one that's great for families with young children and other dogs. Goldens generally also love a game of fetch and tug of war or other types of play. They can adjust to change easily without making a fuss as well, whether it's a new home or a second pet. Trainability is another area where they thrive. 

With their similarities in mind, the type of golden retriever you choose won't change how loving this dog breed will be, since their differences don't involve their disposition. Any type of golden retriever can be a good dog for kids, but after learning about the different types, you may lean more toward one over the others.

American golden retrievers generally have a rich, shiny coat of various shades of a golden brown color. Their coat also has a thick, feathered appearance and is typically medium in length with straight or wavy fur. Because of their dense coats, they require brushing several times a week to prevent or reduce matting. If this sounds like a deal breaker for you, you may want to consider a Canadian golden retriever instead.

Canadian golden retrievers sport a coat that looks similar to that of American goldens, but it has a darker, more reddish hue. Next to American goldens, Canadian retrievers have thinner, shorter fur, making them a bit easier to manage. However, their coat still falls in the "dense" category, compared to other breeds, so a good brush will still be a must. One similarity between the two types is the fur: a Canadian golden's fur can also be straight or wavy.

British golden retrievers have the most unique coat of the three types. Their coats can be any shade of gold, but unlike the other two, they can also be a blondish cream color, or almost white. In terms of thickness, British goldens have the thickest fur, compared to the other two. Their medium-length fur is also softer than that of American goldens.

While all three golden types look similar, they have a few minor differences in their size, weight, and shape. Male American and Canadian golden retrievers have the same average height, at 23-24 inches for males and about 22 inches for females. The weight of the males for both types is also the same, at 65-75 pounds. However, female Canadian goldens generally weigh about 60-70 pounds, which is about 5 pounds more than female American goldens.

Adult English golden retrievers have a broader range in the height department. Although they can grow to be 2 feet tall like the other goldens, some reach only 22 inches. Their weight range is also wider. Males max out at 50-75 pounds while females weigh 45-70 pounds. In addition to variations in height and weight, these three dog types have dissimilarities in their overall body structure. English golden retrievers have a stockier build compared to the other two; American and Canadian goldens both have leaner figures.

Adopting a dog from a shelter costs significantly less money than buying from a breeder, but you might have trouble finding a purebred golden retriever at a shelter. You might also have your heart set on a specific type of golden or age that you can't find at a shelter, pushing you toward the breeder route. Thanks to their high popularity, however, these breeds aren't cheap. 

In fact, the golden retriever breed often is listed as one of the most expensive breeds in the world, with a price tag ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 for a puppy, depending on their type. The average cost for an English golden retriever is typically higher than American and Canadian goldens, due to their desirable appearance. Some breeders charge upwards of $3,500 for an English golden retriever puppy. Regardless of which golden type interests you, you may find more affordable prices at golden retriever rescues. You'll be sure to find a loyal, loving companion no matter what type, or route you go.