Rare and unique dog colors are increasingly popular, catching the eyes of those who want dogs that stand out. English Cream Golden Retrievers are no exception, experiencing a huge burst in popularity and demand. Also known as white Golden Retrievers and rare white European Retrievers, their coats are light cream or white color that is a stark contrast to the traditional yellow and red-gold coats. What was once considered a fault, and still is in many kennel clubs, English Cream Golden Retrievers have the “rare dog” appeal.

Let’s take a look at the history and origins of the English Cream Golden Retrievers!

The Earliest Records of English Cream Golden Retrievers in History

Golden Retrievers can be traced back to the 19th century in Scotland when they were first created as the ‘perfect gun dog’. Duck and fowl hunting was a popular leisure activity for the wealthy and privileged, but the gun dogs back then were not great for both land and water. That posed an issue with hunters as Scotland is full of random marshes and bodies of water, which meant a hunter needed more than one gun dog.

By crossing current types of gun dogs, Retrievers, and spaniels, Golden Retrievers were formed. Although the first real sighting of a white Golden Retriever is unknown, they most likely started showing up in litters around the 1900s. After being accepted as a coat color in 1936, the white Golden Retriever’s popularity started to rise. They’re still a rare sight to see to this day, mostly because only English-blooded Goldens can have white coats.

How English Golden Retrievers Gained Popularity

Their ability to retrieve fowl on land and water made them quite popular. Their natural athleticism and gentleness with handling fowl in their mouths shot them to popularity. To this day, Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds, though mostly as companion dogs than hunting dogs.

Formal Recognition of English Cream (White) Golden Retrievers

When White Golden Retrievers first started showing up in litters, the United Kennel Club viewed it as a fault and banned it as an official color. However, things took a turn in 1936, and they added white/cream as an acceptable coloration. In the United States, cream and white Goldens are not accepted and remain that way.

Today, the only way to get a kennel-club accepted White Golden is to get a puppy from a litter of English-bloodline White Golden Retrievers. American Golden Retrievers with cream or white coats are not accepted anywhere, so make sure to ask the breeder about bloodlines. It may also be a red flag, as any experienced Golden breeder should know this.

Top 3 Unique Facts About English Cream Golden Retrievers

1. English and American Golden Retrievers Are Slightly Different

Although they are the same breed and follow the same breed standards, English and American Golden Retrievers have slight differences. English Goldens tend to be slightly bigger and bulkier, while American Goldens are on the leaner side.

2. English Cream Goldens Aren’t Calmer Than Other Retrievers

While bloodlines can somewhat influence calmness and temperament, there’s no evidence that English Cream Goldens are more likely to be calmer. Any Golden Retriever that comes from a “companionship” bloodline could have a calmer demeanor, regardless of coat color.

3. Golden Retrievers Are One of the Most Popular Breeds in the US

Making it to the top 5, Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. They’re currently ranked at #4, though they were once a serious contender for the #1 spot.

Does the English White Golden Retriever Make a Good Pet?

Regardless of coat colors, Golden Retrievers are one of the best breeds to have as a pet and companion. Goldens are naturally playful dogs that are excellent around children, making them a great option for families. Active and athletic dogs, Goldens are great hiking and camping companions.

Golden Retrievers need a good deal of daily exercise and human interaction; else, they’ll become destructive from boredom. They thrive from affection and bonding, so leaving them alone for long periods is not an option. If they get some time to run around and play, Goldens will quickly adapt to most households and environments.

Conclusion

English White Golden Retrievers may not be all that different from traditional coated Goldens, but their coats certainly are. Though they weren’t accepted in the UK for quite some time, English Cream Golden Retrievers are still growing in popularity in other areas. Between their exotic appeal and still having the calm demeanors of Golden Retrievers, it is no surprise that these beautiful hunting dogs are capturing the hearts of dog people everywhere.

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Featured Image Credit: JACLOU-DL, Pixabay