As the name suggests, the primary distinction between an English cream golden retriever and a regular golden retriever is its color. The English cream golden retriever can be told apart by its cream-colored coat, square muzzle, and stocky build. Another major difference between these two types of the same breed is that the American Kennel Club doesn’t consider English Creams true goldens.
The platinum-coated retriever is like its American counterpart in many ways, but it also has some features that make it stand out. Although no kennel club has officially recognized them as a breed, these almost-white golden retrievers are becoming increasingly popular. And if you’ve been eyeing a platinum-coated retriever and wish to learn more about them before you adopt them, this article has all the information you’re looking for. Let’s get started!
Introduction to English Cream Golden Retriever
These light dogs, which are frequently referred to as English cream golden retrievers, rare white European golden retrievers, or platinum golden retrievers, are often presented to the common people as being unusually rare or extremely valuable. They are also more valued than the traditional golden retrievers raised in North America because they are believed to be healthier, have better temperaments, and live longer. Owing to these widespread marketing techniques, the typical puppy buyer or adopter believes that these light-colored golden retrievers are a different breed. But that’s not true.
The truth is that all golden retrievers are of English descent but with two distinguishable bloodlines created by the American and British Kennel Club. The typical characteristics of English golden retrievers are larger eyes, wider heads, stockier bodies, and lighter coats.
History
Lord Tweedmouth, the breed’s designer, aimed to develop a dog equally adept at retrieving shot poultry on land and in the water. The golden retriever was bred in Scotland in the nineteenth century as a gundog to track down and retrieve downed ducks.
The first litter of golden retrievers was bred from an unidentified yellow retriever dog and the extinct Tweed water spaniel. After one of these pups found its way into the hands of Lord Tweedmout’s son, he sent it with his Irish setter to produce a new breed of golden retrievers with a striking red coat.
English creams are believed to have been bred with the lightest goldens to get their lighter coat color.
The popularity of these lighter-toned golden retrievers increased their import to the United States and Canada. But it led to certain noticeable modifications in the breed’s appearance and temperament.
Origin
The English Cream golden retriever originates in Scotland and is a subtype of the golden retriever breed. The “English” moniker was bestowed upon this subset of the breed when it dominated the first premier dog shows in the country. These days, golden retrievers are bred worldwide, and the English cream golden retriever is one popular kind. Compared to other similar breeds, English creams tend to be more robust and live slightly longer.
The Appearance
Here are a few distinguishing characteristics of the English cream golden retriever.
Size
According to the breed standard, the ideal height for an English Cream is between 21 and 1/2 and 24 inches.
Weight
On average, all retrievers are about the size of a medium-sized dog. Golden retriever males should be between 65 and 75 pounds, and females should be between 55 and 65 pounds. Since these dogs have the tendency to gain weight quickly – which eventually causes several health problems in the long run – it is best to be strict about their diet to avoid problems.
Coat and Color
The coat color is the most obvious indicator of whether or not a dog is of American or English origin. The coat of an English cream is a pale platinum color, while that of an American golden can range from golden to deep red.
Built and Head Size
English cream golden retrievers tend to be stockier and have a more substantial skull. The necks are larger and more muscular, the jaw is more powerful, and the muzzles are slightly wider. Overall, the English cream retriever appears more robust and bulky than its American equivalent. All other things being equal, male dogs tend to be larger than females.
The Topline
Besides its light-colored coat, the English cream golden retriever stands out for its flat topline. This topline is the vertical distance from a dog’s neck to the base of its tail. This makes them appear more confident and robust.
The Tail
This breed has a broader skull to distinguish itself from other golden retrievers. Their long tails are carried in a straight line across their backs.
Description of English Cream Golden Retriever
Here are other facts you must know about this unique breed.
Nature
As a result of their gentle demeanor and kind disposition, English cream puppies do very well in therapy dog roles, especially those that involve working with children. They tend to be friendly without being overexuberant, calm but vigilant, willing to learn, and committed to doing a good job.
Because of their pleasant conduct, high intellect, and moderate size, they are perfect as guides, mobility assistants, and emotional support dogs. These dogs aren’t aggressive and pretty friendly, but they can be a little goofy sometimes.
Golden retrievers are well-known for their intelligence, loyalty, and eagerness to please their owners. Yet, it is essential to socialize and train your dog from a young age.
The Temperament
Golden retrievers are excellent pets because of their friendly, affectionate, and loyal personalities. Although all golden retrievers have similar temperaments, platinum retrievers tend to be more laid back and logical than American golden retrievers. They’re not the most boisterous, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t up for some good old-fashioned fun and games.
The English cream retriever is an intelligent, easy-to-train companion dog that won’t keep you up at all hours of the night and day. But keep in mind that your platinum dog still has a job to do because they are a working dog at heart.
The platinum golden are energetic dogs that take to training quickly and do well in obedience and agility. This dog is perfect for families because of its friendly behaviour and desire to be with its humans. The English cream retriever is a lovely and docile breed that gets along with everyone it meets. They make for terrible watchdogs because their naivete makes them more inclined to greet an intruder with a wagging tail than to warn you of danger.
Platinum golden retrievers, despite their size, should be allowed to live indoors with their human family. This ensures they are always a part of the family and may share in all the fun. Yet, this dog’s high levels of activity and curiosity mean it cannot live in a city flat without access to outdoor space. If you want to ensure the health and happiness of your golden retriever, a fence around the garden is an absolute must.
The Diet
Because of their insatiable appetites, golden retrievers often become overweight if their food intake is not strictly monitored. Select a kibble that’s high in quality and protein, and feed it in amounts that are consistent with your vet’s recommendations. Destructive canine behavior often indicates that Fido is over-eating and needs to lower their food intake.
English creams are susceptible to developing food allergies, so feeding them a special diet is essential. If your English cream retriever has environmental, skin, or food sensitivities, seeking professional assistance is recommended.
The Lifespan
Golden retrievers tend to live longer than other dog breeds, although many factors play a role. Many people think English cream goldens are the healthiest and longest-living of all the retrievers. On average, these light-hued retrievers outlive their American counterparts by a few years. An English cream golden retriever typically lives for 12–14 years.
The Health
The English cream retriever has a high standard of canine health. Like other purebreds, the problem is that they are vulnerable to a few specific diseases. As the rumor goes, platinum retrievers have better health than their dark-coated pals. There is no proof, and breeders who wanted to sell “healthier” golden retrievers were likely behind the rumor. English cream golden retrievers frequently suffer from the following health issues:
Cardiac Problems
English cream retrievers are susceptible to dilated cardiomyopathy and subvalvular aortic stenosis, among other heart conditions. Congestive heart failure is frequently the result of the weakening and enlargement of the heart brought on by dilated cardiomyopathy.
The tight junction between the aorta and the left ventricle brings this condition. However, it is treatable if subvalvular aortic stenosis is detected early enough.
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
Large breed dogs are disproportionately affected by the genetic disorders hip and elbow dysplasia. Hip and elbow dislocations happen because the ball and socket aren’t correctly aligned. This stresses the bones and ligaments, leading to pain and lameness. These problems worsen with age and can cause severe discomfort for an aging dog if not managed.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Slow and steady retinal degeneration is the hallmark of progressive retinal atrophy, an eye disease. Initial symptoms of this disease include a gradual loss of night vision and, ultimately, complete blindness in affected canines.
Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis
Symptoms of this central nervous system disorder include incoordination, seizures, anxiety, and blindness, commonly appearing around the 13-month mark. This is why working with a reputable breeder who tests their pups for potential health issues before bringing them into the fold is essential.
Cancer
Cancer is more common in traditional golden retrievers, and it’s one reason why adopting an English Cream Retriever rather than an American one could be a good idea. According to studies, more than 61% of American Golden Retrievers and 38% of English Golden Retrievers died from cancer.
Although both are somewhat high compared to other dog breeds, the English cream Golden’s cancer rate is far lower.
Bloating
Many large breed dogs, especially those with deep chests like golden retrievers, are at risk for developing bloat, a potentially fatal illness. There is an increased risk of bloat in dogs with only one or two large meals daily, engaging in physical activity soon after eating or eating too quickly. As a dog’s stomach twists, it cuts off the blood supply to the heart, causing it to bloat.
Drooling, listlessness, agitation, and a racing heart are the hallmarks of bloat. Call your vet immediately if you see any of these signs or fear your dog has bloat. This disorder is potentially lethal if not treated quickly enough.
Exercise Requirements of English Cream Retrievers
The English Cream Retriever may be quieter than their American cousin, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need regular exercise. In fact, they need a lot of activity because they belong to a working dog lineage. Without adequate daily exercise, your English cream retriever may vent his frustrations on your furniture.
Your furry guy needs plenty of active playtime in between workouts. With a ranking of #4 among the most intelligent dog breeds, Golden Retrievers thrive with mental challenges. It would be great if you bought them a lot of toys to play with. You can also make your mental games, like “find the ball under the cup,” that you can both enjoy.
The English cream retriever is best suited to a lively household where they get plenty of exercise, and members can challenge their perceptive minds with stimulating activities. This, combined with the fact that they’re needy dogs that long for human companionship, you must spend a lot of quality time with your platinum retriever to keep her happy.
The English cream won’t do well in a crowded indoor setting. They require a more spacious dwelling with a garden where they can play and relax. If kept in an enclosed environment for too long, these dogs will acquire cabin fever because of their outdoorsy nature. Address the basic needs, and you will have the best, most obedient, and lovable pet ever!
Training
There is a lot of room for growth and development in the English cream retriever. Rather than preferring food as a reward, this unique breed prefers something it can mouth, such as a tennis ball.
Of course, yours may be different, so it’s essential to pay attention to the needs of your English cream. Positive reinforcement training refers to using such incentives to motivate desirable behaviors.
The English cream golden retriever is very trainable since they’re intelligent and devoted. That makes this breed perfect for someone who has never owned a dog before. Thanks to their grown, settled nature, these dogs are a great option for first-time dog owners, provided you are ready to cater to their basic needs and maintenance.
The English cream would benefit from crate training in a space designed for a retriever. This will provide him with a place he can feel secure while you are away and offer peace of mind when you have to leave your pawsome friend alone at home.
Care of English Cream Golden Retriever
The English cream golden retriever needs a healthy diet of dry and fresh food to keep up with their high energy and intelligence. Also, they need a lot of mental and physical stimulation.
Provide Nutritious Food
To keep up with optimal health, your dog must eat plenty of fresh, nutritious meat. Avoid overindulging them with their favorite biscuits, meat, and fats since they tend to overeat and snack constantly.
In addition, they need premium dry food loaded with all the proper nutrients. Depending on their weight and health, you should give your dog one or two cups of dog food twice a day.
Healthy Activities
To satisfy your cream retriever’s need for social interaction, make sure they get 15 to 45 minutes of playtime daily. It’s great if you have a garden or yard where they can run around, or you can take the to dog parks where they can run, jump, play, and interact with other dogs for a fun time.
Wrapping Up!
While we highly recommend dog lovers adopt this amazing breed and experience true loyalty and love, it is crucial to remember that golden retrievers – irrespective of their color – are high-maintenance dogs.
And even though you can tell these cream retrievers and original golden retrievers apart, there isn’t much difference in their overall temperament and behavior. At the end of the day, it all depends on how well you train and take care of them.
In addition, all golden retrievers, regardless of breed, are popular as excellent family pets due to their friendly demeanor and boundless energy. So it’s safe to claim that English cream golden retriever is not significantly distinct from any other golden retriever.
All the best qualities in a dog are present in these pups: intelligence, obedience, gentleness, and even playfulness. If you take the time to train your English cream golden retriever, they will become the most loyal furry companion you’ve ever had.
