English Cream Golden retrievers are a hot topic among dog lovers. Though not technically a separate breed from the standard golden retriever, English cream retrievers have special appeal for some dog owners. Because of this, you will find breeders selling cream-colored puppies as English Cream retrievers. They may call the pups “rare white European Golden retrievers ” or “platinum imported Golden retrievers”. All of these dogs are Golden retrievers and may or may not be from the English line.

English Cream Golden Retriever Origins

The Scotsman credited with originating the Golden retriever breed claimed his initial original breeding stock came from Russia as circus dogs. This remains unproven and may have been a fanciful tale created to entertain his friends and lend an air of wonder to his obedient, helpful dogs. What is known for sure is that all golden retrievers have descended from hunting dogs bred in Scotland in the 1800s. These dogs were selected for their temperament, trainability, and almost certainly also to look dashing as they went off hunting with their master.

As the breed gained popularity, golden retrievers found their way to England and the Americas in the early 1900s. As you might expect, dog fanciers in one region desired different characteristics than dog fanciers in other locations. Although technically still a single breed, Golden retrievers from Canada, the US, and England no longer look precisely the same.

Golden retrievers in Canada tend to be taller than Golden retrievers from the US line and have a broader range of coat colors. Dogs from the English line tend to be slightly smaller and stockier than the dogs from the American lines, and have lighter-colored, curlier coats. These are the English Cream Golden retrievers. 

English Cream Golden Retriever Puppies

Adoption fees for a Golden retriever puppy from a rescue organization will usually fall between $350 and $750. A breeder is likely to charge up to $2,000. The lighter coat is not considered desirable by the AKC, and a light-coated Golden retriever puppy purchased in the USA should not cost more than a puppy with a darker coat.

In Canada and Great Britain, however, breeding clubs are more amenable to a light-colored coat. A reputable breeder with true English Cream Golden retriever puppies should be able to provide proof of lineage. Bear in mind that the lineage of an English golden may not originate in England, but in another part of the European continent or even with a line imported to the Americas several generations back. If a lighter colored coat is important to you, let the breeder know, since a reputable golden retriever breeder will primarily be selecting for temperament. 

As with any puppy, you need to be prepared to house, love, feed, and train your puppy once you bring it home. Consult with your veterinarian, vaccinate your puppy at the appropriate stage, and spay or neuter any pup that is not intended for breeding.

Golden puppies need high levels of mental stimulation and physical activity. Use positive reward methods for training and be prepared to provide redirection to chew toys if your puppy gnaws on your shoes or furniture. Remember, your English Cream Golden pup is a retriever. Try to teach them to retrieve appropriate objects. This is a great way to keep your new family member engaged and active when you have run out of steam.

With patience, you can teach your English cream golden retriever retrieve balls or even frisbees. This training should take place in a fenced yard because your English cream golden retriever is both sociable and a hunting dog at heart, they may be easily distracted by other dogs, people, or wildlife if taken off-leash in an open area. For your puppy’s safety, always follow local leash laws and be aware of your puppy’s desire to run, chase, and interact when in public. 

Be prepared to feed your English cream retriever about half a cup of high-quality puppy food three times per day. Don’t be fooled if your new family member tells you they’re still hungry! Unless your vet tells you otherwise, this should be plenty for an eight-week-old golden. Over time, the food volume will increase based upon the size and activity level of your dog, and mealtimes can be reduced to twice a day.

English cream golden retrievers can taker longer to mature than American golden retrievers and may need puppy food and small regular meals for several more months than indicated by generic golden retriever feeding schedules. A breeder can provide sound feeding and training advice, and a rescue organization can direct you to appropriate veterinarians and trainers. Always remember to register your new family member as well, as required by your state or municipality. 

Health

English cream retrievers may be healthier than goldens from the American lines, usually living up to 12 years and displaying fewer documented cases of cancer. One family even reports enjoying the companionship of an English cream golden retriever for 11 years after adopting her as a senior dog from a local rescue at an estimated age of age seven. No one can promise you 18 years of companionship from any dog, but a well-bred English cream golden retriever should bring you many years of joy.

Like all golden retrievers, English cream golden retrievers may be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, thyroid problems, and cataracts. Other potential health concerns are allergies and heart disease. Some veterinarians also caution that any golden retriever is susceptible to bloat and diabetes. Regular vigorous exercise is strongly recommended for the continued good health of your English cream retriever. In the event that your dog is suffering from dysplasia, injury, or arthritis, all exercises should follow veterinarian recommendations.  

Physical Characteristics

There are no rigid guidelines for size or weight for English Goldens, but they tend to be smaller than Golden retrievers of the American lineage with adult males as small as 22 inches at the shoulder and females as small as 20 inches at the shoulder. Nevertheless, they are still medium-large dogs weighing between 55 at 75 pounds when fully grown.

English cream golden retrievers have round, dark eyes, curly topcoats, and blocky faces. Their ears should be approximate level with their eyes, and their tails should form a straight line from the body. Like golden retrievers of the American lines, they display a range of coat colors but tend to have lighter coats that may darken with age. They require regular grooming and will shed less noticeably if you can brush them regularly. Because they are affectionate dogs, your English Golden retrievers will cheerfully cooperate with your efforts to keep them groomed.

Golden retrievers were originally bred so they could safely swim to retrieve ducks for their hunting masters, and their coats do an excellent job of keeping efforts to wash them to one layer.

If you intend to bathe your dog rather than taking him to a groomer, invest in a rubber bathing brush to clean both layers of his coat. You may want to purchase a gentle, whitening dog shampoo for your English Cream retriever’s bath time. Although English Cream retrievers love to swim, your furry buddy may not enjoy bath time. Ensure you have rinsed them thoroughly to avoid skin irritation. 

Temperament

The English Cream Golden retriever temperament, like all Golden retrievers, is gentle and friendly. Although they may be calmer indoors than other Goldens, English Cream Goldens are athletic and need high levels of exercise. Plan to give your dog at least two walks per day and a minimum of one hour of physical activity per day. Your English Cream Golden will enjoy any opportunity to go swimming, which may result in a very dirty dog. Plan your outings carefully and provide clean swimming opportunities if you are bothered by a muddy dog.

Be ready to provide plenty of affection. Your English Cream Golden is highly sociable. They need as many belly rubs and ear scratches as they can get. They may bark at an intruder but do not expect them to be effective guard dogs. Your four-legged companion is likely to perceive strangers as potential sources of affection. 

Their intelligence, combined with their eagerness to please, make training your English Golden easy. Your companion does not have to come to you as a puppy for this to be true. Most senior English Cream colored retrievers are as trainable as any puppy and are likely to already be house-broken. Any Golden retriever, including your English cream colored retriever, that displays aggression should be taken immediately to a veterinarian. This breed of dogs is not aggressive by nature, and aggression can be a sign that something is seriously wrong. 

Final Thoughts

These dogs are sociable, friendly, intelligent, active, and eager to please. This makes them easy and fun to train. They are good companions for young children and are often trained as comfort animals for veterans and other people recovering from trauma. If you are looking for a dog that makes an ideal companion, you may want to consider an English cream retriever.