Risa's Golden Retrievers

English Golden Retrievers: Are They Actually Different?

Although they are not officially classified as separate breeds or even distinct varieties of the same breed, there are three main types of Golden Retrievers.

In no particular order, they include English Golden Retrievers (sometimes called "English Cream Golden Retrievers"), American Golden Retrievers and Canadian Golden Retrievers.

All three types of Golden Retriever possess a friendly, eager-to-please, affectionate demeanor, but they also have many other characteristics in common, including loyalty, gentleness and intelligence.

Despite their many common features, however, there are some distinct differences.  That said, the distinctions between the types are in their appearance, not their personality or temperament.

The English Golden Retriever is the original type, with the American and Canadian types diverging from it during and after World War II.

In general, the English Golden Retriever can be regarded as being more faithful to the original Golden Retriever body type than the more recently evolved Canadian and American versions.

Over the course of time, American Golden Retrievers evolved into a slightly leaner, lighter dog while English Golden Retrievers retained their heavier, stockier, more muscled body structure.

The English Golden Retriever's skull is broader and the forequarters in particular are more muscular. Its forehead is blockier and its muzzle is a bit wider and shorter.

English Golden Retrievers also have sturdier, shorter legs, slightly deeper chests and shorter tails. Overall, they present a heavier, more square appearance than American Golden Retrievers.

English Golden Retrievers are also known for their round, dark eyes. In contrast, the eyes of the American type are more triangular or even slanted and have a slightly lighter, medium to dark brown color.

All Golden Retrievers have gorgeous coats, but there are some differences between the coats of the American and English varieties, particularly in coat length, texture and color.

The American variety features fluffy, lushly plumed coats, while English Golden Retrievers typically have slightly wavier coats that are less fluffy but much thicker.

http://www.discoveringgoldenretrievers.com/Golden-Retriever-Breeders/English-Golden-Retrievers.htm

The health differences between the European Golden and the American Golden are wide apart. 

The cost over time, not including heartache, is far higher if an individual purchases an American Golden over a European one. The incidence of cancer among European bloodlines is significantly lower than in the American lines. The British Kennel Club did an extensive study  and found that cancer was the cause of death of 38.8% of European Goldens. See study

Cancer 

was the cause of death for 71.8% of American Goldens according to a 1998 health study conducted by the Golden Retriever Club of America, making it the breed's biggest killer. (The Golden retriever Club of America study, 1998-1988)

The median age of an English Golden is 12 years and 3 months according to the study,
but the median age of an American Golden is only 10 years and 8 months.

Hip Dysplasia and Elbow Dysplasia 

are also much more common in American Golden Retrievers than in European Golden Retrievers. The reasons are not completely understood, but it seems the health standards in Europe are far higher and the American gene pool is more closed with fewer stud dogs being used as compared to the many great stud dogs of Europe. This is from my own research, but it could also be that the gene pool is more closed with fewer stud dogs being used as compared to the many great stud dogs of Europe simply do not carry strong cancer genes.

Environmental Factors

Research suggests strongly that dogs
kept at a lean weight live on average of 2
years longer!

Keep your dogs at a weight where you
can easily feel the ribs, but not see them.

Article taken from http://centerforcanines.com/Cancer_in_Golden_Retrievers.html 

For Better Health of Your Dog

Nutrition is key (dog food)

Reduce exposure to pesticides, herbicides, and secondhand smoke.