Golden Retrievers are widely recognized as one of the most prevalent family canine breeds around the globe. Because of their kind and loving nature, there is not a better breed for loving families. They possess social, intelligent, and loyal personalities. Originally bred in the Scottish Highlands for game and retrieval purposes, these dogs are highly versatile, trainable, and capable of performing a wide range of tasks. Over the last century, standards were established by various kennel clubs. Among these are the American and English Golden 
Retrievers, which are still considered to be the same breed, albeit with distinct physical attributes and preferred traits upheld by certain kennel clubs.
The American Golden Retriever was first recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1925. The trademark of this sporting breed is its golden color, which can range from light (cream) to dark golden (red). The topline typically exhibits a sloped croup at 30 degrees. Their coats tend to be long, can be straight or wavy, good feathering, and a thick water-resistant undercoat. American Golden Retrievers are leaner with a higher energy level and have an average lifespan of 10 to 11 years. We have two active Goldens over 13 years old!
The English Golden Retriever, on the other hand, was first recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) as “Retriever” in 1911, and finally Retriever Golden in 1920. The United Kennel Club is an international dog registry. Often referred as the English Cream Golden Retriever, British Golden Retriever or European Golden Retriever. This sporting dog is characterized by a predominantly lighter color, with red not being an acceptable color according to the KC standards.
The topline should be level and their legs tend to be shorter than their American counterparts. Their coats are shorter than their American counterparts and have a flat or wavy texture, with good feathering, and a dense water-resisting undercoat. The English Golden Retriever is more muscular and built for strength rather than energy and has an average lifespan of 12 years. The English Cream Golden Retriever is recognized by their striking appearance and engaging personalities.
Both the American Standard and English Cream Goldens are commonly bred for retrieving, service dogs, guide dogs for the blind, search and rescue, and companionship. Some of our dogs have become guide dogs for the blind and therapy dogs purchased and trained by The Guide Dogs of the Desert.
