Top 10 Differences Between American and British Golden Retrievers

British Golden Retrievers are known for being gentle, friendly and trusting animals just like their American counterparts. However, there are a number of differences between the two standards, such as:

1. British dogs are stockier and not as lanky as American dogs.

2. The British Hound’s coat is dense and water-repellent with moderate feathering.

3. The head and muzzle of the British Retriever are somewhat heavier and squarer than those of the American.

4. The KC standard for British dogs requires straight hindquarters and a level topline, rather than having the slight rear angulation that is standard in American bloodlines.

5. The eyes of a Briton are closer together than the eyes of an American retriever.

6. By comparison, British eyes are more slanted and triangular in shape.

7. A British Golden Retriever’s coat color can be any shade of cream or gold, but not mahogany or red. White is also not a recognized color for a purebred golden retriever.

8. British dogs are somewhat more polished than American dogs.

9. The tail of the Briton is slightly shorter than the tail of its American cousin.

10. Health and temperament improve a little compared to the counterpart. British Retrievers tend to be more laid back, unlike the high energy American.

Once you hold that ball of fluff, so full of energy and life, you will fall in love with a British Golden Retriever. In fact, once you adopt one of these beautiful bundles of joy, it will be hard not to buy another and another.

If you are serious about importing a new British Golden Retriever, take the time to research several European breeders and contact only those with the best reputations. In some cases, you may have to wait several years before the breeder trusts you enough to send you one of his puppies.

In addition to the health exam and various other things, you should primarily look for a breeder who can tell you exactly where your puppies come from and give you detailed information about their parents. Look for breeders who treat their dogs not like prize-winning champions or meal tickets, but like members of the family.

It doesn’t matter if you choose British or American, it’s crucial that you take the time to get to know your breeder. You want to know without a doubt that he or she is the ideal breeder.

Start your search by talking to your vet about breeders he or she can recommend. Additionally, you can also talk to British golden owners to learn about their adoption experience. Search online forums, blogs, and websites. Finally, talk to the people you meet at dog shows, who are always full of useful information.