Have you ever heard of a English Cream Golden Retriever? Also known as the White Retriever, AKA the Platinum Retriever. This pale coated dog IS NOT a new and rare breed.

In fact, the English cream and your typical golden are the same dog breed but with different breed standards. 

While the platinum golden retriever looks slightly different than your neighboring golden, this isn’t a new rare breed as some breeders claim. Similar to its American cousin but different at the same time, the platinum-coated retriever has a lot to offer.

If you are looking for a devoted, highly-trainable, family dog, the English cream retriever might be the right dog for you!

However, while very popular, platinum-coated retrievers are still hard to come by and a purebred puppy can make a big dent in your bank account. 

In this article, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about this type of golden retriever and help you decide if this is the right dog for you. 

English Cream Golden Retriever AKA Platinum Retriever AKA White Retriever

The English cream golden retriever is known by several different names in the U.S. Besides English Cream Golden Retriever, this breed also goes by Platinum Retriever, rare white European retriever, exquisite platinum imported golden retriever, and also simply White Retriever or White Golden Retriever.

Although there is just one golden retriever breed, there are slight differences, except for the coat color, between the English and American retriever types. However, the pale platinum coat is the trait that made English creams sought-after and popular. 

Breed History

Before we go any further, let’s set the record straight! The English cream golden retriever and golden retriever are the same dog breed. There is a lot of misinformation floating around, but that’s only because some breeders wanted to market English creams as a rare dog breed and charge more to prospective new owners. 

The truth is that golden retrievers come in a variety of different shades and colors. The American golden retrievers have darker coats than their European counterparts. However, all goldens come from the same original bloodline and are all, in fact, the same breed.

Originally bred in the 19^th century, the golden retriever hails from Scotland where it was used as a gundog to retrieve shot waterfowl. The breed’s creator, Lord Tweedmouth, wanted to create a dog breed that worked well both on land and in water to retrieve shot fowl. 

An unknown yellow-colored retriever dog and now extinct Tweed water spaniel were used to create the first-ever litter of golden retrievers. One of these puppies ended with Lord Tweedmout’s son who bred it with his Irish setter, thus creating deep red golden retrievers. It’s believed that the paler coat color of English creams is the result of breeding the palest goldens. 

As the breed’s popularity grew, golden retrievers were imported to America and Canada, which led to slight variations in appearance and temperament. But make no mistake, all subtypes of golden retrievers are descendants of the same Scottish bloodline.  

Size And Appearance

According to the breed’s standard, the English cream should be a medium-sized dog with a muscular and athletic body. They should measure from 21 ½ to 24 inches tall and can weigh from 55 to 75 pounds.

The biggest difference between the American and English variation is the coat color. American goldens can range in color from golden to deep red, while English creams have a pale platinum coat. 

While both variations have the same standard, English cream golden retrievers have a stockier build and a slightly larger head. They also have thicker and stronger necks, slightly wider muzzles, and a stronger jaw. Their eyes are also rounder and closer together, and the ears are at the same level as the eyes

Overall, the English cream retriever has a stockier and more robust appearance when compared to its American counterpart. As with all other breeds, male dogs are slightly larger than females, but that doesn’t always have to be the case. 

Temperament

The breed’s friendly, affectionate, and devoted nature is what makes golden retrievers such amazing family companions. But although all goldens are the same breed, there are clear differences in temperaments between the American and English variation. 

Platinum retrievers are generally calmer and more sensible than American goldens. Furthermore, they are rarely hyperactive and rowdy, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t playful or active. Think of a platinum retriever as a slightly calmer version of an American golden.

If you are looking for a smart, easy to train, companion dog that won’t bounce around the house at all hours of the day, the English cream retriever might be a great choice. However, don’t forget they are working dogs at heart, and your platinum dog will need a job to do.

Highly intelligent and eager to please, the platinum golden is easy to train and excels in obedience and agility. Amiable and affectionate, this breed likes to spend time with its people and is an amazing family dog and a great companion.

Gentle and sweet, the English cream retrievers get along with everyone they meet and won’t hesitate to meet strangers. Due to their trusting nature, they are poor watchdogs and are more likely to greet an intruder with a wagging tail than alert you of any suspicious activity.

Despite their size, platinum golden retrievers need to live indoors with their human family where they can be included in all family activities.

However, this playful and energetic dog needs some type of outdoor space and isn’t suited for apartment living. A fenced backyard is a must if you want to keep your goldie happy and properly exercised. 

Health

The English cream retriever is generally a healthy dog. However, like all other purebred breeds, they are prone to certain health issues. 

You might have heard that platinum retrievers are healthier than their dark-coated counterparts. However, there is no evidence to support this and these claims were probably spread by breeders who wanted to market their dogs as “healthier” golden retrievers.

However, there is a 2010 study that shows cancer risk in European-bred Goldens to be lower than North American Goldens:

Interestingly, cancer risk in European-bred Goldens appears to be significantly lower. A 2010 study put the mortality figure at 38.8 percent (Dobson 2012, Adams et al. 2010). Although much higher than average, the incidence is substantially lower than that found in North American Goldens.

The Bark

The most common health problems seen in English cream golden retrievers are:

Hip And Elbow Dysplasia

Hip and elbow dysplasia are hereditary conditions that are commonly seen in large breed dogs. Essentially, the hip and elbow bones aren’t joined properly with the socket. which puts a strain on the ligaments and bone causing pain, discomfort, and lameness. Both of these conditions become worse with age and can be extremely painful for a dog if not treated. 

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Progressive retinal atrophy is an eye condition that causes a slow deterioration of the retina. In the first stages of this disease, dogs start to lose night vision and, as the disease progresses, they become completely blind. The good news is that most dogs adapt to complete or partial vision loss as long as their living space remains the same. 

Heart Problems

English cream retrievers are affected by several heart problems, including dilated cardiomyopathy and subvalvular aortic stenosis. Dilated cardiomyopathy causes the heart to become enlarged and weak, and usually ends with a congestive heart failure. 

On the other hand, the subvalvular aortic stenosis is caused by the narrow connection between the aorta and the left ventricle and can be treated if diagnosed in time.  

Bloat

Bloat is a life-threatening condition that affects many large breed dogs and is commonly seen in deep-chested breeds like goldens. Dogs who eat only one or two larger meals per day, exercise after shortly after eating, or eat too fast are at the highest risk of developing bloat. 

Bloat happens when a dog’s stomach twists, thus stopping the blood flow to the heart.

The most common symptoms of bloat include drooling, lethargy, restlessness, and a rapid heartbeat. If you notice any of these symptoms or suspect your dog has bloat, call your vet right away. When not treated in time, this condition can be fatal.

Exercise Needs

While generally they are calmer than their American cousins, the English cream retrievers still need a lot of exercise. As a working dog breed, your platinum golden retriever will need at least an hour of high-intensity exercise every day. Otherwise, your dog will become bored and restless and might decide to release all that pent up energy by damaging your house and belongings.

Besides regular exercise sessions, you should also spend at least 15 minutes every day playing with your dog. As a highly intelligent dog breed, your cream retriever will need a lot of different toys to stay entertained and mentally stimulated. Games such as fetch, tug-of-war, and flyball will keep your dog occupied and help him stay in good shape. 

Platinum golden retrievers are active dogs and as such are best suited for active families who like to spend time outdoors and can meet their high exercise needs. As mentioned earlier, this breed doesn’t do well in apartments and needs to have access to a fenced yard where it can run, play, and burn excess energy.

Training

Highly intelligent and eager to please, the English cream retriever is very easy to train. They excel at obedience training and will learn commands quickly when properly motivated. Use positive reinforcement techniques and reward-based training to encourage good behavior and your dog’s learning efforts.

Due to their calm nature and trainability, platinum retrievers are a great choice for novice owners. Even if you didn’t own a dog before, you won’t have any trouble house training and teaching your dog basic commands.

Although they are naturally friendly, start socializing your goldie from a young age, as you would any other dog. Try to expose your puppy to as many different people, places, sounds, and situations as soon as you bring him home. This way, you will help grow into a well-mannered and balanced dog. 

Nutrition

The English cream retriever needs to eat high-quality kibble that contains all the necessary nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Since they are the same breed, the platinum golden retriever can eat the same food as a golden retriever.

We feed our dogs a combination of foods including fresh (The Farmer’s Dog), premium kibble (Wellness Core), and Dehydrated (Honest Kitchen).

You should make sure the food you are feeding contains the right balance of proteins, fats, carbs, fiber, and omega fatty acids. Since all dogs are individuals, the amount of food your dog will need will depend on his age, size, activity level, and overall health. If you don’t know how much food your dog needs, consult your vet, and follow his advice. 

Bear in mind that your dog’s nutritional needs will change with age. An English cream retriever puppy will need to eat high-quality puppy food for large breeds that is formulated to support growth and development. Dog foods for large breed puppies are specially designed to prevent rapid bone growth, thus minimizing the risks of bone disorders such as elbow and hip dysplasia. 

Pay special note to the amount of food your cream retriever is eating, and try to offer three or more smaller meals throughout the day. This way, you will prevent overfeeding and also reduce the risk of bloat. 

Coat Color and Grooming

The English cream retriever’s breed standard permits any shade of gold or cream coat color, which is neither mahogany nor red. This means these dogs don’t necessarily have to have a cream or platinum coat. However, platinum dogs are highly popular and there is always a higher demand for puppies with a paler coat.

The English cream has a medium-length, silky, water-resistant double coat that sheds moderately all year round. This breed also goes through a heavy shed twice a year – in the spring and fall. You’ll have to brush your dog at least three times a week to prevent mats and tangles and keep his coat in tip-top condition.

When it comes to bathing, you can bathe your English cream once in a couple of months or more often if he gets very dirty. If you need to bathe your dog more often, use a hypoallergenic natural dog shampoo that won’t damage your dog’s skin or coat.

English Cream Golden Retrievers As Pets

The English creams are excellent pets and make amazing companions to people of all ages and families with small children. Affectionate, gentle, and fun-loving, these dogs get along with everyone and like to be involved in all family activities. They also get along with other pets and will enjoy having someone to keep them company while you aren’t around. 

Please note, although they like children and are exceptionally gentle, English creams are large dogs. They can easily knock a small child in the heat of a play session accidentally. To avoid accidents of this sort, never leave young children unsupervised with your dog.

Furthermore, show your children how to interact with your dog and play with him nicely. Explain why they should never pull your dog’s ears and tail, and supervise all playdates. No matter how socialized and well behaved your dog and your kids are, they should never be left unsupervised.

FAQ’s About Platinum Golden Retrievers

What Is A Platinum Retriever?

Platinum retriever, also known as the English cream golden retriever and rare white European retriever, is a pale coated variety of a golden retriever. While some breeders advertise platinum retrievers as a rare breed, these dogs are the same breed as regular American goldens. 

While similar, these two types of golden retrievers are slightly different. Platinum retrievers have a pale coat, stockier built, bigger head, and rounder eyes. They are also calmer than American golden retrievers, but no less playful or fun-loving.

What Are The Three Types Of Golden Retrievers?

There are three different types of golden retrievers – American, Canadian, and English golden retrievers. Although there is only one golden retriever breed, each one of these three subtypes has its own breed standard. 

The American type is recognized by the American Kennel Club, the Canadian retriever by the Canadian Kennel Club, and the English by the United Kennel Club.

How Much Does An English Cream Golden Retriever Cost?

The platinum retrievers that are bred according to the United Kennel Club breed standard are still fairly rare and can be expensive. On average, a platinum retriever can cost between $1,500 to $3,500. However, the price of a puppy can vary from one breeder to the next and will depend on your location, breeder’s reputation, and the pup’s lineage. 

Conclusion

Platinum golden retrievers, also known as the English cream golden retrievers, are highly intelligent, affectionate, and easily trainable companion dogs.

Playful and friendly, the English cream makes a great family dog and gets along with people of all ages. The breed’s selling points are:

• Calmer than American golden retriever
• Affectionate and devoted companion
• Quick learner and easy to train

If you are looking for a loyal, devoted, and highly energetic dog that will fit right into your family, the platinum golden retriever is an ideal choice.

So, have you decided to get an English Cream Golden Retriever?

If so, tell us about your decision in the comment section below.

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If you are looking for a golden retriever as a new pet, you are not alone. They are the fourth most popular dog breed in the United States (as of the year 2020).

Perhaps in your search for the perfect pup to adopt, you have come across the red golden retriever.

Often just called a red retriever, these are a natural variation within the golden retriever family, but with a striking dark red coat.

There are a few other things that set a red retriever dog apart from a more traditional golden retriever, such as size and coat, but when it comes to finding an intelligent, trainable, loyal, and friendly pet, a red-haired golden retriever is just as wonderful as the lighter golden retriever pups that you are probably more familiar with.

Read on for everything you need to know about these dark red golden retrievers.

What Is A Red Golden Retriever?

A red golden retriever is a natural variation within the golden retriever breed, but with a darker coat than most golden retrievers. With a distinctive red hue, the coat is described as mahogany.

Officially, there are only three colors of golden retriever: golden, light golden, and dark golden. The red retriever falls into the last of these categories, but stands out because of the clearly red hue.

For this reason, red retrievers are considered abnormalities and therefore ineligible to participate in dog shows.

Unlike other golden retrievers, whose coats have a tendency to lighten or darken as they age, a red golden retriever will retain its mahogany hair color throughout its life (though you may notice a few gray hairs).

They have the same dark brown or black nose, eyes, lips, and nails as the majority of golden retrievers.

Just like other goldens, their nose and other features can have a tendency to lighten to a pink color in cold temperatures or when they don’t get enough sunlight. This is a natural fading of the pigment common to goldens.

This red coloring is a natural genetic variation within the golden retriever breed. However, the genes that give this color are recessive, and therefore it is also a relatively rare color to see.

OUR EXPERIENCE: Over our lifetime we’ve had three different shades of Golden. Our family Golden Retriever, Kiko was darker and probably would have been considered a Red Retriever. Our second Golden Retriever, Raven was almost white in color often referred to as an english cream golden retriever, platinum retriever, or white retriever. Finally, our lil’ Tank was right in the middle of the color chart and was a lighter shade of gold.

Breed History

Golden retrievers were bred as gun dogs in the Scottish Highlands in the mid-19th century when wildfowl hunting was a very popular sport.

The Scottish elite did not think their existing retriever breeds were quite right for the task of retrieving the fowl.

Improved weapons meant that the retrieving dogs needed to range further to collect game, and they had to be able to retrieve the game from both land and water, as the hunting grounds were pocketed with marsh ponds and rivers.

The man primarily responsible for developing the breed was the 1st Baron Tweedmouth, Dudley Marjoribanks, who had a grand estate near Glen Affric in Scotland.

The breed is a mix of a Tweed water spaniel (now extinct), Irish setter, and bloodhound, which was developed over a period of about 50 years.

Golden retrievers were first accepted by the Kennel Club in 1903, and then exhibited in 1908. They became officially recognized as the breed they are today in 1911.

It took another 14 years for the dog to become recognized in the United States, having been taken there by the sons of Dudley Marjoribanks, after which the breed quickly became popular.

The mahogany coat variation that we see from red retrievers from the Irish setter, also known as a red setter, in which mahogany is a common color.

Differences Between Golden Retrievers And Red Golden Retrievers

While the main difference between standard golden retrievers and red golden retrievers is their color, there are a few other differences to be aware of.

However, it is worth noting that these differences don’t stem from the same genetic markers that cause red retrievers to have their mahogany color.

Rather, red retrievers tend to come from hunting lines, while many other goldens are bred to be pets, service dogs, or show dogs. As a result, different characteristics have become dominant.

Red retrievers tend to be slightly smaller and lighter in weight than other goldens.

Male red retrievers will weigh at the lower end of the 65 to 75-pound range that is standard for golden retrievers, and will be 22-23 inches tall, while standard goldens often grow an extra inch or two.

Female red retrievers will again be at the lower end of the 55- to 65-pound range that is standard for golden retrievers, and tend to be 20 to 21 inches tall, while standard goldens may be an inch taller.

They tend to have a more streamlined and athletic build than other goldens and have a little bit more energy, so need a bit of extra exercise.

This makes red retrievers the smallest of the golden retriever breed.

Their coat is also a little bit different in texture. Like all goldens, they have a short undercoat and a longer outer coat, which allows them to retain heat in cold temperatures.

The overcoat of goldens is feathery around the ears, front of neck, and underbelly. This is part of the reason why they are prolific shedders. 

However, the outer coats of red retrievers are a little bit shorter, which means they shed a little bit less and need a little bit less grooming. However, they are still heavy shedders compared to many dog breeds.

All retrievers need to be groomed at least once a week to keep their coats under control.

Temperament

Aside from having a bit more energy, and therefore enjoying longer and more intense exercise than other goldens, red retrievers have the amazingly friendly and sociable temperament of goldens that make them excellent household pets.

Red goldens are very intelligent, which means they are easy to train, and also have the intelligence and sensitivity to figure out what is required from them without being specifically told.

This is one of the reasons that golden retrievers make great work dogs and are often used in roles like disability assistance.

Goldens are also very food-motivated. This contributes to their trainability, as they will do anything for a tasty treat, but it also means they can have a tendency toward gaining weight if their diet is not correctly monitored.

They bond with humans very easily, which makes them great family pets. But it also means they need to be part of the family. They need to stay inside with the family unit, and cannot be left alone for hours on end without suffering from separation anxiety.

They are great with kids, other dogs, and even strangers, so they aren’t great guard dogs. While they are quite large, they don’t tend to be clumsy, and they have a soft mouth that allows them to pick things up without biting. This means there are rarely accidents at home with children.

They need at least an hour of exercise per day, and lots of mental stimulation. Otherwise, they are intelligent enough to get into a lot of mischief.

One way to curb a golden’s destructive streak is with puzzle toys, which this breed tends to enjoy. Some of our favorite options are listed below.

• Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel Squaky Puzzle Plush Dog Toy
• Kong Extreme Goodie Bone Dog Toy
• Pet Zone IQ Treat Dispenser Ball Dog Toy
• Kong Genius Mike Dog Toy
• Jolly Pets Teaser Ball Dog Toy

Health Issues

Red retrievers share the average life expectancy of golden retrievers, which is around 10 to 12 years.

Sadly, they are also prone to all the same medical conditions that can afflict golden retrievers in later life.

Numerous different cancers are common among goldens. 

So are joint problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia, and hock osteochondrosis. This can severely limit the movement of goldens in their later years, which can make it challenging for them to get the exercise they need. It can also make sleeping become a problem, as the joints sit painfully against surfaces. An orthopedic dog bed will usually be required for senior goldens.

You can find more tips for caring for senior dogs here.

Golden retrievers, including red retrievers, are also predisposed toward eye problems including progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts.

Other common issues include subaortic stenosis, which is an obstruction of the heart ventricle, myasthenia gravis, which is a muscular fatigue disease, and hypothyroidism, which can result in hormonal imbalances.

Restrictions

The only reason you might want to avoid getting a red retriever is if you are looking for a show dog. According to American Kennel Club guidelines, darker red colors are excluded from the ring. Even if they are allowed to compete, they are likely to lose significant points as a result of their color.

This is because dogs must be considered an “example of the breed” in order to take part in the show. Because the red color variation is not considered standard, it is treated as outside the standard of the breed and therefore ineligible to show.

Dogs are also prevented from participating in shows if they have been spayed or neutered. Tail docking and ear cropping, also considered surgical alterations to the appearance of a dog, are also banned in some shows, but the rule is not universal.

Cost

If you are buying a golden retriever puppy from a breeder, you can expect to pay a minimum of $1,000 to get your hands on one of these amazing pups.

However, because red retrievers are much rarer and therefore difficult to come by, you can expect to pay upwards of $3,000+ to make one a member of the family.

UPDATE: While the $1,000 – $3,000 price tag is a fairly common range when buying a Golden Retriever puppy. At the time of this update we are in the middle of the COVID-19 Pandemic and prices for puppies are soaring. While researching Golden Retriever puppies we’ve seen the following pricing from reputable breeders $3,500, $4,000, and $4,300.

You may also be able to find red retrievers that don’t have a home in retriever shelters. You will find a comprehensive list of golden retriever rescues by state listed here.

Considering the size and appetite of red retrievers, you should expect this type of dog to cost you around $1,000 a year including food and medical bills.

The bill in the first couple years might be higher, at around $1,500, to cover additional medical needs such as vaccinations and spaying or neutering.

Adopting A Red Retriever

If you are considering adopting a red retriever, there are a few important questions you should ask yourself to ensure that you are ready for the responsibility:

• Am I ready to take on the responsibility of a dog for the next 10 to 12 years? This is the average life expectancy of a golden retriever.
• Can I afford to pay for the food, medical care, and other expenses associated with a dog for the next decade? Bear in mind that golden retrievers are relatively large dogs and so eat quite a bit. You should expect to spend at least $1,000 per year caring for your dog.
• Can you commit to giving a red retriever the exercise it needs? That means a minimum 45 to 90 minutes per day, and perhaps more on weekends if possible.
• Do you have enough time to give a golden retriever the attention it needs? They are not the type of dog that can be left alone for 10 hours a day everyday while you are at work.
• Do you have people who can look after your dog when you are traveling or in the case of other extenuating circumstances? This could be friends or family, or access to and budget for a local dog care facility.
• Does anyone in your household have a problem with dog hair? Goldens shed a lot, and therefore are not appropriate if anyone in your house has allergies. Regular cleaning will be required to keep the house relatively hair-free, and there will need to be a level of tolerance for at least some dog hair around the home.

FAQs

What Is A Red Retriever?

Red retrievers are golden retrievers with a mahogany coat, as opposed to the more traditional golden coat. This occurs as a natural genetic variation; however, the mahogany-colored genes are recessive, so it is a relatively rare color.

As a result, red retriever puppies tend to be more expensive than other golden puppies. They can be excluded by the American Kennel Club from show competitions.

How Much Do Red Golden Retrievers Cost?

While a standard golden retriever puppy from a reputable breeder should cost around $1,000 due to the relative rarity of red retrievers, you should expect to pay significantly more, perhaps around $3,000 for a new puppy.

What Is The Difference Between A Red Retriever And A Golden Retriever?

The main difference between a red retriever and a golden retriever is coat color. While golden retrievers have a gold-colored coat, red retrievers are a deep mahogany color. 

There are a few other common differences between red and golden retrievers.

Red retrievers tend to be a little smaller, a little more energetic and therefore require more exercise, and have a slightly shorter coat.

This means they shed a little less than golden retrievers, but still much more than many other breeds.

What Are The Three Types Of Golden Retrievers?

The three different types of golden retrievers are known as English, American, and Canadian. The difference between the three variations is very subtle. English goldens tend to have a stockier build than the other two types, and Canadian goldens tend to have the thinnest coats of the lot. English golden retrievers also tend to be lighter in color, and can have a practically white coat. However, the red retriever variation exists within all three types of golden retrievers.

What Are The Different Colors Of Golden Retrievers?

The three different golden retriever colors recognized by the American Kennel Club are golden, light golden, and dark golden. Red retrievers can be considered among the dark golden variation. 

However, they stand out due to the red hues in their coat, which means they are called red or mahogany instead of dark golden. It is this variation that causes red goldens to be excluded from participating in shows, as it is defined as an abnormal variation of the golden retriever breed.

Are Red Golden Retrievers Rare?

The gene that makes golden retrievers red is recessive, which means that it manifests relatively rarely. As a result, it is hard to come across a red retriever pup. For this reason, you can expect to pay three times as much to buy a red retriever than a more common golden pup.

The Verdict

With the distinctively mahogany coat, red retrievers are a natural but relatively rare variation within the golden retriever breed.

Aside from their distinctive color, they are pretty much just like all golden retrievers.

That means intelligent, friendly, and loyal.

However, prepare yourself for an energetic pup that needs a lot of exercise and attention. But they will pay you back in spades with their love and affection.

How about you? Do you have a red Golden Retriever?

Have you owned different colored Goldens? If so, did you notice any differences?

Tell us about your experiences in the comment section below.

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