Do you love Golden Retrievers but find their usual color a little too light for your taste? If so, a dark Golden Retriever might be the perfect pup for you!
These special dogs are just like regular Golden Retrievers in terms of personality and temperament, but their coat is a rich, deep golden brown instead of the typical lighter golden hue.
These purebred dogs are absolutely stunning, and they make great family pets. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the darker Golden Retrievers, from their history and origins to their care and exercise needs.
Read on to learn more about this unique breed!
Table of Contents
Different Colored Golden Retrievers
A coat of glorious colors is one of the many things that make Retrievers so special.
While their coats may seem like they are one solid color, look closer and you’ll see they’re actually made up of a variety of different hues.
From deep golden tones to lighter shades, these dogs are truly a sight to behold.
And, as if their stunning coats weren’t enough, they also have beautiful eyes that range from light brown to green.
Cream
Cream Golden Retrievers are commonly referred to as English Cream Golden Retrievers, and they are pure white.
English Golden Retrievers have rounder eyes than other Golden Retrievers, only adding to their beauty and charm.
Cream-colored Golden Retrievers are not recognized by the AKC (American Kennel Club), but that doesn’t make them any less stunning!
Red
Red Golden Retrievers are a beautiful and unique color variation of the popular breed.
While they are not as common as the traditional Goldens, they are just as loved by their owners.
They originate from Ireland, where a Golden Retriever was bred with an Irish Setter.
They have a deep, red coat color, matching that of the Irish Setter.
Classic gold
The standard Golden color is classic gold. They are not too light and not too dark. This is the most common color of this breed and is probably the one that springs to mind when you think of Goldies.
Light
These dogs are very similar to standard Golden Retrievers. Light Goldens are in between the cream and the standard.
Are there black Golden Retrievers?
No, there is no such thing as a black Golden Retriever. A dog that looks like a black Golden Retriever is not a purebred Golden Retriever at all!
What are the Three Types of Golden Retrievers and their Colors?
There are three official types of Golden Retrievers: Canadian, English, and American.
Canadian
A Canadian Retriever is usually leaner than the other two. The Canadian Golden Retriever is also often taller. This dog often retains the golden color that is typically associated with the breed, but Canadian Retrievers can also be dark, red or cream.
American
American Golden Retrievers are more honey-colored. Therefore, American Golden Retrievers are true to the typical golden color.
There are variations, with some light-colored Goldens running around the dog parks as well.
English
English Golden Retrievers are more cream-colored; they are the lightest of the Golden Retriever colors.
History Of The Dark Golden Retriever
The history of this color is shrouded in mystery. It is unknown exactly where or when this breed originated, but there are several theories.
One theory suggests that the dark Golden Retriever is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Cocker Spaniel.
Another theory suggests that the breed is a mix of several different Retrievers, including the Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Chesapeake Bay Retriever.
Whatever their true origins, these darker Retrievers are relatively new to the United States; the first documented case of one being born in America was in the early 1990s.
Because of their relatively recent origins, not much is known about the early history of dark Retrievers. However, it is believed that they were originally bred for hunting and retrieving game birds, just like their lighter-colored counterparts.
Today, they are still used for hunting and retrieving, but they also make excellent companion animals and service dogs.
Thanks to their gentle nature and trainability, Golden Retrievers that are dark in color are increasingly popular as therapy dogs and emotional support animals.
If you’re considering adding a dark Golden Retriever to your family, be prepared for a lot of love (and hair)! These dogs are famously loyal and affectionate, and they thrive on human companionship.
They are also very active dogs who need plenty of exercise; a daily walk or run is essential, along with some off-leash playtime in a safe area.
Are they recognized by the Golden Retriever Club (GRCA)?
The GRCA was founded in 1938, soon after the breed was officially recognized by the U.S. American Kennel Club.
The GRCA does not currently recognize dark Golden Retrievers as a separate breed.
This does not mean that they aren’t beautiful and perfect dogs!
Pricing Of Darker Golden Retriever Puppies
If you’re looking for a dark in color Retriever, you’ll need to be ready to pay a bit more than the average price for Golden Retrievers.
On average, dark Retrievers cost about $200-$300 more than more traditional colors of the breed.
This is because they are still considered a relatively new and rare breed variation. While the initial investment may be higher, many owners find that the dark Golden’s unique temperament and appearance are well worth the extra cost.
How To Determine The Future Coat Color Of A Retriever Puppy?
One of the most common questions new Golden Retriever owners have is, “What color will my puppy’s coat be?”
Although all Golden Retrievers have coats that are shades of gold, there is a wide range of colors that these dogs can have.
The color of a Golden Retriever puppy is determined by its parents’ coat colors.
As noted above, there are four main types of Retriever coats: cream, light golden, dark golden, and red golden. Light Golden Retrievers tend to have coats that are more yellow in color, while dark retrievers have coats that are browner in color. Red Golden Retrievers have coats that are somewhere in between the two extremes.
So, if you are wondering what color your Golden Retriever puppy’s coat will be, take a look at their parents’ coats.
If both parents have light golden coats, then it is likely that your puppy will also be lighter colored. If both parents have darker golden color coats, then your puppy will probably follow suit. And if one parent is light and the other dark, your puppy could end up with either type of coat!
Of course, there is always the possibility that your puppy could end up with a coat color that is different from their parents’ colors. However, this is not very common.
FAQs
What are dark Golden Retrievers called?
Unfortunately, there is no official name for this color variation.
No matter what you call them, these dogs are sure to turn heads and make a lasting impression. Canadian Golden Retrievers usually have the darkest shade.
What is the rarest color Golden Retriever?
Red Golden Retrievers are the rarest color of the four. In fact, red Golden Retrievers are so rare that they are often mistaken for another breed entirely.
Are dark Golden Retrievers more expensive?
The answer is typically yes. This is due to the fact that they are considered a rarer coloration of the breed. Therefore, breeders often charge more for them.
However, the actual cost will vary depending on the breeder and litter availability.
Barks In The Park has all the information you need on expenses when buying a new pup.
Conclusion
Golden Retriever colors can vary from cream to dark brown and red.
Overall, dark golden color Retrievers are beautiful, loyal dogs that make great companions. Just like other colors of Goldie, they’re relatively easy to train and care for. These cuddly canines are good with children and other pets; dark Retrievers are just like any other types of Golden Retrievers, with no difference in personality or size.