Dark Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers rank fourth in popularity in the United States and it is very easy to understand why. Goldens are friendly and energetic, quick learners, loyal, and they have the sweetest personalities of almost any dog around. What many people do not realize, however, is that not all Golden Retrievers are golden. A Golden Retriever can range in color anywhere from the palest champagne beige to pure black.
In between those color extremes, Golden Retrievers can be found in shades of gold, light to dark brown, chestnut brown-red, deep mahogany reddish brown, and brown so dark it stops just short of black. English Golden Retrievers are stocky with short sleek fur and tend to be lighter in color, although dark pups are not unusual in litters of English Goldens by any means. American Golden Retrievers tend to have more natural color variation. Breeding for color is difficult, so in any given litter of Golden Retrievers, a few dark pups may show up. This is a perfectly normal and natural occurrence.
Dark Golden Retrievers are no better or worse than pale Golden Retrievers. However, the AKC standard is pale to medium gold for American Goldens and very pale gold for English Golden Retrievers. This means that a Dark Golden Retriever is not the right choice for anyone who wants to show the dog. Dark Golden Retrievers can make wonderful family pets or hunting companions and have all the positive personality traits of their paler cousins.
Another way that a Dark Golden Retriever can get that dark coloration is by having some Labrador relatives. Labradors and Goldens share many common characteristics. Both were bred to hunt and fetch small game, and both love to be outdoors and love to be with people. Both have water resistant fur and both learn quickly. Recently a trend toward mixed breed dogs has become very chic. Since Labs tend to be darker in color, a Lab/Golden Mix will usually be a bit darker.
Lab/Golden Mixes are often called Goldradors or Goldrador Retrievers. The AKC calls them Golden Labradors. Lab/Golden mixes have the best traits of both breeds and may be every bit as expensive as a purebred dog, especially when professionally bred. Never buy a purebred dog or a ‘designer’ dog mix like a Goldrador from a pet store or a classified ad.
Always buy from a reputable breeder, and make sure your dog has been screened for genetic defects like hip dysplasia. Many professional breeders now specialize in hybrid designer dog mixes, and many of these kinds of dogs have been bred for generations, even though they are not yet considered to be a separate breed in their own right.
Ultimately, the color of Golden Retriever you choose is a matter of taste and purpose. Few people buy dogs as show dogs, so chances are good that if you have your heart set on a Golden Retriever you will be as happy with a dark Golden Retriever as with a pale one.
While there are no significant differences in physical and personality traits associated with coat color, Dark Golden Retrievers and lighter Golden Retrievers all have unique characteristics that should be carefully considered before taking one home. Goldens of any coat color need lots of exercise and lots of human interaction. Dark Golden Retrievers will not be happy sitting alone in a fenced in backyard; they want to be where the people are.
Goldens of all colors also need lots of exercise. They train easily, but they do need human direction and instruction. They are very intelligence but they won’t automatically know what you want unless you teach them.
Obedience training in the first year is highly recommended for Dark Golden Retrievers because of their size and active nature. Large dogs can be very difficult to manage on walks or outings when not properly trained. Obedience training helps both the owner and the dog to get the most out of their time together.
Finally, Dark Golden Retrievers with long hair must be brushed regularly and professionally groomed at least two or three times per year to stay looking and smelling nice. They do shed, so if allergies are an issue, another breed might be more appropriate.
