Golden Retrievers originated in Europe in the early 1800’s when Lord Tweedmouth bred 2 dogs (A Yellow Retriever and the now extinct Tweed Water Spaniel). The results were 4 light-colored puppies who became the foundation Goldens of all Golden Retrievers in existence today. Down the line cross-breeding integrated the Irish Setter, the Saint Johns Water Dog of Newfoundland, and the Tweed Water Spaniel to create the Golden Retriever we recognize today. 

     The distinction between European and American began with the recognition of the breed in different regions at different times.   The Golden Retriever breed was first recognized in 1911 by The Kennel Club (TKC) in England.    This was followed by the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) recognition that came in the year of 1925.   This is where the distinctions began because breeders in America, and breeders in England and areas of Europe began breeding for whatever traits they preferred.  

   The European Golden has gone by many names,,,  You have heard:   English Cream Golden Retriever, White Golden Retriever, Platinum Golden Retriever, English Creams etc.  These names are used  to FANCY up the title and make the European Golden Retriever seem RARE... When what is important is their genetic health/clearances!

    Elite Euro Goldens breeds Exceptional, CLEAR European genetics,  as we have searched for  lines coming from years of healthy breeding and clearances to continue our breeding program.  Clear of GR_PRA 1&2, ICT, HIPS, ELBOWS, HEART, MD, DM etc.  Our Goldens are already an imported European style or origin of Golden Retriever and that in itself is rare enough as its standards and health can only be found from Europe by top European breeders.  

  There is a lot of unhealthy Champion genetics out there for cheap.  You will spend more at the vet keeping your friend going than what you saved.  This leaves you with an unhappy/broken/cancer ridden dog and a loving owner with a mountain of vet bills and heart ache.  Elite Euro Goldens focuses on Beautiful, HEALTHY Goldens.  Goldens that are not riddled with Genetic defects and cancer.  We are proud to know we are doing our part to better the breed in its entirety!  Producing Happy, Healthy Puppies to go home with satisfied owners.

Standards Of EUROPEAN GR vs.  AMERICAN GR?

    The European Style Golden Retriever 

          -Generally lighter in color but can range from the lightest cream 

                  to most solid dark gold.   (Gold is actually the most popular 

                  color in Europe as cream is in US)

          -Level slope topline. 

          -Broader head width and round level eyes.  

          -Long, protruding neck.  

          -Clean and often trimmed ruff.  

          -Tail is level with the back

          -Overall build is heavier, stockier, dense boned... 

          -Males range in height from: 22 - 24 inches 

          -Females range: 20 - 22 inches.  

          -Average cancer rate 38.8%...  *less than half of the American*

   The American Style Golden Retriever 

          -Generally darker in color but can range from the lightest cream  

                  to most solid dark gold.

          -Topline slopes down a little  

          -Narrower profile that blends into the skull

          -slanted/almond shaped eyes

          -Tail has a slight upward curve

          -Overall build is lean and lightweight

          -Males range in height from: 23 - 24 inches 

          -Females range: 21 - 23 inches..  

          -Average cancer rate 60%...  *over double that of the European*

BREED FACTS:

Temperament: 

   Friendly, Intelligent, 

   Confident, Kind, Reliable

   and Devoted.

Height: 

      Males     22 – 24 in. 

    Females  20 – 22 in.   

Weight: 

       Adult Male    64 – 106 lbs. 

    Adult Female  60 – 81 lbs.   

What were they bred for?

   The Golden Retriever is a large-sized breed of dog bred as gun dogs to retrieve shot waterfowl  such as ducks and upland game birds during hunting and shooting parties, and were named 'retriever' because of their ability to retrieve shot game undamaged. Golden Retrievers have an instinctive love of water, and are easy to train to basic or advanced obedience standards.  They are a long haired-double coated breed, with a dense inner  coat that provides them with adequate warmth in the outdoors, and an outer  coat that lies flat against their bodies and repels water.  Golden Retrievers are well suited to residency in suburban or country environments.  Although they need substantial outdoor exercise, they should be housed in a fenced area because of their instinctive tendency to roam.  They shed copiously, particularly at the change of seasons, and require fairly regular grooming.

Breed History?

   As the breed was accepted in several countries, specifically England and the United States, two major different standards of breeding the Golden Retriever developed.  In 1911, the Golden Retriever breed was accepted in the British Kennel Club (KC) while it was accepted in the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1934.  Throughout time, the Americans took a different standard of breeding to match the preferences of the American market while the British diverted their efforts to suit the European taste.

Are Cream or White-Colored Golden Retrievers Healthier Than Darker Goldens?

   The color of the coat has nothing to do with a dog's health. But ancestry and genetics DO have an effect on health. There is at least a little evidence that, on average, English bloodlines are healthier.  A 1998 study found that 61.8 % of American goldens died from cancers, such as hemangiosarcoma, lymphosarcoma, mast-cell tumors, and osteosarcoma, whereas a 2004 British Kennel Club study found that only 38.8% of goldens from English bloodlines were affected by cancer.  Studies also found that goldens from English bloodlines had an average lifespan of 12 years and 3 months whereas American goldens lived for an average of 10 years and 8 months.  This data does not necessarily mean that an English retriever is immune from cancer and will die only at a ripe old age.  There is plenty of anecdotal evidence of English retrievers dying from cancer and living shorter lives than expected.  

*****  The health of your dog will depend on good breeding lines not on whether it is English or American, cream-colored or toffee-colored. The secret to health and longevity is ultimately a combination of nature and nurture—good genes plus optimal care by responsible owners.