The Golden Retriever is one of the most beloved breeds in the world, known for its luscious golden coat, friendly demeanor, and intelligence. However, some Golden Retrievers have a unique twist – they are born with a white coat. These dogs are often referred to as “white Golden Retrievers,” but what are they really called? In this article, we will delve into the world of white Golden Retrievers, exploring their history, genetics, and what they are officially known as.
A Brief History of Golden Retrievers
Before we dive into the world of white Golden Retrievers, it’s essential to understand the history of the breed. The Golden Retriever was first bred in Scotland in the late 19th century by Lord Tweedmouth, who wanted to create a dog that was both beautiful and skilled in retrieving game. The breed was developed by crossing a yellow-colored Flat-Coated Retriever with a Tweed Water Spaniel (now extinct). The resulting puppies were intelligent, friendly, and had a thick, golden coat.
The Emergence of White Golden Retrievers
As the breed evolved, some Golden Retrievers began to exhibit a white coat. This was due to a genetic variation that affected the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for the dog’s coat color. The white coat was not a result of albinism, but rather a natural variation that occurred within the breed.
Genetics of White Golden Retrievers
So, what causes a Golden Retriever to be born with a white coat? The answer lies in genetics. Golden Retrievers have two types of melanin: eumelanin and pheomelanin. Eumelanin produces black and dark brown colors, while pheomelanin produces red and yellow colors. The interaction between these two types of melanin determines the dog’s coat color.
In the case of white Golden Retrievers, they have a genetic variation that affects the production of eumelanin. This variation is recessive, meaning that a dog must inherit two copies of the gene (one from each parent) to express the white coat. If a dog inherits only one copy of the gene, it will not be white, but it can still pass the gene to its offspring.
The Role of the Extreme White Gene
The extreme white gene is responsible for the white coat in Golden Retrievers. This gene is a variant of the MC1R gene, which codes for the melanocortin 1 receptor. The melanocortin 1 receptor plays a crucial role in the production of eumelanin, and the extreme white gene causes a reduction in the production of this pigment.
The extreme white gene is recessive, meaning that a dog must inherit two copies of the gene to express the white coat. If a dog inherits only one copy of the gene, it will not be white, but it can still pass the gene to its offspring.
What Are White Golden Retrievers Called?
So, what are white Golden Retrievers officially called? The answer is not as simple as it seems. While they are often referred to as “white Golden Retrievers,” this term is not recognized by kennel clubs or breed associations.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes the Golden Retriever breed, but it does not recognize a “white” variant. According to the AKC breed standard, Golden Retrievers can have a cream, golden, or dark gold coat, but not white.
The Golden Retriever Club of America (GRCA) also does not recognize a “white” variant of the breed. However, the GRCA does acknowledge that some Golden Retrievers can have a white coat due to the extreme white gene.
English Cream Golden Retrievers
Some breeders and owners refer to white Golden Retrievers as “English Cream Golden Retrievers.” This term is not officially recognized by kennel clubs or breed associations, but it is often used to describe Golden Retrievers with a light cream or white coat.
English Cream Golden Retrievers are not a separate breed, but rather a variation of the Golden Retriever breed. They are known for their light coat color, which can range from a cream to a white.
Health and Temperament of White Golden Retrievers
White Golden Retrievers are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. Some of the health issues that can affect white Golden Retrievers include:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Cancer
- Heart problems
In terms of temperament, white Golden Retrievers are known for their friendly, gentle, and intelligent nature. They are highly trainable and make excellent family pets.
Do White Golden Retrievers Make Good Family Pets?
White Golden Retrievers can make excellent family pets, especially for families with children. They are gentle, patient, and loving, making them a great addition to any family.
However, as with any breed, it’s essential to socialize and train your white Golden Retriever properly. This will help them become a well-adjusted and well-behaved member of your family.
Conclusion
In conclusion, white Golden Retrievers are a unique and beautiful variation of the Golden Retriever breed. While they are not officially recognized by kennel clubs or breed associations, they are still a beloved breed among many dog owners.
Whether you call them white Golden Retrievers or English Cream Golden Retrievers, these dogs are known for their friendly, gentle, and intelligent nature. They make excellent family pets and are a great addition to any family.
If you’re considering bringing a white Golden Retriever into your family, make sure to do your research and find a reputable breeder. With proper care and attention, your white Golden Retriever can live a happy and healthy life.
| Coat Color | Genetic Variation | Recognized by Kennel Clubs |
|---|---|---|
| Golden | Interaction between eumelanin and pheomelanin | Yes |
| White | Extreme white gene (recessive) | No |
| Cream | Interaction between eumelanin and pheomelanin | Yes |
Note: The table above summarizes the different coat colors of Golden Retrievers, the genetic variation responsible for each color, and whether each color is recognized by kennel clubs.
What are White Golden Retrievers called?
White Golden Retrievers are often referred to as “English Cream Golden Retrievers” or “Cream Golden Retrievers.” This is because they have a lighter coat color than the traditional Golden Retriever, which is due to a genetic variation that affects the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for hair color. The term “English Cream” is often used to describe this lighter coat color, which can range from a creamy white to a light gold.
It’s worth noting that the term “White Golden Retriever” is not a recognized term by kennel clubs, such as the American Kennel Club (AKC), which recognizes only three official colors for Golden Retrievers: golden, dark golden, and cream. However, the term “English Cream Golden Retriever” is widely used by breeders and owners to describe this lighter coat color variation.
What causes the white coat color in Golden Retrievers?
The white coat color in Golden Retrievers is caused by a genetic variation that affects the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for hair color. This variation is the result of a mutation in the MC1R gene, which codes for the melanocortin 1 receptor. This receptor plays a crucial role in determining the amount and type of melanin produced in the hair follicles. In Golden Retrievers with the white coat color, the mutation leads to a reduction in the production of eumelanin, the type of melanin responsible for black and dark brown colors.
The resulting coat color is a lighter shade of gold, which can range from a creamy white to a light gold. The exact shade of the coat color can vary depending on the individual dog and the specific genetic variation present. However, in general, the white coat color in Golden Retrievers is the result of a reduction in the production of eumelanin, rather than an absence of melanin altogether.
Are White Golden Retrievers rare?
White Golden Retrievers are relatively rare compared to traditional Golden Retrievers. This is because the genetic variation that causes the white coat color is recessive, meaning that a dog must inherit two copies of the mutated gene (one from each parent) to express the white coat color. If a dog inherits only one copy of the mutated gene, it will not express the white coat color, but it can still pass the gene on to its offspring.
As a result, White Golden Retrievers are less common than traditional Golden Retrievers, and they may be more difficult to find. However, many breeders specialize in breeding English Cream Golden Retrievers, and they may have a higher incidence of the white coat color in their breeding stock. If you’re interested in getting a White Golden Retriever, you may need to do some research to find a reputable breeder who has experience with this color variation.
Do White Golden Retrievers have any health problems?
White Golden Retrievers are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health problems. One of the most common health issues in Golden Retrievers is hip dysplasia, a genetic condition that affects the hip joint and can lead to arthritis and mobility problems. White Golden Retrievers can also be prone to eye problems, such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy, which can cause vision loss.
It’s also worth noting that White Golden Retrievers may be more prone to skin problems, such as skin cancer and sun damage, due to their lighter coat color. This is because they have less melanin in their skin, which provides natural protection against the sun’s UV rays. However, with proper care and attention, White Golden Retrievers can live long, healthy lives. Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and plenty of exercise can help to prevent or manage many of the health problems that can affect this breed.
Are White Golden Retrievers recognized by kennel clubs?
White Golden Retrievers are not recognized as a separate breed by kennel clubs, such as the American Kennel Club (AKC). However, the AKC does recognize the “cream” color variation in Golden Retrievers, which includes the lighter shades of gold that are characteristic of White Golden Retrievers. The AKC breed standard for Golden Retrievers describes the acceptable colors for the breed as “golden, dark golden, and cream.”
While White Golden Retrievers are not recognized as a separate breed, they are still eligible to compete in dog shows and other events sanctioned by kennel clubs. However, they must be registered as Golden Retrievers, rather than as a separate breed. This means that they will be judged according to the breed standard for Golden Retrievers, rather than a separate standard for White Golden Retrievers.
Can White Golden Retrievers be registered with kennel clubs?
Yes, White Golden Retrievers can be registered with kennel clubs, such as the American Kennel Club (AKC). However, they must be registered as Golden Retrievers, rather than as a separate breed. To register a White Golden Retriever with the AKC, the dog’s breeder must provide documentation of the dog’s pedigree, which includes information about the dog’s parents and grandparents.
The AKC will then review the pedigree to ensure that the dog meets the breed standard for Golden Retrievers. If the dog is found to be eligible for registration, it will be assigned a registration number and will be eligible to compete in dog shows and other events sanctioned by the AKC. However, the dog will be registered as a Golden Retriever, rather than as a White Golden Retriever.
Do White Golden Retrievers make good family pets?
Yes, White Golden Retrievers can make excellent family pets. They are known for their friendly, gentle, and patient nature, which makes them a great match for families with children. They are also highly intelligent and easy to train, which means they can learn to obey commands and behave well in a variety of situations.
White Golden Retrievers are also highly social dogs that thrive on attention and interaction with their human family members. They love to play, go for walks, and engage in other activities that allow them to spend time with their owners. With proper care and attention, White Golden Retrievers can make wonderful companions for families who are looking for a loyal and loving pet.