Golden Retriever ranks among the most popular dogs in the US, and there are three subtypes. So, what is a  Canadian Golden Retriever? The history of the Golden Retriever traces back to Scotland. There is a lot to love about Retrievers, such as their intelligence, calm nature, and affection. The Canadian Golden Retriever is still the same breed but has some differences from the other variants. 

What’s a Canadian Golden Retriever?

The Canadian Golden Retriever is a Golden Retriever subtype with a thinner and darker coat than an American Retriever. They are leaner and taller than the British Retrievers. They have several similarities with the American Golden Retrievers, with slight variations in their physique.   

If you intend to get a Canadian Golden Retriever and wonder if they are suitable for your family, understanding the unique characteristics of the dogs can help. Most of the distinct characteristics of the dogs are in their behavior, temperament, size, facial features, coat texture, and color.  

We have compiled exciting and reliable details on the distinct characteristics of Canadian Golden Retrievers that make them different from the other subtypes. The information will help you make a better decision when taking in a Canadian Golden Retriever.

Origin

Contrary to most people’s assumptions, the Canadian Golden Retriever is not native to Canada. They originated from Great Britain when Archie Marjoribanks imported Golden Retrievers to British Columbia.  

The origin of all the Golden Retriever subtypes is Scotland.  

In Canada, Golden Retrievers were all registered as a single breed. Until 1927, someone made a specific reference to Golden Retrievers when they started breeding the Canadian subtype. Golden Retriever became popular in Canada in the 1950s. 

Golden Retrievers have three official subtypes; the Canadian Golden Retriever, American Golden Retriever, and the British Golden Retriever. 

They share several similarities, but the differences also exist in their physique, behavior, coats, health issues, and birth. 

Canadian Golden Retrievers are lean with a thinner and shorter coat than their counterparts. They are calmer than the other Golden Retrievers but are still active and high-energy. They are social dogs, love human company, and prefer to spend most of their time close to their pet parents.  

They are intelligent dogs who are easy to train as they learn skills in record time. If you are looking for an intelligent, active, and affectionate dog, a Canadian Golden Retriever is ideal.

What Makes Canadian Golden Retrievers Different from Their Counterparts? 

Here are the characteristics that set Canadian Golden Retrievers apart from their counterparts. 

Coat 

The Canadian Golden Retrievers coat is the most distinctive characteristic of the dogs. The coat is thinner and has shorter hair than the breed’s trademark dense and lush coats.  

Compared to most short-haired dogs, Canadian Retrievers’ coats are smoother but, at the same time, not as silky as breeds like Irish Setters. Due to the texture of their coats, they tend to shed a lot more than the British Golden Retriever. 

The coats are water-resistant and dense enough to withstand cold. Compared to their counterparts, the feathering is negligible. You will notice that the British and American Golden Retrievers’ neck, tail, and forelegs are feathery. 

This is not the case with the Canadian Retrievers, who have less hair than the subtypes.  

Physique 

Canadian Golden Retrievers are tall and lean. They are strong and muscular, with an average weight of about 60-70 pounds. Some female dogs can weigh slightly less than their male counterparts.  

The heights of both male and female Canadian Golden Retrievers fall between 22-24 inches. The Canadian Retrievers are taller and thinner than the British and American subtypes.  

If you love Golden Retrievers and are looking for a taller dog, the Canadian subtype is a good option. 

Color 

Golden Retrievers’ coats have various shades of gold. While their coats accept many shades of gold, they usually have a tawny Golden color like the British Golden Retriever. Their hair is also darker than that of the American Golden Retrievers.  

Most Canadian Golden Retrievers have Golden and lustrous coats with white hair on the chest. Additional shades caused by age, such as white and gray hair, are usually not faulted. Any dog with other shades like black is not a Canadian Golden Retriever. 

Facial Features 

Canadian Golden Retrievers have well-defined and broad faces. They have dark eye rims that set their eyes apart. The color of their eyes is usually not lighter than the shade of their hair; most of them have dark brown eyes. 

Their ears are shorter than the British and American Golden Retrievers and lay flat. 

Behavior 

Compared to the American Golden Retriever, Canadian Golden Retrievers are calm.  

While they may not be as active as their American counterparts, they are still high-energy dogs. They require regular sprints and long-distance walks to stay happy. They love to spend time in open spaces where they can fend off their energy.  

Due to their high activity level, they are great for families with kids as they make great playmates; they play fetch and swim pretty well. If you have Canadian Golden Retrievers, let them run around in your yard and take them to parks.  

Temperament 

All Golden Retrievers are loving and affectionate dogs. The Canadian Golden Retrievers are particularly protective of their families. They are gentle with children and know how to play their role as protectors. 

They are friendly and calm with other pets, especially if they grew up together. 

They are social and friendly even to strangers, but they can be aggressive when they sense danger due to their protective nature. They thrive where there is a human company and wag their tails when they are together; they will also follow you around the house.  

They are very charming, and owners often find a hard time leaving them for errands. They are also great companions when you need to uplift your mood. Their affection is more than the other subtypes, and they quickly become your best friends. 

Your Canadian Golden Retriever could overthrow your human best friend. 

Intelligence 

Canadian Golden Retrievers’ intelligence will sweep you off your feet. Training them is a breeze, and they will learn almost everything from how to watch the baby when sleeping to moving items and even opening doors.  

You will enjoy training your dog as they learn new skills very quickly. 

Birth 

Canadian Golden Retrievers’ gestation period is shorter than American Golden Retrievers. They give birth much more effortlessly than their counterparts; they deliver an average of 7 puppies, and their pregnancy lasts about 63 days. 

Cost 

On average, the cost of a Canadian Golden Retriever is between $500-$3000. If you get a dog from the champion bloodline, you could spend $6000. 

Where you buy your dog matters; for instance, buying from a reputable breeder may cost more due to the brand, pedigree registration, and other breeding expenses.  

When calculating the cost of purchasing a Canadian Golden Retriever, consider the cost of ownership: medical costs, food supplies, grooming supplies, and pet accessories, among other items.  

Maintenance Requirements 

Canadian Golden Retrievers are still high maintenance regardless of their short and thin coat. They shed a lot, and regular grooming is necessary to keep your furniture and home clear of their hair.  

To maintain the aesthetics of their coat, brush their hair daily. The texture and density of their coats make them prone to knots, mats, and debris. To keep the problem at bay, do regular grooming. 

To prevent them from sheltering disease-causing bugs and foul odors.  

Health Issues 

Canadian Golden Retrievers are prone to medical conditions such as obesity when they lack physical exercise. 

They can also suffer from hip dysplasia, common among big dog breeds, and Von Willebrand Diseases, which causes a lot of bleeding, even in minor injuries.  

Keep in mind the risk of developing the conditions and schedule regular checkup appointments with a veterinarian. Their lifespan is about 11 years.