Golden Retriever dogs can make wonderful companions for the family. Retrievers may come in many different coat colours too, but the Golden was named because of their attractive gold coloured coat.
But you may be wondering if it is normal for your Golden Retriever to have white markings on their coat, or even be in other shades of gold or even a little bit of red. It’s quite interesting to learn about the different coat colours and markings that dogs can have.
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What’s More Common: All White Retrievers or Goldens with Markings?
There are retrievers that can be all white, but it’s actually more common for a purebred golden retriever to have some white markings on them too. These white markings are inherited from the dog’s parents, as part of their genetics. White markings on these dogs was more common in the past.
Over the years, breeders have done their best to create all-golden coloured retriever dogs. It can be difficult to do that though, as breeders have little control over whether the white markings will show up, and may not even be seen when the dogs are puppies. The two parents may be all-golden, but it’s hard to know what the grandparents’ coats may have been like.
Should I Be Concerned Over White Markings?
If you’ve adopted your golden retriever to be a member of your family then no, it doesn’t matter at all what colour they may be. The markings aren’t tied into dog diseases at all. Your golden retriever dog will not be susceptible to diseases just because they have a slightly different coloured coat. The genes for diseases are not tied in with coat colours on a dog.
And a few markings will make your dog unique and easily identifiable. Your dog certainly doesn’t have the hang-ups that humans do about how everyone looks! All they care about is spending time with you, and being happy and healthy.
You may also be concerned if your golden retriever puppy is a purebred dog, as you were told he/she would be, and you may have paid a lot of money for the puppy.
White markings on a golden retriever are normal, and are not any indication that your puppy is a mixed breed. So you don’t have to worry about that. Your golden retriever may even have other colours and markings mixed in too!
What Are Normal Markings on Golden Retrievers?
About fifty years ago, Golden Retriever dogs had many markings on their coats. Over the years, breeders have done their best to create fully golden dogs. In a way it’s a shame because markings make a dog unique, just like a calico or tabby cat looks different to each other.
Even two purebred parents can create puppies that have white markings on them. And if you’re concerned that your dog doesn’t have the white markings, then don’t be, as this is normal too.
There is a myth that if Golden Retrievers have white markings on their coats that they have been bred with a Collie. Most of the time this is simply not true. In fact, if these two dogs are bred together, they are going to create puppies that are of a darker colour, sometimes even black. These collie retriever mixes are completely different.
What Are the 3 Mains Types of Golden Retrievers?
There are actually three different types of golden retriever dogs. These are based on region and are called American, Canadian, and English. Each of these types will still has mainly gold in their coats, but they can still each look different too.
You should also be aware that puppies may have different colours in their coats that change as they grow and get older. What your puppy looks like now may be completely different when they’re fully grown up.
While most of these three types may have some white markings showing up on them, it’s more common to see these markings in the American or the Canadian retrievers.
If you’re searching for a puppy with white markings then keep this in mind. Or, you may want to wait and adopt an adult dog instead, as you can then see their wide range of golden coats with white markings.
Do All Golden Retrievers Have White Markings?
If you have your heart set on a golden retriever with white markings, then no, not all golden retrievers will have them. It is rare but they do occur. Your chances are higher if you adopt a dog from Canada or the USA though.
Where Will My Dog Have the White Markings?
The white markings will generally be within their fur and on any part of their bodies. They’re rarely pure white, and more of a cream colour. It will be simply a few patches of white at random on your dog’s coat.
You’ll be surprised to learn that white markings actually don’t disqualify your dog if you want to show them at dog shows because this is can be rare, but normal for this breed.
It’s also common for your golden retriever dog to have no pigment on his/her nose, or to even lose it over time. This often happens during the winter, when it gets colder. When the warmer weather comes, your dog’s nose will darken in colour again This is actually not even related to the white markings on their coat but is something you should be aware of.
Once you learn all about golden retriever dogs you’ll be excited to adopt one for your own. This breed makes a great companion for the entire family. They are easy to train, and don’t have as many health issues as some of the other breeds.
You may be surprised to learn that they can have different markings on their golden coats which is totally normal, much like a tabby cat has different patterns too. In fact, you’ll have fun petting your dog and seeing how unique they truly are!
