The Coat and Color of the Golden Retriever
The coat of this awesome breed is dense and waterproof. Its love and affinity for water is thus an advantage. The coat may be straight or somewhat wavy. The American Kennel Club (AKC) standard accepts a coat that is “rich and of a lustrous golden that is of various shades”. Coats that are very light or very dark are basis for disqualification according to breed standards. The judge’s discretion is what decides whether the coat color is acceptable or not in conformation shows. (unfair don’t you think?) “Pure white” and “Red” are unacceptable colors for the Golden’s coat, but only for shows. It does not make them any less beautiful! The Kennel Club in the UK allows cream as an acceptable coat color. Goldens with pink noses, or those lacking pigment in certain areas are also disqualified. Sometimes a mahogany color is seen is Goldens. This type of Retriever is referred to as a “redhead”. This is not accepted in the British show ring, but interestingsly enough as a Golden Retriver grows older, its coat can become darker or lighter depending on individual development. The fur may become white as well on and/ or around the muzzle. Puppies are usually much lighter than adults. A darker coloration at the tips of the ears may be a sign that the puppy will grow into a darker Golden color. Whatever color a Retriever becomes, it is nevertheless a stunning breed!
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