English Goldendoodles

[Native New Yorker]

I was curious as to what the difference was between an English Goldendoodle and a  "regular" goldendoodle so I asked a breeder her opinion.  She provided this information and I wanted to know your opinions:

Europian or English Cream Goldendoodles are called this because the Golden Retriever is a Europian type and many of them have been imported here from Europe.  The breed standard for Golden Retriever's in Europe and other countries is different than in the US.  There are several differences and prices are higher because of these differences and the demand for them.

1. They have a calmer more easy going temperament.

2. They have a thicker more dense coat that doesn't seem to shed quite as much.

3. They have shorter legs and a broader head and a shorter broader nose and a stockier more dense chest and body build.  This gives the Goldendoodle a much more balanced look when combined with the long legged, long nosed, sleek poodle.  

4. They can be much lighter in color, thus the name English Cream.

When you combined these qualities in a Goldendoodle you get a wonderful Teddybear appearance in a VERY calm and extremely loving temperament.  This is just a little of what people love about the English Cream.  

I'm still researching but the more info I receive the harder it is to make my decision.  So far, I'm leaning towards a F1b mini Goldendoodle.  I was also leaning towards a red coated doodle but now.......Thanks in advance for your help.

[Jacque Reynolds]

As far as the "Teddybear" name to the Goldendoodle, I think you are right. In fact, the person who first coined that name has posted on various forums about the fact that others don't have the "right" to use "Teddybear" in their Doodle description. That, of course, is not part of this discussion...but I mention it to verify that Todd is correct in that the marketing of the English "Teddybear" Godlendoodle is just that, clever marketing.
As far as the differences between English and American Golden Retrievers, they are different. English being more stocky...almost Lab looking...but with the longer coat of a Golden. The white color was considered a fault and so they were not allowed in most kennel clubs. Wikipedia has a pretty good comparison and history: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Retriever
I also want to mention that the temperament seems to be the same in both the English and American lines...but, as Todd says, a good breeder does not rely on the breed alone to establish a good temperament because there can be bad temperaments in all breeds. Careful selection comes from much more than selecting a particular region or breed.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Before there were "Teddybear Goldendoodles", there were "Teddybear Schnoodles", lol!

[Adina P]

Agreed. It is also my understanding that the "English" is often used interchangeably (and not always accurately) with a golden retriever from show lines. Show line goldens, I hear, apparently are the calmer and stockier variety because that is preferred in conformation shows. On the other hand, like Jane said, field goldens are lankier and more athletic looking and more high energy...and tend to be the darker red variety.

[Mustard Seed Ranch]

Very well put Todd! Thank you, I agree totally...and April is correct too!!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Labrador retrievers who are bred for conformation, also sometimes referred to as English or European Labs, are also stockier and have shorter legs than Labs bred for field work, often referred to as "American" Labs.
It should also be remembered that it is possible to breed for too much bulk & bone, which is not a healthy thing structurally. We are always hearing criticisms of the practices of show breeders who breed toward a standard and often create health problems. Well, exaggerating any feature, or breeding strictly toward blocky heads, massive bone, etc, is the same thing, and I would hope doodle breeders are not doing what so many doodle owners criticize in purebreds.

[April Cliber]

Amen! Well said!

[Jacque Reynolds]

It would be interesting to see the English Golden Retriever standing next to the American Golden Retriever. I do think that we would notice a difference in build, but I am not convinced that their coats are less likely to shed nor that they have better temperaments, as mentioned below the matter of a good temperament is subjective and related more to the parent than to the breed as a whole.
No doubt that they are great dogs. I am not disputing that, but I just don't think that there is any evidence to substantiate the claims made about them.

[Sue Z. + Finley]

Our Finley is an F1 English Goldendoodle. He was 64 lbs. at his vet visit yesterday and I think he has the lean body type of a poodle. When his coat is trimmed down he looks more blonde, but he does have golden tips on his ears, body, and tail (he's not completely white as some are). The groomer tells me his coat is more hair-like and wavy compared to doodles with the curlier, dense wool coats (F1's compared to F1b's). This type of coat makes him very easy to groom because his coat has not matted. He is shedding quite a bit now, but it may be that he is losing his puppy coat. Up until now he did not shed very much.

I'm not sure about them having a calmer temperament, because at almost 11 months he is still VERY puppy-like much of the time. Maybe it's because he's male and has ADD just like my DH (haha). However, he is about the sweetest thing in the world to us. I'm sure whichever type you choose, you will be very happy with your Goldendoodle puppy.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

If you pick a great breeder that health tests and meets other "good breeder" requirements (I know you have read our discussions on that subject), I honestly do not think you could go wrong with a mini f1b, regardless of english vs. american. Honestly! Be comfortable with your breeder and if you are certain they are responsible and honest, you should get a healthy, happy, well adjusted pup.
The day you bring him/her home, you won't second guess your decision (red vs. cream vs. apricot, etc...). You will be in love.

[Jacque Reynolds]

Great comment Allyson, thanks for posting it!
A good breeder makes all the difference...in fact, a good breeder can even match a puppy personality to suit your family. (Sometimes people are definate about a puppy that they want...until they meet them...and the one I select for them is always the one they fall in love with...so quality breeders really do make a huge difference!)

[Carol Brand]

Pure marketing....

Here are web sites of top winning Goldens in both the US and UK. You will see that the heavier boned/coated, show type is very consistent between the two countries:

http://www.highmarkgoldens.com/highlights.htm
http://www.retrievers-catcombe.co.uk/boys.html

The super light, almost white Goldens are actually not in accord with the written standard. The standard in the UK calls for a Golden's color to be: Cream, Gold or Golden. It is a "Golden Retriever" after all.

I think in the end this is a case of breeders selling buyers the idea that European is somehow better than American.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

And besides, who wants a cream-colored Golden Retriever? Isn't part of the appeal of these dogs the Golden part?