The perception among many of today's American breeders of Golden Retrievers is that the "English type" Goldens are very different from the American Goldens. However, as breeders, their eyes are keen for such things and can often notice even subtle differences that develop between various American lines. Outstanding examples of American Goldens and outstanding Goldens from overseas are not so terribly different from each other, and carefully combining the types/bloodlines often blurs even the most noticeable of differences. The basic structure, head properties, movement, soundness and temperament called for in the two standards are quite compatible. Variations in type can occur even among littermates, and selection greatly impacts the next generation. A breeder's vision and how they interpret the standard in their country, combined with the type of golden they are used to seeing, can greatly influence their selections, both in the stud dogs they use and which offspring they keep for future breeding. Popular sires and dams can establish a different look in a region, particularly when separated from another region by a vast ocean. Also, a quarantine in one region encourages movement of breeding stock in one direction only. Although the American and British Goldens are a good example of this situation, both are Golden Retrievers through and through and descend from the same foundations. In Great Britain, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, the breed appears generally to be a heavier dog with a flatter croup; broader skull; a deeper, wider muzzle; and with more wavy coats seen. Many Goldens overseas fit this description, however, there are also variations in type among them.
The breed in the US today has a variety of types but is generally a less angulated and somewhat lighter weight dog with a straighter and more profuse coat than its British cousin. Many North American fanciers feel that the overseas bloodlines excel in head properties, balance, and forequarter structure; while the American bloodlines tend to excel in rear quarters, movement, and showmanship.
The Western and Midwestern Canadian Goldens still show significant influence from the American lines, and the Eastern provinces continue to show the influence of previous imports. Also, additional dogs have been imported to Eastern Canada from overseas in the last ten years, which has helped to continue that trend.
