You may be thinking of a Golden Retriever, which is a breed that originated in Scotland. American Golden Retrievers and British Golden Retrievers are not separate breeds, but rather different standards within the same breed.
Here's a breakdown of the key differences:
American Golden Retriever
* Appearance: Typically larger, with a more blocky head, broader chest, and straighter legs. They have a slightly more dense coat, and can have a wider range of coat colors, including light cream, red, and darker gold.
* Temperament: Known for their outgoing, energetic, and friendly personalities. They are eager to please and thrive on attention.
* Health: While prone to some common Golden Retriever health issues, American lines are generally considered to be more robust and less prone to hip dysplasia.
British Golden Retriever
* Appearance: Leaner and more elegant build with a longer, more refined head, narrower chest, and slightly more feathered legs. Their coats are often more silky and lighter in color, with a preference for lighter shades of gold.
* Temperament: Known for their calm, gentle, and affectionate personalities. They are more reserved than their American counterparts and are content with quieter activities.
* Health: They are susceptible to some of the same health issues as American Goldens, but are generally considered to be more prone to hip dysplasia.
Key takeaways:
* The differences between American and British Golden Retrievers are primarily aesthetic and temperament-related.
* Both types are highly intelligent, trainable, and make excellent family companions.
* The best choice for you depends on your individual preferences and lifestyle.
It's important to note that these are generalizations, and individual dogs within each standard can vary. You should always meet and interact with a dog before making a decision.