Do short-haired golden retrievers exist? There are two trains of thought about this breed, and it depends on who you ask.

Some claim that dogs perceived as short-haired golden retrievers are mixed-breed. A Labrador retriever/golden retriever mix can have many characteristics of a golden but inherit the short coat of a Labrador.

Breed Overview

Others insist that some golden retrievers simply have shorter than average fur but aren’t a distinct breed. The dogs deviate from the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) standards for purebred golden retrievers.

Wherever you stand on this debate, you can probably agree that “short” is a relative term. Different golden retrievers have varying coat lengths. So, let’s put our differences aside and learn more about this popular breed.

Golden Retriever Characteristics

The Earliest Records of Short-Haired Golden Retrievers in History

Golden retrievers date back to the 1840s when a Scottish aristocrat set out to create the ideal hunting dog. Lord Tweedmouth oversaw decades of crossing Irish setters, bloodhounds, tweed water spaniels, and other breeds to develop a working retriever.

The breed’s coat length was likely a consideration during its evolution. Tweedmouth wanted a dog that could withstand Scotland’s weather and wet environments. By 1908, the breed had developed into the dog we know today.

How Short-Haired Golden Retrievers Gained Popularity

Golden retrievers were consistently popular with bird hunters who wanted an adaptable and agreeable companion. It wasn’t until the 1970s that golden retrievers became popular household pets in the U.S. President Gerald Ford inspired other dog lovers by welcoming a female golden retriever to the White House. Liberty was a well-liked pup that received a lot of fan letters. White House staff would reply with a personalized “paw-tograph,” a photo of Liberty that included a stamp of her paw print.

Liberty captured the nation’s attention when she gave birth to a litter of puppies in 1975. Looking back at the photos, it appears that Liberty and her offspring had relatively short fur. Some might consider her to have been a short-haired golden retriever.

Formal Recognition of Short-Haired Golden Retrievers

The AKC registered its first golden retriever in 1925. However, the organization does not recognize short-haired golden retrievers as a separate breed.

DNA plays a significant role in a dog’s coat length, but so do other factors. “Short” doesn’t necessarily equal “better.” A poor diet, digestive issues, chronic health conditions, and hormonal imbalances can affect a golden retriever’s fur.

Top 3 Unique Facts About Short-Haired Golden Retrievers

1. Golden Retrievers Remain Popular in the U.S.

Based on AKC registrations, golden retrievers have been among the top five most popular breeds since at least 2013. Short-haired golden retrievers may appeal to owners who want the breed’s intelligence and pleasant personality with less shedding.

2. The Sitcom Full House Featured a Golden Retriever

Comet was the Tanner family’s beloved pet. The character made his debut in season three of the show. The spin-off series Fuller House featured some of Comet’s offspring.

3. A Golden Retriever Hasn’t Won the Westminster Dog Show (Yet)

The breed came oh-so-close to winning Best in Show in 2020. Daniel took first place in the Sporting Group but lost the top award to a standard poodle. Daniel has a long flowing coat and is not a short-haired golden retriever.

Does a Short-Haired Golden Retriever Make a Good Pet?

There’s a reason why the breed expanded from skilled hunting dogs to household pets. Goldens are a friendly and outgoing breed that does well with people and other dogs, regardless of their fur length. Training is easy as golden retrievers are eager to please their owners. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy.

Traditional golden retrievers have a medium-length double coat. They shed a lot and require frequent brushing, but goldens with shorter hair may shed less. Turning your golden retriever into a short-haired version may be as simple as a grooming appointment.

Conclusion

Short-haired golden retrievers are not a breed recognized by the AKC. Dogs assumed to be goldens with shorter hair may actually be golden/Labrador mixes. The breed as a whole is known for its agreeable and friendly personality. The adaptable dog is a skilled hunter but does equally well as a house pet, and you can consider a golden/Labrador mixed puppy if you want a dog with a shorter coat.

• See Also: 20 Short-Haired Dog Breeds: Minimal Maintenance (With Pictures)

Featured Image Credit: idahoharleydude, Pixabay