Before owning my first golden, I had no idea there were different types within the golden retriever breed. With a little research, I was surprised to learn that although golden retrievers share a similar temperament, “show golden retrievers” and “field golden retrievers” exhibit differences that might be important to you when choosing which type of golden retriever to add to your family.
A show golden retriever (conformation golden retriever) is the best choice for owners looking for a dog with a certain look that will perform well in dog shows. Their qualities might also make them a better choice as a family friendly pet. A field golden retriever (working golden retriever) is the best choice for owners who want a hunting dog, working dog, or are interested in having their dog take part in agility or dog sport competitions. Overall, both types share a similar temperament and make great family pets.
There are several factors to consider when choosing the right golden retriever. I have owned both a show golden retriever and a field golden retriever and can attest to these unique differences well.
What is the Best Golden Retriever for my Family?
Both types of golden retrievers make an excellent choice as a family pet. The golden retriever breed has a pleasant, fun, and pleasing personality that is sure to bring a lot of joy.
Golden retrievers in general are loving, intelligent dogs, with an intelligence that surpasses most dog breeds. They have a desire to please, which makes them highly receptive to training. In addition, golden retrievers are typically not aggressive or territorial, additional qualities that make them a wonderful pet. It’s important to remember that both types of golden retrievers require a lot of daily attention, including mental and physical stimulation.
Although golden retrievers have more similarities than differences, I’ve found some interesting differences. Check out the table below for a quick comparison of show golden retrievers (conformation golden retrievers) and field golden retrievers (work golden retrievers). These are generalized observations and findings from some of my research. However, each golden retriever is unique and may not fit these descriptions perfectly.
Show Golden Retrievers vs Field Golden Retrievers:
| Show Golden Retriever | Field Golden Retriever | |
| Breeder Purpose | Bred for show quality & looks | Bred to work & hunt |
| Size | Bigger, stockier, solid, broad skull & wide face | Smaller, thinner, athletic, narrower skull & face |
| Color | Range from very light to dark golden | Tend to be a darker golden to red |
| Coat/Shedding | Long, thick, double coat Tail full & feathery Sheds more | Shorter, thinner coat Tail less full Sheds less |
| Energy Requirements | Energetic, especially as puppies under 5 | Highly energetic, over the lifespan |
| Temperament | More social Friendlier Calmer Eager to please | Generally brighter Social Friendly Driven Eager to please |
| Attention Needs | Slightly less mental and physical stimulation Highly dependent on owner | Higher physical and mental stimulation Slightly less dependent on owner |
| Good with Kids & Other Dogs | Yes Tend to be more social | Yes |
| Possible Training | Show Dog Service Dog | Hunting Dog Agility Dog Sports Search and Rescue |
Is a Show Golden Retriever the Best Dog For Me?
Some breeders specifically breed for show golden retrievers based on the breeding standard. In this case, they are choosing breeding factors that will typically perform well in dog shows. Other times, they breed show golden retrievers for their popularity as pets. The majority of golden retrievers you see tend to be at least partly show golden retrievers.
A show golden retriever has the leg up as the best potential type of golden retriever for families. These goldens tend be a bit friendlier, more gentle, a little calmer, and require a little less mental and physical stimulation.
A show golden retriever is typically taller, broader in stature and heavier when compared to the field golden retrievers. They have long, thick, double coats that range from very light to dark golden. With that, comes a gorgeous full, feathery tail and back side. These beautiful coats come at a cost though. You are sure to find clumps of fur all over your home. Frequent brushing and grooming will certainly reduce these rolling fluff balls.
Show golden retrievers might have slightly less energy when compared to their athletic counter parts, but don’t let that fool you. Show golden retrievers are plenty energetic, and in my experience, hold on to their puppy energy until about age 5.
Let’s not forget mental stimulation. In addition to exercise, these highly intelligent dogs require daily stimulation to thrive. A bored golden retriever will quickly find its way to mischief. I can personally attest to this!
If you have the time and energy to devote to a show golden retriever, they make amazing pets for individuals and families alike. The time you spend with them is so rewarding and fulfilling. Their joyful personalities and everlasting “smiles” are sure to brighten up your days!
Is a Field Golden Retriever the Best Dog For Me?
Field golden retrievers make excellent pets as well. In fact, they are known to be generally smarter and less dependent on their owners. This variation in breed is quite similar to the show golden retriever in most ways, minus a few exceptions. Because of their smaller, leaner, athletic build, the variation in breed can handle increased mental and physical stimulation.
In particular, the field golden retrievers have a strong desire and drive to work. This could take shape in several different forms such as chasing a tennis ball, retrieving game, running, jumping docks, etc. If you are ready to take the time offering your field golden retriever daily opportunities to “work” for you, this is the breed that is happy to please you in these situations. This “work” should be both physically and mentally stimulating.
In addition to their smaller stature, field golden retrievers tend to have shorter, thinner fur that is darker in color, paired with a less full tail. The good news is they shed much less overall. You still have to keep up with brushing and grooming but in my experience, the fluff balls you find are minor in comparison to the show golden retrievers.
In general, you will find that field golden retrievers maintain their high energy levels and mental stimulation requirements long term throughout their life. If you are ready to provide these sweet dogs with the stimulation they require, they make fantastic pets.
Which Kind of Golden Retriever Do I Have?
Sometimes the only way to tell which type of golden retriever you have is based on their physical features. Does your golden retriever have long flowy fur, a stockier stature, and a solid blocky head? Then you probably have a show golden retriever.
Does your golden retriever have shorter, thinner, darker fur, with a small, thin, athletic stature and a narrower head? Then you probably have a field golden retriever.
Additionally, keep in mind it’s very possible to have a golden retriever that is a mix of these two types.
Which Type of Golden Retriever Do You Prefer?
Whichever type you have or are looking to add to your family, they both make excellent pets. I have 2 girls and have owned both a show golden retriever and a field golden retriever. In my experience, they have both been a great choice as a family friendly dog and have been wonderful with the kids.
Golden retrievers as an overall breed are intelligent, loving, pleasant, eager to please, and receptive to training, making them great family dogs, assuming you can meet their high energy and attention needs.
How about you. Which type of golden retriever do you have or hope to get? Have you noticed or experienced some of the same differences among show golden retrievers and field golden retrievers?