Black Golden Retrievers: Do They Really Exist?
Black Golden Retrievers every now and then, someone swears they saw one. A dog that looks exactly like a Golden Retriever — the floppy ears, the goofy grin, the long feathery tail — except the coat is solid black. And of course, the internet goes wild with posts like: “Omg, I just saw a Black Golden Retriever at the park! Is this real?”
If you’ve ever had that moment of confusion, you’re not alone. People everywhere are fascinated by the idea of black Golden Retrievers. But here’s the deal: purebred Golden Retrievers don’t come in black. They just don’t. Their genetics say “gold only.”
So why are people seeing what looks like black Golden Retrievers? Let’s break down the myth, the science, and the real breeds behind the mystery.
1. Why Do People Think Black Golden Retrievers Exist?
The main reason is simple: lookalikes. Golden Retrievers share ancestors with another breed called the Flat-Coated Retriever, and these dogs can easily be mistaken for black Golden Retrievers.
Both breeds have:
- Floppy ears
- Kind, expressive eyes
- Long, feathery tails
- A silly, affectionate personality
At first glance, if you don’t know retriever breeds very well, a Flat-Coat looks exactly like a “black version” of a Golden. And since Goldens are so popular, people assume that’s what they saw.
The other reason? Mixes. A Golden Retriever mixed with a Labrador, Flat-Coated Retriever, or German Shepherd can look very much like a Golden but with a black coat. These dogs often get called black Golden Retrievers even if they’re technically mixed-breed.
2. The Genetics of Golden Retriever Colors
Let’s talk science for a second. Purebred Golden Retrievers only come in shades of gold. From nearly white cream to deep reddish-gold, but still… gold.
That’s because Golden Retrievers carry the “e/e” genotype at what’s called the E locus (the extension gene). This genetic combo blocks black pigment from showing in their fur.
👉 Translation: Golden Retrievers literally cannot grow a black coat.
Even if you breed two dark red Goldens together, you’ll just get darker gold puppies, not black. So when you see black Golden Retrievers, they aren’t true purebreds — they’re either lookalikes (Flat-Coats) or mixes.
3. Meet the Flat-Coated Retriever: The “Black Golden”
If black Golden Retrievers were real, Flat-Coated Retrievers would be the closest thing. They’re basically cousins of Goldens.
Flat-Coated Retrievers were developed in the 1800s in the UK, around the same time Goldens were being bred. They share common ancestors, which explains why they look so similar.
Differences you’ll notice:
- Flat-Coats are usually slimmer and slightly taller.
- They only come in black or liver (dark brown).
- They’re known as the “Peter Pan” of retrievers because they stay puppy-like much longer.
So next time someone tells you they saw black Golden Retrievers, odds are it was actually a Flat-Coated Retriever.
4. Golden Retriever Mixes That Look Black
Now, here’s where things get fun. While pure Goldens can’t be black, mixes can absolutely look like black Golden Retrievers.
Some common crosses include:
- Golden + Labrador: Black is a dominant Lab color, so many “Golden Labs” come out looking like black Golden Retrievers.
- Golden + Flat-Coated Retriever: This mix often produces dogs nearly identical to Goldens, but with black fur.
- Golden + German Shepherd: These mixes sometimes resemble retrievers but carry darker or black coats.
Many of these mixes still carry the sweet Golden personality — goofy, loyal, affectionate — but their coat color depends on the other parent.
5. Have There Ever Been Pure Black Golden Retrievers?
There are always rumors floating around about breeders who “once had a purebred black Golden.” But according to the American Kennel Club (AKC) and The Kennel Club (UK), this isn’t recognized.
The official breed standards are clear: Golden Retrievers must be a shade of gold. Black simply isn’t in their gene pool.
So if a breeder is advertising black Golden Retrievers and charging more for them as “rare,” 🚩 it’s probably a scam or mislabeling. What they’re selling is either a mix or another retriever breed.
6. Personality: Are Black Golden Retrievers Different?
Whether you’re looking at a Flat-Coated Retriever or a Golden mix, the personality is very much in line with what people love about Goldens.
Traits you’ll usually find:
- Super friendly with strangers
- Playful and energetic
- Eager to please
- Intelligent and trainable
Flat-Coats tend to be more hyper than Goldens, while Lab/Golden mixes are famously mellow and family-friendly. Either way, black Golden Retrievers (or their stand-ins) are loving, goofy dogs that fit well in active households.
7. Why the Black Golden Retriever Myth Won’t Die
Honestly, it makes sense why this myth keeps popping up:
- Social media: Flat-Coats often go viral as “black Golden Retrievers.”
- Rescues: Mixed retrievers are listed as Golden mixes, even when black.
- Assumptions: Since Labs come in yellow, chocolate, and black, people think Goldens must too.
But remember: Goldens are golden. That’s it.
8. Should You Get a Black Golden Retriever Lookalike?
If you’re in love with the idea of black Golden Retrievers, your best bet is either adopting a mix or considering a Flat-Coated Retriever.
Flat-Coats are less common than Goldens, so finding one might take time, but they’re amazing dogs for active families. Golden mixes (especially with Labs) are very common in shelters and rescues, and they make fantastic companions.
Just remember: if someone is trying to sell you a “purebred black Golden Retriever,” walk away. But if you’re open to mixes, you can definitely find a dog that looks like a black Golden Retriever and still has that lovable Golden spirit.
FAQs About Black Golden Retrievers
Do purebred Golden Retrievers come in black?
No, purebred Goldens only come in shades of gold.
What are black Golden Retrievers I see online?
They’re usually Flat-Coated Retrievers or Golden mixes.
Can Golden Retriever mixes be black?
Yes, especially if mixed with Labs, Flat-Coats, or Shepherds.
Are black Golden Retrievers rare?
Pure ones don’t exist. If you see one for sale, it’s likely a scam or mislabeling.
Do Flat-Coated Retrievers act like Goldens?
Yes! They’re playful, affectionate, and goofy — just more energetic.
Why can’t Goldens have black coats?
Their genetics (the e/e genotype) block black pigment.
Are black Golden Retrievers recognized by the AKC?
No. The AKC only recognizes gold shades.
Where can I adopt a dog that looks like a black Golden Retriever?
Check rescues for Golden/Lab mixes or look for Flat-Coated Retrievers.
Do black Golden Retrievers shed as much as Goldens?
Yes — whether it’s a mix or a Flat-Coat, you’ll still be vacuuming dog hair.
Are black Golden Retrievers healthier than regular Goldens?
Not necessarily. Health depends on breeding, not coat color.
References
- American Kennel Club (AKC) – Golden Retriever Breed Standard
- The Kennel Club (UK) – Golden Retriever History
- AKC Flat-Coated Retriever Breed Information
- UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Lab – Coat Color Genetics in Dogs
- Stanley Coren, The Intelligence of Dogs
we have many helpful blog post about Golden Retriever, you might want to check them out.
Golden Retrievers in Hunting and Field Work
Golden Retriever Barking Too Much? Here’s What to Do
From Pulling to Polite: Leash Training Your Golden Retriever
