I wish a could locate some authoratative information on the development of English Creams, but I've had no luck. I would enjoy researching their development and history, and maybe I'll find that information some day. But I can tell you this based on my own experience and the experience of those people who have been lucky enough to own an English Cream Golden Retriever: You'll never own a better dog.
Goldens are wonderful dogs in general. They are one of the top three smartest dogs, they are popular family dogs and their intelligence and trainability allows them to be wonderful service dogs. I've seen websites for breeders of tradition golden retrievers that state English Creams are just another golden retriever, the only difference is their coat color. The inference is that people are unneccessarily paying more for English Creams and are not getting value for their money.
English Creams are different than traditional Goldens. They are more calm and gentle, even as puppies. There is a difference in behavior, starting as early as three weeks old. Their confirmation is stockier, the coat tends to have more curl, they tend to have blockier heads and they mature faster both in behavior and physically. It is more common for a full English Cream to look fully developed at one instead of two. They train easier and play more gently with people, they take correction VERY seriously. They still maintain the hunt instinct and love of water and the always famous tennis ball. I believe that English Creams have taken all the best of the Golden Retriever to a whole new level.
The only critisism I have of the English Creams is that they can be too submissive and easily intimidated when young and should be extensively socialized as much and as early as possible. I don't believe an English Cream would do well in an angry or tense household. They can be very sensitive to your moods, require a gentle training hand, lots of love and sometimes, lots of reassurance. This is more common in the males over females.
