Top 10 Yellow Dog Breeds: Diverse Shades of Yellow & Personalities
“You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy when the skies are gray. You'll never know, dear how much I love you…”
If these lines by Jimmie Davis remind you of your shiny golden furball of joy, you have found the right blog to be your guide for everything about yellow dog breeds. When you think of yellow or golden dogs, Retrievers and Labradors come to mind, quite obviously due to their dominance over social media. Also, who can forget about the famous photo of a retriever posing with a butterfly on its muzzle? But there are so many other adorable breeds out there to parent.
This blog will discuss the top 10 yellow or golden dog breeds with their features.
Top 10 Golden Dog Breeds & Their Traits
The shades of yellow can vary from almost white to faded fawn in these breeds. Surprisingly, their yellow fur results from recessive genes that cause freckles and fair skin in humans. So, you are more related to your dog than you can think. Now, let’s focus on these yellow hues of joy and find out more about them:
1. Golden Retriever 
Golden Retriever coats range widely from fawn to burnished auburn gold. They have a heavy double-layer coat, which is water-resistant. Their coat works like insulation in water and helps them swim even in cold water without freezing.
These dogs were originally bred for hunting. Hence, they need a little exercise daily to stay happy and active.
- Group: Sporting
- Height: 23 to 24 inches (male), 21.5 to 22.5 inches (female)
- Weight: 65 to 75 pounds (male), 55 to 65 pounds (female)
- Energy Level: High
- Physical Characteristics: Silky smooth double coat, floppy ears, muscled body, strong and broad head, straight muzzle, etc.
- Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
2. Labrador Retriever
Labradors are one of the most popular breeds worldwide due to their joyful nature. They are also highly intelligent and hardworking. Their easy adaptability makes them a popular choice for police or service dogs.
- Group: Sporting
- Height: 22.5 to 24.5 inches (male), 21.5 to 23.5 inches (female)
- Weight: 65 to 80 pounds (male), 55 and 70 pounds (female)
- Energy Level: High
- Physical Characteristics: Short, dense double coat, glimmering eyes, broad head, wide muzzle, sturdy stature, rigid body and legs, etc.
- Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
3. Corgi
Corgis are short and stubby and come in various colors, but yellow is the most common shade. Corgis were originally bred as herding dogs. Thus, they are highly intelligent and energetic. Due to their stubborn nature, corgis must be trained and socialized properly from an early age.
- Group: Herding
- Height: 10 to 12 inches
- Weight: 24 to 30 pounds
- Energy Level: High
- Physical Characteristics: Mid-length double coat, fox-like head and face, short and stubby, double coat, deep chest, triangular ears, etc.
- Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
4. Chow Chow
Chow Chows look like adorable mini lions with their mane-like fur around their neck and shoulders. These dogs are known for their lively personality, energetic nature, and cleanliness. Due to their excessively thick fluffy coating, they require extra care and grooming to keep up their best appearance.
- Group: Non-Sporting
- Height: 17 to 20 inches
- Weight: 50 to 75 pounds
- Energy Level: Medium to low
- Physical Characteristics: Lion’s mane-like ruff around shoulders and neck, iconic black and blue tongue, wrinkly skin, small perky ears, etc.
- Lifespan: 8 to 12 years
5. Carolina Dog
Carolina Dogs, commonly known as “yellow dogs,” is a native to the American Southeast. They closely resemble the dingos and can be seen running around in packs. They are smart and active dogs who can be exceptional companions for hunting and other outdoor activities.
- Group: NA
- Height: 17.75 to 19.5 inches
- Weight: 30 to 55 pounds
- Energy Level: Moderate to High
- Physical Characteristics: Foxlike snout, perky ears, sturdy stature, thick tail, deep chest, etc.
- Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
6. Jindo
Jindo, the national dog breed of Korea, was originally a hunting dog breed. They are comparatively wittier than other breeds and exhibit a majestic demeanor. Since they are highly intelligent, they can be difficult to train if not started early. They are highly loyal to their families.
- Group: Hunting
- Height: 18 to 22 inches
- Weight: 30 to 50 pounds
- Energy Level: High
- Physical Characteristics: Sickle-shaped tail, straight ears, well-proportioned sturdy build, short double coat, etc.
- Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
7. Shiba Inu
Shiba Inu originated in Japan and are known for their loyalty, just like their other type, Akita Inu. They were previously used as hunter-dogs and were brought to America from Japan over 60 years ago. They have a friendly demeanor and are energetic.
- Group: Non-Sporting
- Height: 13.5 to 16.5 inches
- Weight: 17 to 23 pounds
- Energy Level: High
- Physical Characteristics: Muscular build, perky ears, triangularly set eyes, feline agility, shirt curled up tail, etc.
- Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
8. Shar-Pei
Shar-pei, originated from China and used as a guard dog there, are known for their wrinkly faces. They appear to be thicker and fatter than they actually are due to their extra wrinkly skin. They also need extra care and grooming to stay healthy and active.
- Group: Non-Sporting
- Height: 17 to 20 inches
- Weight: 35 to 44 pounds
- Energy Level: Low
- Physical Characteristics: Broad muzzle, black-blue tongue, sunken eyes, wrinkly skin, tapered-high tail, etc.
- Lifespan: 8 to 12 years
9. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are the smallest dog breeds yet the most energetic ones. Their shades vary greatly from reddish tan to buttery yellow. They can have both long or short coats. They require moderate maintenance and sheds minimally.
- Group: Toy Dog
- Height: 6 to 9 inches
- Weight: 2 to 6 pounds
- Energy Level: Moderate-High
- Physical Characteristics: Short or long coat, short legs, fluffy curled-up tail, perky ears, rounded head, luminous eyes, etc.
- Lifespan: 12 to 20 years
10. French Mastiff
Popularly known as French Mastiff, Dogue de Bordeaux is a gentle giant. They would choose the couch over a hike any day. They also make excellent guard dogs. However, they have relatively shorter lifespans and are prone to health issues as they age.
- Group: Working
- Height: 23 to 27 inches
- Weight: 99 to 110 pounds
- Energy Level: Medium
- Physical Characteristics: Rich fawn coat, undershot jaw, large build, droopy ears, long tail, wrinkly skin, etc.
- Lifespan: 5 to 8 years
Takeaway
Yellow dog breeds come in a range of personalities and shades. Whatever shade of golden they are, their worth is no less than gold in their parents’ lives. In exchange for their valuable addition of lots of love, joy, and face-licks in your life, they ask for undivided attention, care, grooming, and lots of treats.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some popular yellow dog breeds?
Some popular dog breeds include Labrador Retriever, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, French Bulldog, Black Mouth Cur, Cairn Terrier, and Golden Retriever.
Are yellow dog breeds a separate group or classification?
Yellow dog breeds are not a separate group or classification. They are classified based on their coat color.
Do yellow dog breeds have specific personality traits?
Yellow or golden coat dogs belong to different breeds. Hence, they have different personality traits.
Are yellow dog breeds considered hypoallergenic?
Some yellow dog breeds are considered hypoallergenic, while some are not. It depends on their breed.
What is the grooming requirement for yellow dog breeds?
Irrespective of their coat color, every dog breed should be groomed and cleaned regularly to be at their best health and hygiene.
Are yellow dog breeds good family pets?
Dogs from various breeds can be good family pets, irrespective of their coat color.
Can coat color influence a dog's behavior?
Coat colors usually do not influence a dog’s behavior. But there can be exceptions such as Labradors. Chocolate retrievers get irritated when ignored and are more excited than black retrievers. On the contrary, they are less likely to be easily trained than both black and yellow dogs.
Where can I find a yellow dog breed for adoption?
You can visit your nearest or any shelter to adopt a yellow dog breed. They usually have plenty of dogs in need of care and affection. It is always recommended to adopt pets rather than to buy them.
Do yellow dog breeds have any health concerns associated with their coat color?
It is unusual at first to link coat color with health issues. However, studies have found that coat color can be connected with genetics to cause health issues. Hence, getting your pet to a vet for regular checkups or if you notice any unusual behavior is advised.
