Okay, so, I’ve always been a dog person. And not just any dog person, but a big dog person. I love those giant, fluffy goofballs that take up half the couch and leave a trail of fur wherever they go. For years, I had a gorgeous golden retriever named Sunny. She was my best friend, my shadow, my partner in crime. When she passed away last year, it felt like a part of me went with her.
After a few months, I knew I needed another furry companion in my life. I started browsing online, looking at different breeds, but nothing felt quite right. Then, I stumbled upon a picture of a black golden retriever. I had never seen one before! It was like a regular golden, but with this beautiful, sleek, black coat. I was instantly smitten.

I started digging around, trying to find out more about these unique dogs. Turns out, they’re not a separate breed or anything, just a regular golden retriever with a genetic quirk that makes their fur black. Some folks call them “black goldens” or “flat-coated golden retrievers,” but they’re basically the same lovable goofballs as their golden-colored cousins.
I spent weeks searching for a breeder who had black golden retriever puppies. It was tough, let me tell you. They’re not exactly common. But I finally found a breeder a few states away who had a litter with one little black pup. I contacted her immediately, and after a long chat and a bunch of pictures, I knew he was the one.
I drove for what felt like forever to pick him up. When I finally got there, my heart melted. He was this tiny, wriggly ball of black fur with the sweetest eyes. I named him “Bear” on the spot, because he looked like a little black bear cub.
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Bringing Bear home was a whirlwind.
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He was so curious about everything, sniffing every corner of the house and getting into all sorts of puppy mischief.
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Potty training was, well, a process. Let’s just say there were a lot of accidents and a lot of cleaning supplies involved.
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But slowly but surely, he started to get the hang of it.
Bear is a year old now, and he’s grown into a handsome, energetic dog. He’s got that classic golden retriever personality – playful, affectionate, and always up for a good cuddle. But he also has this unique, striking look that turns heads wherever we go. People are always asking me about his coat, and I love telling them about the special little genetic quirk that makes him so unique.
Raising Bear has been an incredible experience.
He’s brought so much joy and laughter back into my life. He’s my hiking buddy, my movie-watching companion, and my best friend. I can’t imagine my life without him. If you’re thinking about getting a dog, I highly recommend a golden retriever, black or otherwise. They’re truly the best.