Technically, the white golden retriever isn't anything. It's a term that has been used loosely sometimes to refer to a golden retriever mix that may end up being quite close to white. It's important to note though the golden retrievers don't come in white. There is no such thing as a pure white golden retriever.
There is a European Golden retriever however. Sometimes, the white golden retriever can be confused with this. Typically, it will be referred to as an English cream Golden retriever. Again, this is not a dog that is pure white. A purebred Golden retriever simply cannot be white. The color can vary significantly however. It can be a light cream, gold, possibly mahogany or even close to red.
Some breeders will take a golden retriever and mix it with another dog creating a white dog. Some breeders may even attempt to label this a white golden retriever and sell it to you. It's a fallacy. It doesn't exist. Goldens cannot be as white as the pure driven snow.
The danger here is that you might be fooled into thinking did you do have a white golden retriever. That's not the end of the world, but you may have ended up paying for something that you really didn't get. And that's not very nice. Again, the upfront cost the dog is a pittance compared to what it cost her over dog long-term, but what if you want to register this dog show it?
If you look on the AKC website, or the website belonging to the CKC or one of the British kennel clubs, you will find no reference to a white golden retriever. So if you think that's what you got, and you got a purebred Golden, or think you do, and you decided you want to show it you won't be able to do so. That is to say you won't be able to register it.
That could be a very frustrating and humiliating event. This is why it's important to understand these different terms. A little knowledge goes a long way. However, if you have an English cream then you do have a true golden. There are some differences, however they are mostly in appearance and have very little to do with the nature of the dog.
An English cream Golden retriever as differences in the size of the head, the length of its for, the placement of his years, and a few other things of this nature. But they are all generally a aesthetic and nothing more. So they would make a fine family dog, you could show them and exhibit them at dog shows, and you can register them with the AKC or another kennel club.
It's important to note in this instance as well however that they would not do well in an American dog show. And not simply because while they are still registrable, they technically fall outside of what is required for an AKC Golden retriever.
If you're in Europe.the different story. They fit perfectly with what the British film clubs look for. It's also worth pointing out that it is a white-ish dog that you want, but still golden retriever, then this would be an excellent choice. There is a light cream but they are so light that they are very close to white.
It's also worth pointing out however that concentrating on the color of your dog is probably not the main criteria you should be thinking about. The dog is a lifelong investment, a member of the family, and should be treated as such. You should select a dog based on your lifestyle, your physical activity, whether or not you are home, and the needs of your family. This is much more important in the long term than the color of your dog you.
Now that you know the differences no one will be able to fool you. So best of luck selecting the dog that suits your lifestyle in suit your needs.