A retriever is a type of gundog that retrieves game for a hunter. Generally gundogs are divided into three major classifications: retrievers, flushing spaniels, and pointing breeds. Retrievers were bred primarily to retrieve birds or other prey and return them to the hunter without damage. Although spaniels and some pointing breeds routinely retrieve game, and many retrievers are skilled in finding game, retrievers are distinguished in that non-slip retrieval is their primary function. As a result, retriever breeds are bred for soft mouths and a great willingness to please, learn, and obey. A soft mouth refers to the willingness of the dog to carry game without damaging it. "Hard mouth" is a serious fault in a hunting dog and is one that is very difficult to correct. A hard-mouthed dog renders game unpresentable or at worst inedible.
The retriever's willingnes to please and trainability have made retrievers such as the Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever popular as assistance dogs.
American Water Spaniel
Boykin Spaniel
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Corded Poodle
Curly-Coated Retriever
Flat-Coated Retriever
Golden Retriever
Irish Water Spaniel
Labrador Retriever
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Portuguese Water Dog
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