Retrievers

Retrievers are gun dogs that retrieve game for hunters. Gun dogs are typically divided into three different groups: Pointing dogs, flushing dogs and retrievers. (link for each of these)Retrievers are bred to bring back prey or retrieving dummies.

They are fun to work with because they love to please. Most retrievers are soft mouthed dogs, but some are hard mouthed as well. The term “soft mouth” refers to the act of willingly bringing the bird back without biting into or attempting to chew on the bird. Having a “hard mouth” is an undesirable trait that is often hard to correct. Breeding dogs that are soft mouthed is the goal for retriever breeders.

Retrievers as Hunting Dogs

Retrievers are the dog of choice to bring back waterfowl. They have coats that make them more resilient to cold water than many other dog breeds. Climbing in and out of water to please their owners is what many retrievers live and love to do. Retrievers also love to hunt upland game as well, and many retrievers (mostly Labrador) are taught to hunt upland birds such as the Ruffed Grouse, Woodcock and Chukars, although Pheasants are usually the bird of choice that these hunters seek. Watching a Lab in action with his tail wagging and nosing out the ground to find the bird is a joy. Getting the bird is many times second to watching the dog work at what he loves best. These dogs love approval, and you can almost see them smiling when accomplishing the task at hand. Hunters often play fetch with their dogs in and out of water to the enjoyment of all.

In recent years, many retrievers have been bred also to be pointing dogs.  Pointing Labs are growing in popularity. These dogs have been developed by both nurture and nature to point and retrieve upland birds. Pointing labs are becoming increasingly popular with hunters.  Labs are easy to train, love to please and are great at retrieving the downed birds.

Retrievers as Family Dogs

Retrievers are generally good family dogs. The Labrador Retriever and the Golden Retriever  are among the top ten best dogs for kids. Many of these breeds also can be used as dogs for people that have disabilities, aka therapy dogs. These breeds love to please, and positive reinforcement (link to training retrievers)  is helpful in getting the most out of their desire to be loved. Kids who have been brought up with retrieving dogs love to throw retrieving devices (link) and have their dogs bring the object back, eagerly awaiting the next throw.

Retriever Breeds

If you want both a family dog and a great hunter, some of these breeds may serve both purposes. Check out each of these breeds to find out which best suits your individual purpose. Some of the characteristics you want to look for in a retriever are breeding (pointing or retrieving stock), temperament, size and color. Get what you want,  as the dog you pick may be around your house for the next ten years or so.

• Chesapeake Bay Retriever
• Curly Coated Retriever
• Flat Coated Retriever
• Golden Retriever
• Labrador Retriever
• Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Some of the characteristics you want to look for in a retriever are such things as: Breeding (pointing or retrieving stock), temperament, size and color. Get what you want, the dog you pick may be around your house for the next ten years or so.