Retriever dogs are dogs that were originally hunting dogs, being used to collect the piece. In this way, the different breeds that are part of this type are dogs that were initially thought to come in the recovery of killed prey and return it to the hunted. For this reason, they are known as “collection dogs “, since they were in charge of collecting the piece.
Depending on the race in question, their appearance can vary considerably. However, as a general rule they are medium-sized, strong and robust dogs. They tend to have great intelligence and great ability to learn and perform different functions. These types of dogs are included in the first section of Group 8 of the International Iconological Federation (FCI).
The meaning of retriever
Before explaining the different types of retriever, it is necessary to be clear about what the word “retriever” refers to. As we have already said, the function of these dogs was to collect the prey and deliver it to the hunter. They were usually birds, both terrestrial and aquatic.
The English term “retriever” means “someone who retrieves”. For this reason, in their translation into Spanish, they are considered to be “collector” dogs. However, the word retriever has spread throughout the world and in Spanish-speaking countries thanks to the great fame acquired by some dogs such as the Labrador or the golden.
Types of retrievers
Golden retriever
The golden retriever is the most popular of the retriever dogs. It is a wonderful companion animal that is also used in many areas because it is considered one of the most intelligent dogs in the world. For this reason it is used in rescue tasks, in search of narcotics or as a therapy dog.
It is considered the fourth most intelligent dog in the world, which allows it to have the ability to learn many commands and tricks. It is a dog that is characterized by being very sociable and calm. He is perfect for all kinds of families.
A relevant characteristic regarding his personality is that he is a dog that cannot stand loneliness. Needing to always be surrounded by activity and feel part of the family, accompanying the members wherever they are. In fact, loneliness can lead to behavioral problems.
From puppies they are hyperactive dogs, which need large doses of activity. They like to play with humans and other dogs and, although they need space, they can live in any house. In any case, it will be necessary to provide him with all the activity he needs to release his energy.
Labrador retriever
The Labrador retriever is another of the best known and most popular retrievers, which can be found in three different shades of fur, which are black, chocolate and gold. It is a breed of dog that is characterized by being very active, faithful and playful. It is recommended for people willing to maintain an active life and be able to make the animal do the amount of exercise it needs to maintain itself perfectly.
The Labrador is the largest of the retrievers, being able to measure up to 57 centimeters and weigh 36 kilograms in the case of males. The females, on the other hand, are somewhat less small and less heavy. In any case, it always exceeds the average size and weight of the retriever.
It is a strong breed of dog, with an energetic muzzle and scissor bite. It is a dog that protects its family and is a very good caretaker of children. In addition, he gets along well with other animals. His sociable and trusting character, in addition to his intelligence, has made him a very useful dog for older people. It is easy to train.
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a dog that is characterized by being very easy to train and that, by instinct, is always ready to be taught, a dog that requires a high dose of physical activity and is characterized by being cheerful and friendly.
It is an ideal retriever for those who live in rural environments, since it is where you can enjoy greater freedom, which is what you need. In addition, by nature it is a dog that likes water very much, this being one of its most distinctive characteristics compared to other retrievers and dogs in general.
Being one of the smallest retrievers, this dog from Nova Scotia (Canada) is very fast. This makes it suitable even for hunting live animals. In fact, from its origins it was used for hunting ducks or recovering prey on the ice.
They are dogs of a more reserved character than the rest of the retrievers, being more reserved and less social than the rest of the animals of the same type. For this reason it is necessary that from puppies they be helped to socialize with people and animals.
Flat-coated retriever
It is a smooth-haired dog that is also known by the name of Castellan, a dog that is characterized by having a calm and docile character, being much attached to its owners and who loves contact with its owners, spending time with them.
Although it is a dog that has a relaxed character, exercise is essential. This is so that he does not have problems in his behavior and can thus release the energy that he has inside. He is a protective and very loyal dog.
In Spain it is not a very popular dog. It comes from the United Kingdom and resembles the Labrador in terms of appearance. It has dark, brown, or black fur, but is less stocky. It has a more stylized figure, being lighter and more elegant than the rest of the retriever.
Curly coated retriever
The curly coated retriever is a dog with curly hair that is considered the most shy and with a more reserved and less sociable character within the retrievers. Its behavior is similar to the previous one, with smooth hair, liking to spend time with its relatives and owners and with a high need for physical exercise.
These are very intelligent and cheerful dogs, and like other retrievers, they love to be in contact with water.
Chesapeake Bay retriever
Finally, we must refer to the Chesapeake Bay retriever, a dog that has a much more marked temperament than the other five retrievers. He is a particularly protective and intelligent dog, at the same time that he is very suspicious of strangers.
Also, unlike what happens with other retrievers, it is difficult to train it. To avoid possible inappropriate behavior, it is important that he performs a large amount of physical exercise, and it is also necessary to bet on his socialization from puppyhood.
It is the most resistant dog of all the retrievers. It is an extremely hardy dog that is an excellent retriever for hunting, as well as being a very versatile dog that can perform many hunting-related tasks. It is a reserved dog with strangers. This makes it possible for it to display more aggressive behavior than other retrievers.
Due to its hunting nature, it is a territorial and independent dog. However, although they have a strong personality, they can be excellent pets and maintain a good relationship with other dogs and their family. However, for this it is important that they are well socialized from puppies.
