Editing Retriever (section)

{{short description|Dog type}}
{{other uses}}
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[[File:MH_Chesapeake.jpg|thumb|300px|Chesapeake Bay Retriever with duck]]

A '''retriever''' is a [[Dog type|type]] of [[gun dog]] that retrieves [[Game (hunting)|game]] for a hunter. Generally gun dogs are divided into three major classifications: retrievers, flushing [[spaniel]]s, and [[pointing breed]]s. Retrievers were bred primarily to retrieve birds or other prey and return them to the hunter without damage; retrievers are distinguished in that nonslip retrieval is their primary function. As a result, retriever [[List of dog breeds|breeds]] are bred for [[soft mouth]]s and a great willingness to please, learn, and obey.  A soft mouth refers to the willingness of the dog to carry game in its mouth without biting into it. "Hard mouth" is a serious fault in a hunting dog and is very difficult to correct. A hard-mouthed dog renders game unpresentable or at worst inedible.

The retriever's willingness to please, patient nature and trainability have made breeds such as the [[Labrador retriever]] and [[Golden retriever]] popular as a [[Assistance dog|disability assistance dog]]. The outstanding reputation of the retriever has landed both the Labrador and the Golden retriever among the top 10 best dogs for children and families around the world.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.petmd.com/dog/top_tens/evr_dg_top_10_for_kids|title=The 10 Best Dogs for Kids and Families|website=petMD|language=en-US|access-date=2018-12-31}}</ref>