retriever
retriever, any of several sporting dogs bred and trained to retrieve game. Retrievers are characterized by water-resistant coats, a keen sense of smell, and βsoftβ mouths that do not damage game. See Chesapeake Bay retriever; curly-coated retriever; flat-coated retriever; golden retriever; Labrador retriever; Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever.
This article was most recently revised and updated by Adam Augustyn.
Citation Information
Article Title:
retriever
Website Name:
Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher:
Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published:
13 September 2020
Access Date:
November 14, 2026