The one-dog sportsman will have to look far before he finds anything better for his purpose than a Retriever. Of the two varieties, the flat-coated and the curly, the latter demands little notice, as, for some reason or other, he is not much in demand, popular taste inclining to the former. Youatt speaks of Newfoundland dogs having been brought to Europe and used as retrievers, and there is no doubt that we must go back to this breed to find the early parentage of the dog under discussion. The Setter, too, has helped in the making.

His Work

His work is quite apparent from his name, but Mr. Harding Cox tells us in British Dogs that his helpmates have had not only to fulfil the role of Retriever proper, but also that of Setter, Spaniel, and Sleuth-hound. Much skill and patience are required in the breaking of a Retriever puppy, but it is well worth the trouble.

His Points

Head long, terminating in a muzzle moderately large, but free from lippiness; skull flat and fairly wide; ears V-shaped and set close to head; eyes dark brown; neck long and muscular; shoulders clean and set obliquely, with deep chest and not too much spring of rib; fore-legs straight, hind-legs with stifles fairly bent; thighs and second thighs full of muscle; quarters also muscular; coat flat, long, and thick. Colour a glossy black.