A retriever is a type of gun dog that retrieves game for a hunter. Generally gun-dogs are divided into three major classifications: retrievers, flushing spaniels, and pointing breeds. Retrievers were bred primarily to retrieve birds or other prey and return them to the hunter without damage.

The Labrador Retriever (also Labrador, or Lab for short) is one of several kinds of retriever. They have webbed paws for swimming, useful when they retrieve their prey, hence the name retriever. The Labrador, once known as the Lesser Newfoundland, is the most popular breed of dog in the world.

The Golden Retriever is a breed of dog, historically developed as a gundog to retrieve shot waterfowl and upland game birds during hunting and shooting parties.They possess a friendly, eager-to-please demeanor, and are the 4th most popular family dog breeds in the world. The temperament of the Golden Retriever is a hallmark of the breed and is described in the standard as "kindly, friendly and confident".