A breed of dog specifically trained to retrieve game birds and other items for hunters. Also refers to any dog or person who retrieves things.
From 'retrieve' (Old French 'retrover', meaning to find again) plus the agent suffix '-er'. The term became specifically associated with hunting dogs in the 18th century when these breeds were developed.
Golden and Labrador retrievers were originally bred to have 'soft mouths' - meaning they could carry delicate game birds without damaging them, a trait that makes them naturally gentle with children and objects today. Their webbed toes were specifically developed for swimming after waterfowl!
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