Retrievers play a long-term role in hunting small game. Their main task is to bring the killed game safely to the handler, i.e. to retrieve it. To ensure that the valuable game is not damaged in the process, these dogs are equipped with particularly soft and rounded teeth.
Contents: What you should know about retrievers.
- Retrievers – experts in the tasks after the shot.
- What characterizes a retriever?
- Areas of application of retrievers
- Differences between retriever breeds
- Tests for retrievers
- No tasks for retrievers
- Retrievers - suitability for families
- Conclusion
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Retrievers – experts in the tasks after the shot.
Retrievers, also known as hunting dogs, represent a special group of hunting dogs . They were specifically bred and trained to efficiently find the dead game after the shot and to bring it back safely to their handler.
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What characterizes a retriever?
Retrievers, as their name suggests, were specifically bred to retrieve game. To perform this task reliably, they need powerful carrying capacities, a strong hunting instinct and a strong willingness to bring the killed game back safely.
Whether they are in the field, the forest or the water, when a retriever finds a piece of game, it is second nature for them to pick it up and bring it to their handler. What is particularly notable is their ability to gently hold the game they have picked up, thanks to their fine grip and rounded teeth, to ensure that it is not injured.
Due to their excellent sense of smell and strong will to find, retrievers can also be used to search for injured game. They are characterized by a strong work ethic and excellent obedience. This means that they behave extremely calmly in the hunting stand and carry out their tasks calmly and carefully.
Areas of application of retrievers
Retrievers are highly specialised animals that are specifically used where their skills are particularly in demand, namely when working after shooting small game.
Areas of application are:
- the water work
- hunting feathered game in the field
- the hare hunt
- Lost Search
- Tracking the blood trail
The retrievers have clear areas of application, which allow them to be found primarily in areas with bodies of water and an abundant supply of feathered game.
Differences between retriever breeds
When it comes to hunting skills, the various retriever breeds show little difference. They are all characterized by a strong will to find, impressive retrieving loyalty and exemplary obedience. The differences between them are mainly external.
Because they are family-friendly, retrievers are extremely popular with non-hunters too. The Golden Retriever has excelled in this area and is often considered the preferred choice. As a result, the majority of these dogs are not used for hunting purposes.
Tests for retrievers
- WT – temperament test
- LSP – Long towing test
- BLP – Performance Test
- Jgp/R – Hunting test for retrievers
- SwR – Blood Tracking Test for Retrievers
- JP/R – Youth test for retrievers
- RGP – Retriever Working Test
- PnS – club examination after the shot
- SRP – St. John's Retriever test
- R/SwP – Retriever tracking test
No tasks for retrievers
Retrievers are specialists and therefore unsuitable for many tasks. For example, their size makes them unsuitable for burrow hunting. In addition, they lack the natural predisposition to point and are usually not sharp enough to grab game.
They can be used for scouring to a limited extent, but they have difficulty making progress in particularly difficult terrain.
Retrievers - suitability for families
Retrievers are generally extremely family-friendly animals. They make excellent house dogs, are friendly towards children and fit easily into the family structure. Their gentle nature makes them easy to train and promotes harmonious coexistence.
Conclusion
Overall, retrievers are highly specialized hunting dogs that play an important role in the work after shooting small game. They are characterized by their strong will to find, their pronounced loyalty to retrieve and their good obedience. Although they are suitable for various hunting tasks, their size and disposition mean that they are not suitable for all hunting disciplines. Away from hunting, retrievers are popular house dogs due to their family-friendly and gentle nature and contribute to a harmonious coexistence.
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