Retrievers - Breeding, Training and Work

Retrievers are gundogs and have won a well-known reputation as family dogs over the last few years. Still, their main purpose is to retrieve downed game from land and water. We all agree on the importance of selecting a breeding dog based on their hunting ability, temperament and health.

For years breeders have tried to breed retrievers not only for hunting but also for other purposes (such as rescue dogs or sporting dogs) to keep their main characteristics: hunter, hard workers, will to please, steadiness and a superior smell.

We have been talking to careful selected people who are willing to share their year long experiences, opinions and desires. Each interview gives us an exclusive and unique insight into their opinions and is combined with a selection of personal photos.

Some personal thoughts about the series of interviews:

During the last 11 years that I have been part of the retriever world I realized again and again how difficult is it to get in touch with the real long time experienced retriever trainers / -breeders / -judges, from whom one could learn the most. The more experienced they become, the more humble they occur and the more these people pull back from the public. These my observations were the reason why I attempted to bring closer to us "normal people" the views, approaches and consolidated findings of these experienced retriever folks; to us who are still looking for our own path. May these insights help all of us along our way, either toward a well-trained hunting dog or toward plenty of healthy talented retriever offspring.

Happy reading!

Jarka Svenka