Most waterfowlers will agree that a trained retriever is a fantastic hunting partner. They provide companionship in the blind, and when the action is hot, they quickly find birds that might have otherwise been lost. The water dog is a complement to any duck hunt.

Waterfowl retrievers come from a variety of sporting dog breeds, but the good ones have common characteristics, including great noses for scent, love of water, athletic stamina and intelligence. Training develops them into steady, attentive hunters with excellent marking abilities and control. Let's review a few of the most common duck dog breeds.

Labrador Retriever
The Labrador retriever is an excellent all-around retriever for upland birds, waterfowl and family companionship. The Lab is America's most popular dog, according to American Kennel Club registrations. The breed offers a variety of colors: black, yellow and chocolate. Originally imported from the United Kingdom, Labs were quickly adopted by American hunters because of their water-resilient coats, webbed feet and powerful bodies, which are ideally suited for retrieving, flushing game, tracking and even search and rescue.

Known for their intelligence and ease of training, these dogs have a pleasant temperament, which endears them to hunters and families alike.

Golden Retrievers
Revered for their beautiful coats and charming personalities, Goldens are America's second most popular breed. Fantastic as a family dog, Goldens may still be found in the duck marsh and upland fields. Hunters should select Goldens only from proven hunting lines. Unfortunately, some Golden lines have compromised hunting instincts and cold hardiness as breeders emphasized confirmation... Read Full Article