All the retrievers were originally bred to retrieve prey, most often birds and return it to the hunter without damage. That is why all of them have soft and gentle mouth. Because they were often retrieving birds, such as ducks, they must be great swimmers and indeed, all of them love water. Great fact about all the retrievers is, that they are intelligent and most importantly, extremely eager to please, which makes them highly trainable companions. They are definitely not as stubborn as other hunting breeds, for example spaniels or pointers. And now lets jump into the list of all Retriever dog breeds.


1) Labrador Retriever
I will rank the Retrievers based on their popularity. And the most popular retriever and well most popular dog breed in the world is the famous Labrador Retriever. I will be honest, it is my favourite dog breed as well, i love their friendly, playful, yet eager to please and highly trainable personality. The Labrador is very empathetic and adaptable.

They are better suited for more active people, especially when they are younger, they will be always ready for any kind of an adventure. Labradors are also the number one service dog breed for blind people, which proves their high trainability and eagerness to please. If you are looking for a larger breed, but you do not have much experiences with dogs, Labrador might be a perfect choice for you.


2) Golden Retriever
The second Retriever which is very well known worldwide and in most countries they are in TOP 10 most popular breeds. And it is no wonder, they are, just like labs very intelligent, eager to please and playful. I would say they are little bit more laid back than Labs, but the difference is definitely not extreme. If you are interested what are the main differences between Labs and Goldens, i am giving you link to my another video which is just about this topic.


3) Chesapeake Bay Retriever
This breed was developed from two pups who were rescued from a foundering ship in Maryland in the beggining of the 19th century. Those two dogs were most likely St. Johns Water dogs or Lesser Newfoundlands. The two were not bred to each other but were interbred with other dogs in the area and their offsprings were the first Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. Chesapeake is easy to recognize from other Retrievers thanks to its wavy coat that is oily to the touch.


4) Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is the smallest of all retrievers, but they still have very high energy and they act like big dogs. You should not underestimate it, they really have high energy and need daily proper exercise to stay healthy and happy, which includes longer walks, hikes, swims, vigorous playtime or longer training sessions. The Duck Toller looks kinda fox like and they have wavy coat that varies from a golden color to a darker copper.


5) Flat Coated Retriever
The Flat Coated Retriever is very similar to the Labrador Retriever, but they have longer coat, and its body is leaner and i would say more elegant. They also have longer head than other retrievers. Just like all retrievers, this is energetic, playful, social, friendly and outgoing dog breed.


6) Curly Coated Retriever
Probably the oldest of all retrievers, the Curly Coater retriever is also the oldest one. It is believed that they are descendants of 16th-century English Water Spaniel, the St. John’s Newfoundland, the retrieving setter, and, in the late 19th century, the Poodle.

It is easy to recognize them thanks to the small tight curls on their body. Great fact is, that they are not shedding as much as other retrievers, because most of them sheds like crazy.

It is important to say, that almost any breed can be trained to retrieve, but a true retrieving dog usually has a natural obsession with birds that manifests itself from puppyhood. There are some other breeds, that are not marked as retrievers, but that has great retrieving skills. I can definitely mention a Spanish Water dog, Welsh Springer Spaniel, Poodle, Newfoundland, Vizsla, Gordon Setter, German Pointer, English Pointer, Brittany, Boykin Spaniel or American Water Spaniel. All these dogs can be trained to be great retrieving dogs, but they are naturally not built for this kind of a job.

Appearance
The Alapaha was mainly bred for catching livestock and medium sized dogs have been proven to be the best for this purpose. And indeed, the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is a medium sized, athletic, muscular and stocky dog breed with average height between 18-24 inch which is 45-56 cm and weight should be between 55-90 pounds, which is 25-40 kg. There are quite big size differences between males and females.

Just like majority of Bulldog breeds, even the Alapaha has large head with short, brachycaphelic muzzle. Males should have larger heads than females. They should also be heavier bones. Overall there is is a large amount of sexual dimorphism in the breed.

The Alapaha coat is short, glossy and it is stiff to the touch. The Alapaha is white with varying amounts of black, brown or red. Rarely they can also be blue merle.


Personality
According to the breed standard, the Alapaha is a dog with alert, outgoing and self assured attitude. They are naturally suspicious of strangers and quite territorial. Because of those temperamental characteristics, the Alapaha can easily work as guard and protector.

This is a pretty social dog who is demanding when it comes to attention. They tend to create strong bond with its owner and family and they are very loyal to them. They also like children, especially older children who can actively play with the dog, because this is, at least in comparsion to other Bulldogs, quite active and playful breed. It is definitely not a coach potatoe and they need daily walks and exercise.

The physical exercise is just as important as mental exercise, because this breed can get bored quite easily. You can try some task oriented playtime or longer training sessions. Speaking about training, this is definitely a smart dog who gets new commands quickly and is highly trainable, but they need strong, firm and consistent trainer. Because of its territorial, possesive and bossy temperament, this is definitely not a dog for novices or unexperienced dog owners.


Interesting fact
The Alapahas are sometimes nicknamed as Ottos. It is because for a long time they were solely bred by the Lane Family in Georgia and the foundation dog of the family's breeding program was named Otto.


History
There are several theories about the breeds origin, but the most accepted theory is, that the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog was developed in the late 18th century in Southern regions of United States. The ancestors were most likely today already extinct Old English Bulldogs and some local herding breeds. It might have been Black Mouth Curs or Catahoula Leopard Dogs.

The breed was developed as a catch dog to drive or capture unruly cattle or other animals, but later they were used as versatile all around farm dogs. They were good at it, because they would naturally guard the property and they were good for working with the livestock.


Health and Grooming
The grooming of Alapaha is easy. Even though they do have a short coat, they do shed, so brushing the coat from time to time will minimize the shedding. Other than that, no grooming is required. Just like with all dogs you should regularly check the dogs ears, eyes and nails and clip them or clean them if needed.

The Alapaha is hardy dog breed that does not suffer much from any hereditary illnesses. The only concerns are hip dysplasia, entropion, deafness and occasional skin problems. The average lifespan is between 12-13 years.

1) Origin
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a dog originated on the borders of Scotland in the 1700s. It was originally bred as a skilled hunter, they were especially good at hunting otters and badgers. They were used to go hunt these animals in their underground dens.


2) Ancestry
There is a debate about the breeds ancestry. Some believe, that they may have been a type of Border Terrier, which would suggest that they are also related to Bedlington Terriers as well. Other says, that the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a cross of a Scottish and Skye Terrier. Most likely, they are somehow related to all short legged terriers of Scotland, which include Skye, Cairn, West Highland White and Scottish Terrier.


3) Name
One of the unique facts about this breed is, that it is probably the only dog breed in the world named after a fictional character. It is from a novel Guy Mannering by dog-lover Sir Walter Scott. In this novel, there is a farmer named Dandie Dinmont owns six small terriers. Which is why these 6 dogs came to be known as Dandie Dinmont's terriers.


4) Color
The Dandie comes in two color variations with specific names. The first one is pepper, which ranges from dark blueish black to very light silvery gray. The second one is mustard, which are shades of golden brown, with the head appearing to be almost white. It is common that the legs have darker color than the body.


5) Terrier
Even though they are i would say calmer and gentler than majority of other terriers, they still have the typical terrier personality traits. Which means that you should be prepared for an independent and lets say stubborn dog, that has higher prey drive and chasing instinct and that likes to bark and dig. BTW, Dandies have surprisingly deep and loud bark. Dandies are also naturally reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs.


6) Companion
On the other hand, Dandie Dinmont Terrier is not only a skilled hunter, but also a great family companion. It is a very affectionate, friendly, devoted and playful breed, that enjoyes company of older kids. It is definitely one of the most docile breed of all the terriers. Overall, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier makes a great family companion.


7) Size
This is a shortlegged dog with long body. The average height is between 8-11 inches which is 20-28 cm and weight is typically between 18-24 pounds, which is 8-11 kgs. Because of their unique body, older Dandies might have problems with climbing the stairs, as the dog's short legs make climbing difficult.


8) Rarity
Sadly, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a very rare dog breed. In fact, in 2006 the Kennel Club recognised the Dandie Dinmont Terrier as one of the rarest dog breeds native to the British Isles and they are listed as vulnerable Brittish breed. The dog is not on the verge of extinction, but it is estimated, that only three hundred purebred puppies are born each year worldwide.


9) Maintenance
Great fact about the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is, that this breed sheds only very little. But even though they are not big shedders, they need regular brushing, lets say once or twice a week, to prevent matting. Overall, the maintanance and grooming is not hard with this breed. Just like with all dogs you should regularly check their eyes, ears and nails and clip them or clean them if needed.


10) Health
The average Dandie Dinmont Terriers lifespan is between 12-15 years. Due to the breed's elongated body, they can suffer from back problems, for example from intervertebral disc disease. They can also suffer from Cushings disease, glaucoma or portosystemic shunt.

1) History
The Bergamasco is one of the most ancient breeds of sheepdogs and according to the AKC it has a history going back 7000 years. With such a long history, it is impossible to track down the proper ancestry, but it is believed, that they originated from the ancient sheepdogs used in Persia. Later, they migrated with the nomadic Persian shepherds to Europe.

2) Name
This breed was widespread across the northern Alpine regions Italy. Large numbers could be found in the valleys of Bergamo regions, where sheep herders were needed the most. The breed is named after this Italian region.

3) Sheepdog
The Bergamasco is just excellent sheepdog. They are intelligent and have great problem solving ability. Without the need for specific commands, the Bergamasco were able to learn how to herd and protect the sheep. The Bergamasco also tend to create close bond with its owner, the shepherd. The Bergamasco is a breed that is both – independent skilled herder and friendly eager to please companion.

4) Coat
Of course, the most distinctive feature and the breeds hallmark is the coat. The fur consists of three different textures and together they form the flocks, or mats, that are covering Bergamascos body and legs. The coat insulates them from extreme cold, but it also helps them to regulate body temperature in heat and thanks to it they can survive in harsh weather. You should never shave the coat. The Bergamasco can be typically found in black, merle, or gray, with grey patches of all possible shades from the softest of grey to a lighter shade of grey on to black. Believe it or not, the The Bergamasco's coat is considered to be non-shedding and hypoallergenic.

5) Eyelashes
The Bergamasco has large and dark expressive eyes that are shielded by a fringe of hair that falls over their eyes. This breed also has extremely long upper eyelashes so that they can lift the hair falling from the forehead over the eyes.

6) Size
Because of the coat, the Bergamasco looks bigger and heavier than it actually is. The average height is around 22 inches for females which is 56 cm and 24 inches for males which is 60 cm. Typical weight is between 57-84 pounds, which is 26-38 kgs. So as you can see, the Bergamasco is very athletic dog. Definitely not extremely heavy for its size.

7) Family dog
The Bergamasco is very social dog and it tends to create very strong bond with its owner. On the other hand, it is quite alert and suspicious dog around strangers. But even though, they do have a protective instict and make good guards, they should not be agressive without a reason. When they are around its family, its pack, than the Bergamasco is calm, patient and smart dog with high desire to please.

8) Training
The Bergamasco is very smart and eager to please dog, which is why they get new commands very quickly, but they are still not total pushovers to train. It is because of their independent side., They just have a bit of a rebellious streak, which is why firm, consistent and patient trainer is needed to raise an obedient Bergamasco.

9) Grooming
Just look at all the coat, it must be extremely hard to maintain it right? Well, quite the opposite, the Bergamascos coat is super low maintenance. Once the mats have been set in the fur, nothing will change them so there is no need to worry about messing your dog’s flock up. BTW, the flocking stage starts around eighth month of age. Just like with all dogs you should regularly check the dogs eyes, ears and nails and clip them or clean them if needed.

10) Health
There is not enough data and information based on real scientific studies about the breeds health, but accordingly to some breeders and owners, the Bergamasco has a long lifespan, typically between 13-15 years and they can suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia. This is usually a very healthy breed.

1) Name
There is a lot of different opinions about the breeds name. According to the International Windsprite Club, the breed was formely known as a Longhaired Whippet, but the name was changed in 2016 to Windsprite. In Europe they are known as Silken Windsprites and for exaxmple in Germany, there is even a separate Silken Windsprite and Longhaired Whippet breed club, which is suggesting, that they are two separate breeds and there are slight differences in body structure due to different breeding ideas. But in most countries in the world, they are considered as the same breed.

2) Separate breed
The main reason, why the International Windsprite Club changed the breeds name was probably the future breed recognition. It is because the name Longhaired Whippet suggesting, that they are only a variation of the classic Whippet. For the same reason the word Silken is not used in the breeds name in Canada and USA. It is because the name Silken Windsprite is similar to another breeds name – Silken Windhound, which could cause troubles in the breeds recognition.

3) Origin
As you can see, there is a big ongoing debate about the breeds name and recognition. And guess what? There is even a debate about the breeds origin! It was believed that the Windsprite was developed by crossing Whippets with Shetland Sheepdog, but the breeds founder Walter Wheeler Jr. denied it and he said that he selectively bred his own dogs in the 1970s with other Whippet breeders that displayed observable evidence of carrying the longhaired gene and that he develoepd the breed from this recessive gene. But later, modern genetic studies has shown that the Longhaired Whippets had a herding breed in them, most likely Shetland Sheepdog, and probably a bit of Borzoi.

4) Family companion
Finally, now we will talk about something, most Windsprite breeders and owners will agree and it is that this breed makes a great family companion. The IWC describe this dog as low maintenance, very affectionate, intelligent, athletic, easy-going, easy to train and fun to be around. They are also very adaptable and they will be happy with longer hikes and long playtime, but also with leisure walks or lounging around.

5) Appearance
This is a noble looking dog. This is a medium sized dog with very athletic body, deep powerful chest, elongated face with strong muzzle and elegant arched neck. The average height should be between 16-22 inch which is 40-55 cm and weight is typically between 20-30 pounds which is 9-14 kg. Females are naturally little bit smaller than males

6) Coat
Well, the Longhaired Whippets coat is not extremely long, but its definitely longer than coat of most sighthounds. The coat is soft and straight and it is slightly curled or wavy. The fur is visibly longer around the neck, but the length and type of a coat vary quite a bit from dog to dog. Majority of dogs also have feathering under the chest and on the tail, back of thighs and back of the forelegs. You can find this breed in any color combinations and with any markings.

7) Training
It seems that the Silken Windsprite is more docile, eager to please and more trainable than other sighthounds. Actually many owners report, that this is very willing to learn dog that learns new commands very quickly, which is pretty interesting, especially if you compare it to other sighthounds, who tend to be more stubborn and independent and the training is definitely not an easy task with them. Another great fact about the Longhaired Whippet is, that it is common, that they can be walked off leash. Again, if you compare this to other sighthounds, this is pretty rare. You should train the LHW with positive reward training methods, since they do not respond well to harsh training.

8) Exercise
You can see on the first sight, that this is a dog made for speed. And indeed, this is a great and fast runner and you should regularly let them to stretch their long legs. They are great adepts for various dog sports, for example coursing or agility. This breed is quite playful, so they will love almost any kind of play of an adventure, but when they are home, they tend to be pretty calm. This is not a hyperactive breed, but not a coach potate neither and they need daily exercise, walks, runs or good playtime to stay healthy and happy.

9) Maintenace
It is very easy to groom the Silken Windsprite. Brushing the coat once a week is enough to keep it in great condition. No additional grooming is needed. Just like with all dogs you should regularly check the dogs ears, eyes and nails and clip them or clean them if needed.

10) Health
Generally this is a healthy dog breed with a lifespan between 12-15 years. You should be cauties with some drugs and medicines, because the Windsprite Multi-Drug Resistance Gene which can make them sensitive to certain drugs. They are also prone to Collie Eye Anomaly.