Labrador Retriever

Labrador retrievers have been one of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S. since 1991, according to the AKC. Labrador retrievers are high-spirited and sweet-natured. They have yellow, black, or chocolate brown coats and weigh between 55 to 80 pounds, with males usually weighing more.

This type of retriever is known for a short, dense fur coat, an otter-like tail that's incredibly strong, and a good temperament. Labrador retrievers have a long history as the canine friend of Newfoundland fishermen and women. Their quick rise to popularity began in the early 1800s when English nobles brought the breed back to the U.K.

Golden Retriever

Golden retrievers are another one of the most popular breeds in the U.S. The breed's hallmark physical characteristic is a broad head and straight muzzle. They're also full of energy and a friendly family pet.

Goldens were first bred in Scotland in the mid-19th century. There are three breed variations—British, American, and Canadian, and they all feature a golden-yellow shaggy coat. Goldens require regular grooming. Their water-repellant double-coat regularly sheds, particularly during the twice-a-year major shedding event. Daily or weekly brushing reduces shedding around the house.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Also known as "Chessie," the Chesapeake Bay retriever is a powerful, stout dog. This breed is larger and sturdier than the other retrievers. Their coat is dense, wavy, and waterproof. They come in three colors—chocolate brown, sedge (red-gold), and dead grass (straw). Their eyes are always a yellowish or amber hue.

The name comes from the breed's popularity among wealthy owners of duck clubs along the Chesapeake Bay during the 19th century. Sporting an oily, thick double coat, these retrievers could withstand the chilly waters of the Bay. Chessies are the third most popular type of retriever in America and have a similarly bright, happy disposition and noted intelligence as goldens and Labs.

Flat-Coated Retriever

The gentle, cheerful, and energetic flat-coated retriever has, as the name suggests, a flat-lying coat that's either black or liver and feathers at the legs and tail. Like golden retrievers, you should brush this breed weekly to mitigate shedding.

Flat-coated retrievers were first bred in the mid-1800s and called the "gamekeeper's dog" until the Lab and golden took over in popularity. Flat-coated retrievers had been the top retriever in Britain. Their numbers plummeted during WWI and WWII when it looked like the breed would go extinct. Their popularity began to rise again in the 1960s.

Flat-coated retrievers are usually quick to train, but they don't reach full maturity until 3 to 5 years old. They're known as the "Peter Pan" of retrievers because they seem never to grow up, showcasing their puppy ways into old age.

Curly-Coated Retriever

The curly-coated retriever is the oldest of the retriever breeds. It first appeared in the late 1700s. Their coat, either black or liver, consists of tight, waterproof curls. Unlike other retrievers, the curly-coated type features a tapered, wedge-shaped head.

Although this type of retriever is friendly and playful with loved ones, they're more independent than other varieties and a little less friendly to strangers. Curly-coated retrievers reportedly descended from two extinct dog breeds, the English water spaniel and the retrieving setter. Some suspect that the distinctive, low-shedding curls may come from a cross with poodles too.

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

The Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever is the smallest of the retrievers. They're a beautiful, compact dog with a dense double coat that's golden red to dark copper red on the body with white markings on the face, chest, and paws. The tolling retriever requires weekly brushing most of the year and daily brushing during the shedding season because of their double coat.

This retriever was bred in Nova Scotia. They have a curious nature and quick movements to catch waterfowl. The term "tolling" refers to drawing waterfowl toward the hunter in the style of a fox, which the breed is known for. Nova Scotia duck tolling retrievers joined the AKC sporting group in 2003.