The Golden Retriever is a medium-large gun dog that was bred to retrieve shot waterfowl, such as ducks and upland game birds, during hunting and shooting parties. The name 'retriever' refers to the breed's ability to retrieve shot game undamaged due to their soft mouth. The name 'retriever' refers to the breed's ability to retrieve shot game undamaged due to their soft mouth. The undercoat is soft and keeps the retriever cool in summer and warm in winter; it sheds in the spring and fall. It usually lies flat against the belly.