Here's why:
* Bred for hunting: Golden retrievers were originally bred in Scotland in the 19th century by Lord Tweedmouth. He wanted a dog that could retrieve waterfowl, especially during the hunting season.
* Keen sense of smell: Golden retrievers have an exceptional sense of smell, allowing them to locate downed birds even in difficult terrain or dense underbrush.
* Gentle mouth: Their soft mouths are specifically designed to retrieve delicate birds without damaging them.
* Retrieving instinct: They have a strong natural instinct to bring back objects they find, making them excellent partners in hunting.
So, their name reflects their key role in hunting: retrieving the hunted game.