Largest breeds: Retrievers, flushing dogs and water dogs

Among the 16 breeds in the “Retrievers, flushing dogs and water dogs” group, this ranking lists the ten with the highest average adult weight (the midpoint of the typical range). Ties are broken by average height, then alphabetical order. Individual dogs can fall outside these ranges.

No. 1 — Clumber Spanielabout 32 kg on average (25–39 kg)The heaviest of the spaniels, the Clumber is a calm, gentle and dignified dog that prefers leisurely walks to frantic running.
No. 2 — Chesapeake Bay Retrieverabout 31 kg on average (25–37 kg)A tough American retriever with an oily, wavy coat, the Chesapeake is brave, loyal and tireless in cold water.
No. 3 — Flat-coated Retrieverabout 30.5 kg on average (25–36 kg)Cheerful, optimistic and forever playful, the Flat-coated Retriever is an affectionate family dog that stays young at heart all its life.
No. 4 — Labrador Retrieverabout 30.5 kg on average (25–36 kg)Sociable, cheerful and easy to train, the Labrador is the quintessential family dog; it needs exercise and a carefully watched diet.
No. 5 — Golden Retrieverabout 29.5 kg on average (25–34 kg)Gentle, patient and always good-natured, the Golden Retriever is one of the best family dogs, but it copes poorly with strong heat.
No. 6 — Irish Water Spanielabout 25 kg on average (20–30 kg)A large, curly, liver-coloured spaniel with a 'rat tail', the Irish Water Spaniel is a superb swimmer, playful and full of humour.
No. 7 — Barbetabout 22.5 kg on average (17–28 kg)An ancient French water dog with a woolly coat and bushy beard, the Barbet is cheerful, sociable and sheds very little.
No. 8 — English Springer Spanielabout 22.5 kg on average (20–25 kg)Tireless, cheerful and very affectionate, the English Springer is an enthusiastic flushing dog and an excellent dog for active families.
No. 9 — Portuguese Water Dogabout 20.5 kg on average (16–25 kg)A tireless swimmer with a curly or wavy coat, the Portuguese Water Dog is intelligent, playful and sheds very little.
No. 10 — Welsh Springer Spanielabout 20.5 kg on average (16–25 kg)A red-and-white spaniel from Wales, the Welsh Springer is affectionate, loyal and hardy, a little more reserved than its English cousin.