The National Retriever Museum  

Ground Breaking Ceremonies

        The Retriever Hall of Fame is the most recent addition and is very near completion. No sooner had the Bird Dog Foundation opened its first building  in 1991, than Retriever enthusiasts began to show interest in participating. They petitioned for the addition of a Retriever Field Trial Hall of Fame, and in 1992 the retrievers officially joined.  It is located in the newest and largest building among the foundation's various venues. The retriever annex was dedicated in February, 2004 and contains 6400 sq. ft. of space.

Dogs and people dating back to the 1930's are currently enshrined in the Retriever Field Trial Hall of Fame. The Retrieving dog breed has a rich history originating from a variety of environments and backgrounds. There are many breeds of retrievers, but the most common are the Golden, the Labrador and the American Chesapeake Retriever.

The Golden Retriever comes to us from England. It was introduced to the US in 1890. Golden Retrievers are excellent companions but are best known for their obedience.

The Labrador Retriever has its beginnings with the Newfoundland fishermen. They are best known for their abilities to swim and retrieve in icy waters. They were first distinguished by the American Kennel Club in1917.

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever originates on the East Coast with a story about a ship wreck and the survival of two St. John's water dogs. The Retriever Hall of Fame honors this breed for excellence in retrieving, obedience, and their faithful companionship and service to hunters.

The National Retriever Museum continues to grow though through the talents and and efforts of the dogs and their trainers and through donations to the National Bird Dog Museum.