Retrievers have performed excellently in mountain and avalanche accidents, they are increasingly found in the disaster dog teams for operations after earthquakes, and they are used with great success as sniffer dogs for narcotic drugs and explosives.
Auch in Österreich werden hauptsächlich Retriever als Partnerhunde für Behinderte und Kranke ausgebildet. In den anglo-amerikanischen Ländern findet man Labrador und Golden Retriever  am häufigsten als Blindenführhunde.

Although bred as a working dog, the majority of all retrievers today tend to be purely family dogs. Their friendly manner, their balanced nature, their calm behavior in the house, their soft-mouthedness (the ability to pick up and carry objects with care) make them pleasant housemates and - under adult supervision - playmates for children.

The proverbial “will to please” (the desire to please your guide) makes training easier. Retriever owners should be aware, however, that their dog was bred for an active life full of tasks, and therefore also enable the "family only dog" to receive a retriever-friendly training. Retrievers will thank you with the full expression of their wonderful natures.
At the FCI, the breed standards of 6 retriever breeds are maintained and directed at exhibitions within FCI group VIII, retrieving, rummaging and water dogs.