Flat-coated Retriever

England's land-and-water retriever is the clown of the family, keeping its puppyish bounce well into middle age and launching itself into lakes with real enthusiasm. The glossy, feathered coat is easier than it looks, though the feathering behind the ears and legs collects burrs and weed, so comb it out after a swim. The serious drawback is health: about half of Flat-coat deaths in a UK survey were from cancer, so ask breeders direct questions about longevity in their lines.