^ What she said.
A Labrador should be a medium sized dog. I know many breeders (both show and field) who are breeding dogs too large. I've seen *way* too many Labradors who are larger than my Chessie...and that just shouldn't be so.
I think a nice field bred yellow Lab bitch would be appropriate for what you want.
The only other breeds I can think of have a feathered coat to one degree or another. Most field bred dogs don't have a thick feathered coat that requires a lot of upkeep, so you can decide if that is something you can compromise on. Other breeds that come to mind would be a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, a Golden Retriever (would probably have to go with a smaller female, like with the Lab).
I also think it depends on how seriously you need a dog to retrieve...some of the spaniel breeds would fit your bill, but they're obviously not inherent retrievers like a, well, Retriever would be. While they may not be able to brave icy cold waters like the Retriever breeds would, I do believe plenty are used for upland retrieving. Field bred English Cocker Spaniels, Boykin Spaniels, Brittany, Springers, etc.