While it’s hard to say exactly how many canine breeds love the water, one thing’s clear: plenty of dogs can’t get enough of it. Many were bred for water activities like retrieving waterfowl, assisting fishermen, and even performing water rescues. With the “dog days” of summer upon us, we’ve chosen 10 water-loving breeds to highlight.
Read on, and you might be surprised to learn which ones are on the list.
1. Portuguese Water Dog
These loyal and affectionate pups were bred to work alongside fishermen. They have curly hair that doesn’t shed but does require regular grooming. Energetic and intelligent, they do best with at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, which they hope includes lots of swimming.
2. Irish Water Spaniel
One of the oldest spaniels, this rare dog is a true water lover. With a curly coat and top knot, they could be easily mistaken for a poodle. The difference is their larger size and distinctive rat-like tail.
3. American Water Spaniel
This breed hails from Wisconsin. A skilled retriever, they have a curly coat that repels water. Their sensitive disposition and eagerness to please would make them an excellent choice for a family dog.
4. Spanish Water Dog
These energetic and affectionate dogs were originally bred to herd cattle and retrieve waterfowl. They thrive when given a task to accomplish and like to stay active, especially in the water where they can use their webbed feet to help them swim.
5. Golden Retriever
It’s no surprise that the Golden Retriever is one of the most popular breeds in the US. A great family dog, they are intelligent, loyal, and affectionate. Their beautiful coat isn’t just lovely to look at, it also repels water when they (happily) romp in the water.
6. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever’s muscular body and wide tail make them one of the best dogs for swimming. They can also be trained for dock diving, which is a combination of sprinting, leaping, and swimming.
7. Standard Poodle
This one might surprise you. These fancy-looking canines were bred to hunt waterfowl, so they naturally enjoy swimming. Their curly coat is water resistant, so they won’t get weighed down.
8. Newfoundland
A gentle giant, the Newfoundland comes from Canada and was bred to work on ships. Skilled swimmers, they’re capable of rescuing a person the size of a grown man. With partially webbed feet and a water-resistant coat, they can move easily through the cold Canada waters.
9. Irish Setter
Outgoing, playful, and affectionate, these beautiful dogs make a great addition to most families. They are strong swimmers and love to be out and about with their people. Three US presidents, Harry Truman, Ronald Reagan, and Richard Nixon, each had Irish Setters in their family.
10. Curly-Coated Retriever
Smart and confident, these dogs won’t hesitate to leap into a body of water and paddle around for hours. They are affectionate and great with kids.
To dog lovers, there are few things more joyful than watching a pup play in the water, whether jumping through ocean waves or splashing in a pool.
Certain dogs, however, are destined to stay on dry land. Some for physical reasons, others just for preference.
The short legs and low center of gravity of Basset Hounds, for example, make it hard for them to stay afloat. Chihuahuas are prone to anxiety around water and lack the thick fur needed to keep them warm when wet. While Boxers may enjoy wading in a kiddie pool, their short tails and a deep-chested build make swimming more of a challenge.
Brachycephalic breeds like Pugs and English Bulldogs tend to dislike water because their flat faces make it difficult to breathe in warm weather, making them susceptible to heat stroke. Tiny dogs, like the Maltese and Bichon Frise, typically prefer other activities.
The Bottom Line
While some dog breeds were born to love the water, remember, every dog is unique! Just because your dog’s breed isn’t on the list doesn’t mean they don’t love a good swim.
Is your dog’s breed on the “loves water” list? Don’t assume they are expert swimmers. Introduce them to water slowly and always keep safety top of mind.
Never leave your dog unattended near any body of water. When you’re at the beach, be aware of ocean currents. A strong current can be dangerous for even the best swimmers. Check for algae; blue-green algae can be toxic to dogs, so avoid water that looks green or red. Invest in a life jacket, especially if your pup is older or a less confident swimmer.
Once you’ve made the right preparations, you’ll both be on your way to a new and joyful adventure.