Top 10 Water Dog Breeds You Can Consider Buying

Do you need someone who can swim well on command? See our collection of water dog breeds if you want a canine who enjoys playing in the water!

You choose to toss a stick into the water for your dog to retrieve while you’re standing at the edge of a lake. Which breeds are splashing into the water before the target does, and which are sneaking back to the car with their tails between their legs?

While certain dog breeds are born landlubbers who love nothing more than the dry warmth of terra firma, others simply can’t get enough of the wet stuff. Below, you may see water breeds that adore it.

What makes dogs enjoy the water?

Many dogs adore the water. Seriously, consider the name “Doggie Paddle” and consider its origin for a moment. Most dogs who enjoy swimming do so for a few different reasons.

One is that a dog is frequently built for swimming. They are excellent swimmers due to the distribution of their body weight, their occasionally webbed paws, and natural reflexes. Their water-resistant coats help them stay warm and dry rapidly regardless of the water they are in, and their tails function as excellent rudders to help them move along.

Longer-legged dogs also enjoy swimming because, well, their legs are designed for it. When combined with their drive to perform clever tasks for their masters (like hunt and point), long, lean kicks and motions in the water assist keep them afloat, but what happens when you combine those two? Many dogs just enjoy being in the water because it gives them the chance to delight their owners.

Additionally, if dogs are introduced to water early, they may grow to adore it. If your dog is afraid of the water, you shouldn’t force them to get in; instead, train them and, if necessary, utilize life jackets if you’re not completely confident in their abilities. Be aware that despite being a water breed, they still have typical traits that influence how they behave.

Here is our list of the top 10 water dog breeds if you feel like taking a plunge.

Newfoundland

With his highly webbed toes and a thick coat made to keep him warm against icy seas, this gentle giant was just born to swim. This 100+ pound breed, which was initially developed to aid fisherman in hauling their nets, is now mostly employed for water rescues. Despite his size, he is recognized for having a gentle disposition and, for those who can give him the degree of exercise he requires to remain content, he is a superb family dog. But if your Newfie gets wet, be ready. When he was dry, you believed he was hefty.

Standard Poodle

 

This working class dog was once a water retriever employed for hunting despite his flashy appearance. Noteworthy is the fact that the distinctive “poofy” cuts you often see on show dogs are a throwback to a particular functional clip created to safeguard the dog’s joints when swimming in chilly water. He is a highly intelligent breed with a non-shedding, hypoallergenic coat that is also easy to train and affectionate. If you’re swimming with him, you’ll want to ensure that you provide plenty of stimulation and that he doesn’t overdo it out of love.

Portuguese Water Dog

When one Bo Obama became the First Family’s “First Dog” in the White House, this breed from Portugal’s Algarve received immediate media notice. With webbed paws that make him a fantastic swimmer, this dog was originally designed to herd fish into nets, retrieve tackle, and serve as ship-to-shore messengers. He still enjoys the water, albeit just recreationally these days. The breed is renowned for being a fun-loving, clever, and easy-to-train family companion. Because they are so intelligent, they require some work, but it is worthwhile.

Irish Water Spaniel

This somewhat tall variety of the spaniel, which was developed in the Emerald Isles as a water retriever, is one of the most intellectual breeds available. He is the ideal dog for recovering water birds or even just a stick tossed into a pond for amusement because to his unusual, dense, curly haired coat, which is water-repellent. Although relatively uncommon, this joyful, nimble, and high-energy breed is a superb pet for an experienced dog owner who understands his need to be active… and may have access to a lake. They are canines that weren’t simply bred for swimming, but who also adore it in most cases.

Labrador Retrievers

This well-known water-loving breed is actually a cross between working breeds from Portugal, Ireland, and England. Although his ancestors used to tow boats, collect fish and nets from the frigid seas of the North Atlantic, and haul ropes through water, the majority of water work done nowadays is primarily focused on retrieving water fowl for hunters. They are amazing family companions and excellent assistance dogs for the disabled because to their kind, devoted, and highly trainable disposition. It all depends on how you accustom your dog to the water since many have grown to be more of a family member.

Spanish Water Dog

Originally utilized for herding and retrieving, this hardworking breed. He assisted fishermen in their boats as they retrieved nets and equipment before performing guard duty on land to safeguard the day’s catch. This dog isn’t only a superb swimmer—he can dive up to six meters under the water and stay there for extended periods of time! He is intelligent, enjoys learning new skills, and enjoys working, but because of his protective nature and strong will, he requires an experienced owner.

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Because of his water-repellent double coat, this breed is well-suited for swimming in cold water, and as his name suggests, he is well-known for his capacity to “toll,” or draw out, ducks before retrieving when shot. He makes a wonderful family dog because of his intellect, love, and patience for children, but because of his strong energy and outgoing attitude, he needs a pet parent who can provide for all of his natural exercise requirements, which include swimming and playing fetch.

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers.

These tough water dogs were used to recover ducks for hunters and are native to Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay, as their name suggests. They can withstand inclement weather and frigid waters thanks to their tough, waterproof coat and endurance. They were developed for retrieving just like Labs, but unlike Labs, they are highly wilful and need an experienced pet parent who can provide the loving guidance and quantity of exercise (preferably in the water) that this determined guy needs.

English Setter

This hunting breed enjoys swimming, and once in the water, he can be challenging to extricate. Due of their excellent intelligence and reputation for memory, these dogs are kind and won’t forget. While they require regular, intense outside activity, they have a tendency to become couch potatoes indoors, preferring to cuddle with the youngsters. He is a wonderful family pet because of his gregarious demeanor and desire to please.

flat-coated retrievers

The Peter Pan of dogs, this breed is known for its puppy-like attitude and love of retrieving, particularly from the water. He has a rumored heritage that goes back to the Newfoundland breed and was originally bred in the UK to be a dual retriever (both land and water). He is really intelligent and simple to train, but he can also be a bit boisterous because he is so energetic and enthusiastic.