Some dogs hate water, while others are avid swimmers who love playing and splashing in water. Water dog breeds excel in or around water. In the past, people used these dogs for various tasks such as retrieving game and other things from water.
Waterproof coats, webbed feet, and love for swimming are the traits that distinguish them from other breeds. Even though they are happy on land, they feel the happiest when they get wet on a beach.
Swimming dogs have a streamlined body and strong muscles. If you enjoy spending time at the beach or in the water, these high-energy water-loving dogs can be your best canine companions.
Have a look at these 7 dog breeds that love water.
Dog Breeds that Love Water
1. Labrador Retriever
Breed Profile
Height: 21.5 to 24.5 inches
Weight: 55 to 80 pounds
Temperament: Friendly
Lifespan: 11 to 13 years
Labrador Retrievers were originally bred as water dogs to work alongside fishermen. Tavares and his coworkers investigated how the water stimulus impacts a Lab’s behavior. They concluded that Labs are more attracted to water stimuli as compared to dog or human stimuli.
Their webbed toes, long legs, and otter tail make them excellent swimmers. Take them to a backyard pool or the ocean, and they will be on cloud nine! Toss a stick into the water, and your Labrador Retriever will jump right in to fetch.
Labs are high-energy dogs that require 2 hours of exercise every day. It can include walks, runs, hikes, and play sessions. If you are using swimming as exercise, 15 to 30 minutes in water will suffice. Swimming is also good for your Labrador’s health because it:
Reduces pressure on joints.
Relieves stress.
Helps get rid of pain.
Keeps your dog in shape.
2. Golden Retriever
Breed Profile
Height: 21.5 to 24 inches
Weight: 55 to 75 pounds
Temperament: Friendly
Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
Golden Retrievers were originally bred in Scotland to retrieve waterfowl and other prey. It is another popular breed known for its love for water.
Their oily and thick double coat protects them against harsh weather. It repels water and does not let it reach their skin. The hair takes a little longer to dry after a shake. Some Goldies do not like water as puppies, but they go crazy for water once they become adults.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), Golden Retrievers are medium-sized dogs, and they need plenty of physical activity to stay fit. If you cannot take them to the beach, take them to your backyard pool where they can release all their water-loving energy.
3. Portuguese Water Dog
Breed Profile
Height: 17 to 23 inches
Weight: 35 to 60 pounds
Temperament: Friendly
Lifespan: 11 to 13 years
Portuguese Water Dogs have enough stamina to work in water all day long. They love playing in lakes and on the beaches. These athletic dogs are a good fit for active families. Their webbed feet, strong legs, and muscular build make them strong swimmers.
Portuguese Water Dog was bred as a fisherman’s friend and helped them herd fish into the fishing nets. Their curly and water-repellent coats keep them safe against cold and water. The coats dry very easily after swimming or bathing.
These water dogs do not shed a lot and have hypoallergenic fur. The wavy coats require regular grooming to prevent tangles or matting. These dogs also need regular haircuts to keep hair from getting into their eyes or causing skin problems.
4. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Breed Profile
Height: 21 to 26 inches
Weight: 55 to 80 pounds
Temperament: Loyal, independent
Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
Chesapeake Retrievers, also known as Chessies, are strong and intelligent dogs. They have a deep love for water. Chessies were originally bred to retrieve waterfowl and other game from the icy waters of Chesapeake Bay.
Their athletic bodies and a distinctive oily double coat make them excellent swimmers. The water repellent fur of these curly-coated retrievers sheds a lot. So, they might not be an ideal pet for individuals with allergies. They are adventurous and affectionate canines.
These high-energy dogs need more than 2 hours of exercise every day. A bored Chessie can become destructive, so it’s better to keep your pup busy through positive reinforcement training. They can learn new tricks, such as seeking out waterfowl in frigid water.
5. Newfoundland
Breed Profile
Height: 26 to 28 inches
Weight: 100 to 150 pounds
Temperament: Gentle and friendly
Lifespan: 9 to 10 years
Looking like a giant teddy bear, Newfoundland dogs have an affinity for water. They have naturally water repellent coats and webbed feet. In the past, they served as working dogs who helped fishermen retrieve broken nets. These traits make them avid swimmers.
Even today, Newfoundlands are trained as rescue dogs. These superheroes can tug on a life jacket and hand it over to an individual who needs to be saved from drowning. They can even rescue unconscious people and are strong enough to pull an entire boat full of people.
Training a Newfie is more like a play. Their first water rescue missions are toys. Newfies are strong and intelligent dogs known for their endurance and bravery. Newfoundland dogs have moderate energy levels, and they need 20 to 40 minutes of exercise every day.
6. Irish Water Spaniel
Breed Profile
Height: 21 to 24 inches
Weight: 45 to 68 pounds
Temperament: Affectionate, friendly
Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
Hailing from Ireland, the Irish water spaniel is a sporting breed that loves to swim and retrieve from water. Their water repellent coat has tight curls that look best with continual hydration. So, give your water spaniel a lot of opportunities to splash and play in water.
Irish water spaniels are athletic dogs with long necks and powerful shoulders. Irish water spaniels are medium-sized dogs and have a thick and short tail that tapers off to a point.
WebMD claims that Irish water spaniels are easy-to-train dogs that are willing to please their owners. Known as the “clown of the spaniels,” they make excellent pets for active families. These goofy dogs are one of the most loyal canine companions.
7. Flat-Coated Retriever
Breed Profile
Height: 22 to 24.5 inches
Weight: 60 to 70 pounds
Temperament: Adventurous, independent
Lifespan: 8 to 14 years
The beautiful and friendly flat-coated retrievers hail from England. They were bred as retrieving dogs for shooting games and possess the ability to retrieve things from both land and water. Flat-coated retrievers love water and like to swim whenever they get a chance.
They are intelligent dogs that can be trained easily. Flat-coated retrievers are independent and sometimes exhibit a stubborn streak. Therefore, be patient and consistent while trying to train your dog. Incorporate treats, rewards, and positive reinforcement methods to get better results.
Flat-coated retrievers are active dogs that require exercise to maintain their health and avoid boredom. Exercise can include brisk walks, jogging, and running in a fenced area. Swimming can be an excellent low-impact exercise for these dogs.
Conclusion
Some dog breeds like cocker spaniels, American water spaniels, French water dog, and Scotia duck tolling retriever love water. Their physical traits, like partially webbed feet and a water-resistant coat, make them a pro at swimming.
Swimming dogs can retrieve ducks and waterfowl from water, work alongside fishermen, rescue drowning people, and search for lost equipment from water. If you love spending days at the beach, water dogs can be a paw-fect partner!
