Bath time with dogs can be full of funny, messy moments! Picture warm water filling the tub, a wagging tail, and splashes flying as your pup enjoys the soak. Some dogs shake water everywhere, leaving their owners wet from head to toe. Others stand calm, soaking up the warmth of a gentle bath.
Bathing is more than just washing off mud or dirt. It’s bonding time for owners and pets. With dog shampoo, a soft towel, and gentle brushing, cleaning dirty paws and fur becomes easy.
According to Total Vets, 95% of pet parents bathe dogs at home. Certain breeds with water-repellent coats or short hair tend to enjoy regular cleaning. Their oily coats protect dogs’ skin, so frequent washing helps keep them fresh.
In this blog, you’ll discover dog breeds that enjoy bath time. These pups make bath time fun rather than a chore.
Dog Breeds That Enjoy Bath Time
1. American Water Spaniel

The creation of the American Water Spaniel is still a mystery; however, it is known that these dogs originated from the region of the Great Lakes in the United States. As per PetMD, these dogs are praised for their outstanding hunting and retrieving skills, particularly in waterfowl.

This compact, medium-sized breed has a curly or wavy brown coat and expressive eyes. Moreover, they can be your perfect boating partner because of their:
Size
Love for water
Water repellent coats
Webbed Paws
They are truly natural swimmers, and they thrive in water, whether it is a lake or a bathtub. Moreover, their tightly curled or wavy coat needs regular maintenance. Owners must brush frequently to remove loose fur. Moreover, bathe your dog once a month. However, bathing can be fun with preparation, perseverance, and a positive attitude.
2. Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese Water Dog is a short-working dog from Portugal used for various roles like herding sheep, retrieving waterfowl, and assisting fishermen. Porties made their debut in the US in the early 1960s, and they have been popular ever since.

They have a water-resistant double coat that is wavy and long, and a soft undercoat. Moreover, they are strong swimmers who have a special attachment to water. Their bath time often feels like just another fun water play they do daily. They are born for water, and they enjoy aquatic experiences.
Their curly coat needs regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. Moreover, they do require regular baths. Before bath time, brush their coat and then prepare bathwater. Place cotton balls in their ear. Apply dog shampoo across the body, and after rinsing, use a towel to completely dry the coat.
3. Irish Water Spaniel

Irish Water Spaniel is a sporting dog breed that was developed in Ireland in the 1830s. The American Kennel Club refers to them as the tallest of AKC spaniels. Moreover, they have distinctive crisply curled coats along with tapering rat tails.

IWS is hardworking and brave while it is on the job, and at home, it is truly playful and affectionate. Moreover, a champion swimmer of the canine universe. It is closely bound with family and possesses a clownish personality.
Further, as water enthusiasts, they are always looking for water activities. They are athletic and energetic dogs who need physical activity to stay happy. Apart from other physical activities, swimming is also an excellent activity to meet their exercise requirements.

Bathtime is also a fun activity for them, and they are ready for that. It is recommended that bathing be done when needed with gentle dog shampoo.
4. Poodle

Poodle is a French water dog breed divided into four varieties based on size. Although they are famous for their success in the ring show and elite appearance, they are more than a companion. No doubt, beneath their elegant exterior, lies a sweetheart that makes it a perfect family pup.
They were initially bred as a hunting dog breed for waterfowl and are considered intelligent dogs. Moreover, they are athletic and suitable for any task given to them. But this active dog is for active owners, and they will find him lovely, affectionate, and comic if their needs are fulfilled. They can be good apartment dogs, but they do bark loudly.
Because of their coat type, bathing a poodle is a necessity, not a choice. Moreover, they do enjoy grooming sessions, from baths to dryouts. They won’t mind washing and combing; in fact, they are calm and patient during bath time. However, choosing the right natural oils and dog shampoos is crucial for maintaining dog skin and coat health.
5. Golden Retriever
A gentle nature, a smiling face, floppy ears, and a beautiful, silky coat make the Golden Retriever one of the most popular dog breeds in the USA. According to Pawlicy Advisor, it is the 4th on the AKC list of popular dogs.
Golden retrievers belong to the working group, and it is a very intelligent dog that excels as service dogs or therapy dogs. Moreover, this gun dog was bred to assist hunters in recovering game birds. So this strong and herdy all-arounder pup is an excellent swimmer.
This breed is very outgoing and eager to please. Moreover, they are excellent retrievers for both land and water. These energetic dogs are very sociable, and they love human interaction. Golden Retrievers are ideal family dogs who tend to make strong bonds with their families.

Their shiny coat needs regular grooming and maintenance. As attention seekers, they enjoy bath time because it is a time to receive attention. Therefore, they are great bath buddies who enjoy warm water and a gentle massage with dog shampoo while sitting in the tub.
6. Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are lively, friendly dogs that like receiving attention, and bath time is no different. Their medium-length coat requires frequent grooming to remove debris. Therefore, they love the water since it cleans and refreshes them.
Cocker Spaniels are normally peaceful during bathing, and many appear to relax and enjoy the soothing warm water in the tub. They like a bit of extra attention and bonding time with their owners at bath time, which gives them pleasure while bathing. Their fine, silky fur needs frequent bathing, and they get excited with this routine.
7. Vizsla
The Vizsla is a beautiful red-coated dog known for its versatility. It is strong, fast, and loves spending long days outdoors. For hundreds of years, Hungarian hunters have been proud of this smart and loyal dog. Today, the Vizsla is becoming more popular in America, too.
They have short coats that require little care. But still, they enjoy bath time. Vizslas are usually very friendly and enjoy being around people. They also like the extra attention they get during bath time, which makes it a fun experience for them.
Many Vizslas like being close to their owners. Therefore, a bath not only allows spending time with owners but also gives a chance to rest in warm water. Bath time may be a fun bonding experience for them and their humans since they like attention and comfort.
Conclusion
Bath time doesn’t have to feel like a chore. In fact, it can be one of the funniest parts of pet care! From wagging tails to surprise splashes that make you wet, every wash turns into an unforgettable memory. All you need is a little patience, a good dog shampoo, and maybe a towel for yourself.
So, grab a brush and warm water, because a bath isn’t just about cleaning your dog. It’s about sharing laughs, making a mess, and enjoying a splashy adventure together!