Watching a dog do what it was born to do is incredible.
And for some breeds, that means diving headfirst into icy waters, swimming through dense cover, and retrieving downed birds like it is the most natural thing in the world.
Because.. well, it is.
Waterfowl hunting is about having a canine companion with the right instincts, the stamina to handle wet conditions, and the drive to work with you in various hunting scenarios.
These dogs are pets and partners.
Today, we have gathered seven such dog breeds that excel at waterfowl hunting naturally.
The dogs were born for this. The dogs who live for the splash. The retrieve. And the pure joy of bringing back your bird.
Dog Breeds That Excel at Waterfowl Hunting Naturally
1. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are the number one retriever breed, the poster dogs for retrieving ducks. These dogs are enthusiastic, hardworking, and absolutely love water.
Like, they will jump into a freezing pond without a second thought. Well, they are water dogs, so yeah.
Labs were originally bred in Newfoundland to help fishermen retrieve nets and fish, so their natural hunting instincts around water run deep.
As noted by the American Kennel Club, Labrador Retrievers have a water-repellent double coat that keeps them warm and dry even in the icy waters. So, that thick coat is perfect for wet conditions.
On top of that, their strong swimming abilities make them ideal for retrieving waterfowl in lakes, rivers, and marshes.
Labs are also incredibly intelligent dogs, so training is a breeze. They respond well to obedience training and pick up retrieving skills fast.
Plus, they have a “soft mouth” so they can carry birds without damaging them. That is HUGE for hunters seeking dinner in terms of ducks or waterfowl.
But beyond their hunting skills, Labs are also wonderful family pets. They are gentle, affectionate, and great dogs with kids. So, no matter if you are out duck hunting or just hanging out at home, a Labrador Retriever fits right in.
They are versatile dogs who excel in different scenarios and adapt to pretty much any hunting environment. Experienced hunters love them. First-timers love them.
Everyone loves them.
2. Boykin Spaniel
South Carolina’s state dog.
The Boykin Spaniels were literally developed for waterfowl hunting in the swamps and marshes of South Carolina, as per Orvis. These dogs are compact, eager, and made for dealing with dense cover that would slow down bigger dogs.
This Spaniel dog breed is a natural retriever with serious drive. They flush birds, retrieve waterfowl, and even handle upland game if you need them to.
Their hunting style is energetic. Yet, controlled.
They know when to wait. They know when to move.
What sets them apart is their… size!! They are smaller than most retriever breeds, which means they can fit in a boat or canoe without tipping it over. That’s actually why they became so popular with hunters in the first place.
The breed’s hallmark is a water-resistant coat that is rich brown and can be wavy or flat. So, wet conditions don’t phase them. They are also playful, affectionate, and make great family dogs when they are not working.
Boykin Spaniels bond closely with their owners and thrive when given proper training and mental stimulation.
3. Irish Water Spaniel
Okay, this one’s unique.
The Irish Water Spaniel is the tallest of all Spaniel breeds and sports a distinctive curly coat in liver color. It looks like they just got a perm. And, don’t let the funky hair think you otherwise, these are serious waterfowl hunting dogs.
Irish Water Spaniels were originally bred in Ireland to retrieve waterfowl in cold and harsh waters. Their curly coat is not for looks only, it is water resistant coat and helps protect them from freezing temperatures.
These dogs are natural hunters with strong instincts to retrieve. They are smart, independent, and have a unique hunting style that adds retrieving with some light flushing. They will go after downed birds without hesitation. As per Gun Dog Magazine, versatility is their main virtue when they set out on a waterfowl hunting mission.
But you should know that Irish Water Spaniels have personality. Like, a LOT of personality. They are goofy, playful, and sometimes a little stubborn. Training takes patience, but once they get it, they are locked in.
They are also very loyal dogs and make wonderful companions for outdoor adventures.
If you want a waterfowl hunting dog that is a little different than the usual retriever breeds, this is your pick.
4. Flat Coated Retriever
The Flat Coated Retriever looks like a lesser-known cousin of the Golden Retriever, who’s just as talented but way less famous.
And that is kind of unfair. These dogs are amazing at waterfowl hunting.
Flat Coated Retrievers were developed in England and were one of the most popular dog breeds for retrieving waterfowl and upland bird hunting. They are enthusiastic, athletic, and have natural retrieving instincts that kick in early.
As per Purina, they also serve as flushing dogs and can flush the game wherever necessary. Their coat is sleek, water-resistant, and can handle wetness without weighing them down.
They are strong swimmers and excel at retrieving ducks in rivers, ponds, and marshes.
What makes them stand out is their energy. Flat coats or “Flatties” are playful, happy, and highly energetic dogs that approach hunting like it’s the best game ever.
They are eager to please and respond well to training. Great for both experienced hunters and those just starting.
5. Curly Coated Retriever
Now, this is a dog that looks different from all the other retriever breeds.
The Curly Coated Retriever has, you guessed it, a distinctive curly coat that is tight, waterproof, and handles serious waterfowl hunting work. These dogs are tough, independent, and capable in the field.
As per the AKC, they are one of the oldest retriever breeds and were bred in England for retrieving downed birds in harsh hunting scenarios.
Their coat protects them from cold water, thorns, and dense cover.
They have instincts for retrieving downed birds with strong swimming ability and a calm and confident hunting style. They don’t rush. They assess, and then they execute.
It’s pretty impressive to watch.
But, as noted by Omlet, they have an independent temperament; they are not as eager to please as Labs or Goldens. Training needs consistence, patience, and proper guidance.
But once you earn their trust, they become very loyal and reliable.
Plus, they are well-suited for experienced hunters who want a dog with brains and independent thinking.
6. Golden Retriever
Everyone knows Golden Retrievers.
They are one of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S., and the reason is obvious. They are friendly, loyal, and extremely gorgeous with a cheeky smile.
But what some people forget… they are also excellent waterfowl dogs.
Golden Retrievers were bred in Scotland to retrieve birds and be the paw-some hunting companion during hunting expeditions. And having the right dog that can assist hunters makes all the difference.
They are a full package: friendly + water-resistant coat + swimming nature + instincts perfect for duck hunting.
Just like Labs, they also have that famous “soft mouth” that lets them carry birds gently without damage.
Win-win!
But what makes the Golden Retriever so good is their temperament. They are patient, kind, and love their people. They are wonderful family pets who also happen to be incredible hunting dogs.
They are versatile enough to handle upland game, waterfowl hunting, and pretty much any bird species you throw at them. And they do it all with a wagging tail and a smile.
7. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is the toughest waterfowl dog on this list. Hands down.
These dogs were made for brutal conditions, freezing waters, and long days retrieving ducks in the Chesapeake Bay.
Chessies have a water-repellent double coat that’s oily and thick. It keeps these water dogs warm in icy water that could freeze other dogs. Their coat sheds water almost instantly.
These large dogs are powerful swimmers with incredible endurance. They can retrieve waterfowl all day without slowing down.
Chessies are intense. They are independent, strong-willed, and not as openly affectionate as some other breeds respond to companionship. They bond deeply with owners but only after proper training and mental stimulation.
These dogs are not for everyone.
But, for hunters who want the best upland dogs that can handle the toughest conditions and never quit, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is the ultimate dog.
Conclusion
Some dogs were born for water.
These seven dog breeds that excel at waterfowl hunting naturally are proof.
Even some pointing breeds like Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, German Shorthaired Pointer, and German Wirehaired Pointer are also in the same league.
Other than pointing dogs, other Spaniel breeds such as Cocker Spaniel, English Springer Spaniel, American Water Spaniel, and other dogs like Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever are also perfect for upland hunting.
And the best thing is…
Most of these dogs are also perfect for families.
So, you get a skilled hunting dog and a loyal friend.
