There’s nothing quite like spending a sunny day out on the water, and for many dog owners, bringing their pup along for the ride makes the experience even better. Whether you’re navigating a lake, cruising the coast, or fishing on a peaceful river, the right canine companion can turn your boating trip into an unforgettable adventure. But not all dogs are equally suited to life on deck.
While any dog can technically board a boat, certain breeds are naturally more at ease on the water. Some are strong swimmers with water-resistant coats, while others simply have the calm demeanor and balance needed for life afloat. Choosing the right breed ensures your time on the water is safe, enjoyable, and stress-free for both you and your four-legged first mate.
In this article, we’ll highlight the dog breeds that thrive on boats. From playful water retrievers to relaxed sunbathers, these pups are ready to sail, paddle, or coast right alongside you.
Dog Breeds That Do Well On Boats
1. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are a natural fit for life on the water, making them one of the perfect boat dogs you can find. According to the AKC, Labrador Retrievers are cheerful, sociable, and energetic dogs with plenty of love to share, making them ideal for families seeking a medium-to-large companion.
With their easygoing nature, water-resistant double coat, webbed feet, and thick, otter-like tail, Labs were practically made for aquatic adventures. Whether cruising on a calm lake or bouncing across ocean swells, they remain steady, curious, and eager to jump in for a swim.
Labs also adapt well to different environments and enjoy being close to their humans, traits that make them excellent companions for long boating days.
Exercise
Labs are energetic and athletic, so daily exercise is a must, even while on the boat. Fortunately, swimming is one of their favorite activities and serves as an ideal way to burn off energy.
When not in the water, they enjoy retrieving games or short walks at dock stops to stay mentally and physically engaged. Without enough movement, Labs may become restless or mischievous, so planning for activity on and off the boat is essential.
Fun Fact: With webbed toes and a water-resistant coat, the Labrador Retriever is a skilled swimmer often seen happily riding the bow of a boat or leaping in for a splash.
2. Portuguese Water Dog
Originally bred to assist fishermen along the Portuguese coast, this breed was tasked with retrieving gear, herding fish into nets, and delivering messages between vessels.
Their heritage shines through today in their love for water and strong swimming abilities. With their webbed feet, muscular build, and waterproof coat, they’re perfectly adapted to aquatic adventures.
Their manageable size also makes them an easy fit for boats of all types, from canoes to cruisers. PetMD describes Portuguese Water Dogs as smart and devoted pets that are excellent additions to families, no matter their size.
Exercise
Portuguese Water Dogs are high-energy companions that require daily activity to stay happy and healthy. Ideal boat mates, they’ll eagerly leap into the water for a swim or play fetch from the dock. At least 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day is essential to prevent restlessness or boredom.
These dogs also thrive with mental stimulation and benefit from interactive play or command training on and off the boat.
Fun Fact: Portuguese Water Dogs were bred as seafaring helpers in the 13th century, retrieving fishing gear and even chasing fish into nets along Portugal’s coastline.
3. Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds are dynamic, intelligent dogs that thrive in active environments. Their keen herding instincts and loyalty mean they’re always in tune with their owners, making them reliable companions on the water.
Aussies are also agile and surefooted, a valuable trait when navigating a moving deck. Their medium size (typically 25–40 pounds) allows them to fit comfortably on most boats, and for those tight on space, toy Aussies, typically under 10 pounds, are a compact alternative with all the same charm.
Exercise
Aussies have energy to spare and require substantial daily activity to stay balanced and happy. Purina describes Australian Shepherds as intelligent, energetic, and highly focused on tasks.
Boating adventures that include swimming, dock diving, or long beachside walks are ideal for this high-energy breed. If your day on the water is more relaxed, bring along toys or puzzle feeders to keep them mentally stimulated. Without proper exercise, Australian Shepherds may become restless or exhibit undesirable behaviors.
Fun Fact: Despite their name, Australian Shepherds originated in the Basque region of Europe and gained their misattributed title after traveling through Australia before arriving in the U.S.
4. Poodle
Originally bred as water retrievers, Poodles possess natural swimming abilities and enjoy being in and around water. According to Hill’s Pet, all Poodles have a balanced, square-shaped build, featuring a long, graceful neck and a straight back.
Their tails are docked to a moderate length, allowing them to wag cheerfully. Their hypoallergenic, curly coats not only add a touch of elegance but also repel moisture, helping them dry off quickly after a swim.
Available in three sizes, standard, miniature, and toy, Poodles offer flexibility for boat owners who may have space constraints. Their loyalty and eagerness to stay close to their humans make them ideal for relaxed cruises or energetic water sports.
Exercise
While aboard, it’s essential to provide Poodles with regular exercise to prevent boredom and promote good behavior. These intelligent dogs thrive on mental and physical stimulation, so swimming sessions, quick games of fetch, or brief walks during shore stops are ideal.
Without enough activity, Poodles can become restless or vocal. Due to their quick learning skills, they also respond well to onboard training routines.
Fun Fact: Poodles were originally bred as water dogs for retrieving game, and their strong swimming skills and comfort in wet environments make them natural boat dogs.
5. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are the epitome of friendly and water-loving companions. Their thick, water-resistant double coat offers natural insulation and buoyancy, allowing them to remain comfortable in various water temperatures.
With webbed feet and a sturdy, athletic build, these dogs are not just capable swimmers; they genuinely enjoy it. Their calm demeanor, affectionate nature, and trainability make them well-suited for life on the water, whether lounging on deck or joining in aquatic fun.
Exercise
Golden Retrievers have high energy levels and require at least two hours of physical activity daily. While on a boat, swimming is a great outlet for their energy, but it should be paired with breaks on land for walking or running.
These playful dogs also thrive on interactive games and learning new commands, especially when tied to water-based tasks. Without adequate physical and mental stimulation, they may become restless, so consistent activity is key to their well-being.
Fun Fact: Golden Retrievers’ enthusiasm for water is matched by their intelligence, making them excellent at learning safety commands and participating in boating activities like dock diving or water retrieval.
6. Newfoundland
Originally bred along the chilly coasts of Canada’s Newfoundland and Labrador region, this gentle giant was developed to aid fishermen, hauling lines, retrieving gear, and even rescuing people from frigid waters.
Their massive build, thick double coat, and webbed feet equip them perfectly for aquatic work. Calm and composed even in chaotic situations, Newfoundlands make excellent boat companions, especially for families who value both a water-loving dog and a patient guardian.
Exercise
Despite their large size and laid-back demeanor, Newfoundlands still require consistent physical activity to stay fit. A minimum of 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day is ideal. Swimming is naturally their favorite way to stay active and is particularly easy on their joints.
Onboard a boat, they’re content to patrol the deck or lounge with the crew between water sessions. For boaters who also enjoy fishing or water sports, a Newfoundland is more than just company; they’re a helpful crewmate.
Fun Fact: Newfoundlands are so adept at water rescue that they’ve been historically used to save people from drowning, thanks to their strength, endurance, and natural lifesaving instincts.
7. American Water Spaniel
Developed in the lake-rich regions of the Midwest, this medium-sized sporting dog has a natural affinity for aquatic environments.
Its tightly curled, water-resistant coat provides excellent protection during swims, while its muscular frame enables efficient movement through both still and choppy waters.
Whether retrieving gear from the lake or simply lounging on deck between dives, this breed is confident and happy around watercraft.
Exercise
This spaniel thrives on regular, vigorous activity. Long swims, energetic games of fetch, or runs alongside the shore are perfect ways to satisfy its boundless energy.
Without daily physical and mental stimulation, the American Water Spaniel may become vocal or destructive. It’s ideal for boaters who enjoy active excursions and want a dog that can match their pace on land and at sea.
Fun Fact: Originally bred to retrieve game from both land and water, the American Water Spaniel’s adaptability and athleticism make it a standout boating companion.
8. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
For those who enjoy boating in colder or more challenging conditions, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is an excellent four-legged deckmate. Originally bred to retrieve ducks from the frigid waters of the Chesapeake Bay, these dogs have a natural love for water and remarkable swimming stamina.
Their oily, dense double coat offers impressive insulation and water resistance, allowing them to stay comfortable in wet, chilly environments. Their loyalty and protective instincts also make them ideal watchdogs aboard any vessel, from a spacious sailboat to a compact kayak.
Exercise
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are highly energetic and require consistent physical activity to remain happy and healthy. They excel in outdoor pursuits such as swimming, running, and hiking.
Time spent on the boat should be balanced with dockside play, fetch in shallow water, or a good swim session to burn off energy. Mental stimulation is equally important; training exercises or interactive games can keep this intelligent breed engaged even while on board.
Fun Fact: Chesapeake Bay Retrievers were specifically developed for retrieving waterfowl in icy conditions, making them one of the few retriever breeds perfectly suited for cold-weather boating.
9. Spanish Water Dog
Originally bred in Spain to assist fishermen and herd livestock, this breed has an innate connection to the water. Their tightly curled, water-resistant coat helps them remain buoyant while swimming, and their muscular, compact build provides the endurance and agility needed for long days on board or in the sea.
These dogs are also loyal, obedient, and easily trained, making them ideal companions for boaters who value both independence and responsiveness in a canine crew member.
Exercise
Spanish Water Dogs need about an hour of daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. While on a boat, swimming offers an ideal outlet for their energy and natural instincts.
They also excel in water sports and agility-based play, so tossing a floating toy off the side can double as great fun and physical activity. Their history as working dogs means they thrive with structure and will happily stay engaged with tasks or commands throughout your boating adventures.
Fun Fact: Spanish Water Dogs were originally bred for retrieving waterfowl and assisting fishermen, making them natural-born swimmers with excellent stamina and control in aquatic settings.
10. Irish Water Spaniel
If you’re looking for a boat companion that thrives in the water, the Irish Water Spaniel stands out as one of the great boat dogs. Bred in Ireland for retrieving game from lakes and marshes, this dog boasts a dense, curly, water-resistant coat and powerful, webbed feet, ideal traits for swimming.
Their tall stature allows them to navigate shallow waters with ease, while their intelligence and enthusiasm make them quick to learn boat manners, even off-leash. With a playful personality and a strong swimming instinct, they’re a natural fit for boating enthusiasts who enjoy a splash-filled lifestyle.
Exercise
Irish Water Spaniels have high energy levels and require one to two hours of vigorous activity daily. They thrive on engaging routines that include swimming, long walks, hikes, and fetch.
These dogs excel in dynamic environments and benefit from combining physical workouts with mental stimulation, particularly through water-based games and tasks.
Fun Fact: Despite their agility and swimming prowess, Irish Water Spaniels are better suited to boats with ample deck space due to their larger size.
Conclusion
Boating adventures can be even more rewarding when you have the right four-legged companion by your side. While nearly any dog can learn to enjoy the water with patience and training, certain breeds like the Labrador Retriever and Irish Water Spaniel are particularly well-equipped for life aboard. Their love of swimming, obedience, and ability to stay calm in dynamic environments make them great dogs for your next outing, whether you’re cruising a lake or anchoring a fishing boat for the day. These breeds tend to stay safe and composed, reducing the risk of jumping overboard or panicking on deck.
However, you don’t necessarily need a large vessel or too much room to bring your pup along. Even a small dog with the right temperament can become an excellent boatmate with proper preparation. Keep in mind that other retriever breeds, like the Flat-Coated Retriever or Curly-Coated Retriever, also excel in aquatic settings. With thoughtful planning, your boat dog will be the perfect co-captain for any maritime adventure.
