Not all dogs think water is the enemy. While some pups act like stepping in a puddle is a personal attack, others will happily turn your backyard pool into their own personal wave park. In fact, did you know that Newfoundlands have been trained as water rescue dogs for centuries and can even pull drowning people to shore? With their webbed feet and incredible lung capacity, these gentle giants take “lifeguard on duty” to a whole new level.
But they’re not the only water-loving canines. Some dogs were practically born with built-in swim gear and can’t resist a good splash. Whether it’s retrieving waterfowl, herding fish, or simply cannonballing into the nearest lake, these pups live for the water.
So, if you’ve ever dreamed of a four-legged swimming buddy, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into the best dog breeds that love to make a splash!
Dog Breeds that Like to Swim
1. Portuguese Water Dog
This curly-coated dynamo wasn’t just born to swim—they practically ran a maritime business. WebMD states that they were originally bred to work alongside fishermen, the Portuguese Water Dog used their webbed feet to herd fish into nets, retrieve lost equipment, and even deliver messages between boats. If that doesn’t make them the ultimate aquatic assistant, nothing does.
Their water-repellent coat is another built-in superpower, keeping them warm and buoyant in chilly water. While some dogs are content with a backyard pool, this avid swimmer prefers full-scale water adventures.
Don’t be surprised if your Portie insists on joining every lakeside picnic, just waiting for someone to toss a ball into the waves.
But it’s not all work for this high-energy, intelligent breed. Porties are playful, affectionate, and even a little mischievous—meaning they’ll keep you entertained both in and out of the water. They thrive in dog sports like agility and retrieving games, proving that their brains are just as sharp as their swimming skills.
Thanks to their hypoallergenic, low-shedding coat, Portuguese Water Dogs are a great choice for pet parents with allergies. However, that curly fur requires regular grooming, or else you might find your pup sporting a “seaweed dreadlock” look.
2. Irish Water Spaniel
Meet the “clown of the spaniel family”, a dog that takes both swimming and silliness very seriously. The Irish Water Spaniel is one of the oldest water dog breeds, originally bred to retrieve waterfowl and dive into frigid temperatures without hesitation. With their tight, curly coat that repels water, they’re as prepared for a swim as a surfer in a wetsuit.
One of their most distinctive features? That skinny, rat-like tail—a stark contrast to their otherwise fluffy, curly-coated body. Don’t be fooled by their regal, poodle-like appearance; this is a tough, hardworking gundog who was built to thrive in both wet and rough terrains.
While an excellent swimmer, the Irish Water Spaniel is also known for his goofy personality. They’re playful, energetic, and always ready to make you laugh—whether that’s through their signature doggy paddle or their hilarious zoomies after a swim.
This medium-sized dog is highly intelligent and trainable, though they have a bit of an independent streak. A combination of patience, positive reinforcement, and plenty of exercise will keep them happy. They’re also well-suited for dog sports, excelling in agility and retrieving games.
3. American Water Spaniel
Born and bred in Wisconsin, according to PetMD, this medium-sized dog was designed to retrieve waterfowl in the chilly waters of the Great Lakes region.
But don’t let their rugged work history fool you—the American Water Spaniel is as much of a family-friendly goofball as they are a skilled hunting companion. With webbed feet and a water-resistant, curly coat, it thrives in the water and will happily spend hours splashing, swimming, and playing fetch.
Despite being a rare breed, this official state dog of Wisconsin is a hidden gem for pet parents looking for a versatile, affectionate companion. They’re highly trainable but sensitive, so positive reinforcement (and maybe a few extra treats) will keep them happy. As a natural retriever, they’re always eager to retrieve ducks, objects, or even their favorite toy from the backyard pool.
While they love water adventures, the American Water Spaniel is just as content snuggling up with their family after a long day of activity. But don’t mistake its cuddly side for laziness—this energetic breed needs regular exercise to stay physically and mentally satisfied. Whether it’s playing fetch, swimming, or going for a long hike, he’s always up for an adventure.
Their curly coat repels water but needs regular grooming to prevent matting. And while they’re not as famous as the Labrador Retriever or the Golden Retriever, this hardworking, water-loving breed holds their own among the best swimming dogs.
4. Spanish Water Dog
Equal parts lifeguard, herding dog, and aquatic acrobat, the Spanish Water Dog is a true multi-tasker. Originally bred to herd cattle and retrieve waterfowl, this ancient breed is one of the few dogs equally skilled on land and in water. Their tight, curly coat not only gives them a distinctive look but also repels water, making them well-suited for swimming in fresh water or chilly conditions.
Unlike some other dogs that just like water, the Spanish Water Dog loves swimming as if it’s their full-time job. Their webbed paws give them an edge, helping them glide effortlessly through the water like a seasoned pro. But this breed isn’t just about doggy paddle skills—they’re also a loyal, hardworking canine companion who thrives on mental and physical challenges.
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, hypoallergenic dog, think again! While their coat doesn’t shed much, it needs careful grooming—no brushing allowed! Instead, their curls should be left to form naturally and trimmed occasionally to prevent matting.
If you’re not a fan of wet dog smell, don’t worry—their water-resistant coat dries quickly, meaning fewer soggy couch disasters.
An intelligent and strong swimmer, the Spanish Water Dog does best with an active family that enjoys water adventures, playing fetch, and plenty of outdoor exercise. They’re well-suited for dog sports and thrive when they have a job to do—whether that’s retrieving objects from the water, herding sheep, or competing in agility trials.
5. Labrador Retriever
If there were a Hall of Fame for swimming dogs, the Labrador Retriever would have a permanent spot at the top. One of the most popular breeds in the world, Labs were originally bred to retrieve waterfowl from icy waters—meaning their love for swimming is basically built into their DNA. With their strong, muscular build, webbed feet, and water-resistant coat, these excellent swimmers make every lake, river, or backyard pool their personal playground.
Labs don’t just love swimming—they excel at it. Their otter-like tail acts as a rudder, helping them steer effortlessly, while their thick double coat repels water to keep them warm even in chilly water. Whether it’s playing fetch in the lake or competing in dock diving, these dogs are always ready for a splash.
But Labs aren’t just about water—they’re the ultimate family dogs. Friendly, affectionate, and always up for an adventure, they fit into just about any household. They’re highly trainable, making them excellent choices for dog sports, service work, and hunting companions.
However, their endless energy means they need plenty of exercise—if you’re not up for daily runs, hikes, or swims, your Lab might start turning your shoes into chew toys.
Unlike some other water dog breeds, Labs have a short, easy-to-maintain coat, but they do shed a lot. Regular brushing helps keep their fur in check, but if you’re looking for a low-maintenance dog, you might want to invest in a good vacuum first.
6. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Nicknamed the “Chessie”, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is not your average retriever. This breed is tough, independent, and built for extreme conditions. Originally bred in the 19th century to retrieve ducks from the frigid waters of the Chesapeake Bay, this powerful retriever breed thrives in harsh weather and icy waves where most dogs wouldn’t dare take a dip.
What sets the Chessie apart? First, their thick, oily, water-resistant coat provides natural insulation, keeping them warm in frigid temperatures. Their webbed paws make them strong swimmers, and their muscular build helps them break through icy waters to retrieve game.
While they’re excellent swimmers, Chessies are known for their independent streak. They’re reserved with strangers and have a strong protective instinct, making them great watchdogs. However, this means they need early socialization and consistent training to prevent them from becoming overly protective.
Chessies aren’t just hardworking water dogs—they also have a playful side. They love playing fetch, swimming, and going on outdoor adventures with their families. However, they do best with experienced pet parents who understand their strong-willed nature.
Just be ready for a dog who demands exercise, thrives in challenging conditions, and believes that every body of water—no matter how icy—is fair game!
7. Curly-Coated Retriever
Meet the Curly-Coated Retriever, the oldest of all retriever breeds and arguably the coolest-looking with his signature tight, water-resistant curls. This rugged, intelligent breed was originally bred to retrieve waterfowl in harsh conditions, making him one of the best dogs for swimming.
Curly-Coated Retriever has a single-layer, curly coat that repels water and keeps him warm even in cold water. This means less shedding than some other retriever breeds, but don’t be fooled—regular grooming is still necessary to keep those curls in check.
Curly-Coats are bold, independent, and highly intelligent. While they love swimming, retrieving, and playing fetch, they’re also more reserved with strangers compared to their more extroverted retriever cousins. This makes them great watchdogs, but it also means they need early socialization to ensure they grow into confident, well-mannered companions.
Despite their athleticism, Curly-Coats aren’t just working dogs—they make great companions for active families. They excel in dog sports, agility, and retrieving games, but they also enjoy relaxing at home with their people.
Just be aware that this curly-coated retriever has a stubborn streak, so consistent training and plenty of exercise are a must.
8. Flat-Coated Retriever
Imagine a Golden Retriever, but with a sleek black (or liver) coat and a forever-young personality—that’s the Flat-Coated Retriever in a nutshell. Originally bred to retrieve game on land and in water, this breed is one of the happiest, most enthusiastic swimmers you’ll ever meet.
Unlike the Curly-Coated Retriever, the Flat-Coated Retriever has a straight, feathered coat that provides some water resistance, though it’s not as tightly curled. Still, with his strong, athletic build and webbed feet, he’s a natural-born swimmer and can handle fresh water, chilly water, and everything in between.
But it’s not just his love for swimming that makes him special—his outgoing, goofy personality is legendary. Often described as “the Peter Pan of retrievers”, the Flat-Coat never seems to grow up, keeping his puppy-like enthusiasm well into adulthood. This makes him an excellent family dog, especially for those who love outdoor adventures.
While it’s intelligent and highly trainable, the Flat-Coat does have a mischievous streak. They love playing, retrieving, and dog sports, but they also live for attention and won’t hesitate to turn training into a game.
Pet parents should be ready for a high-energy, fun-loving companion who thrives on exercise, companionship, and water adventures.
9. Lagotto Romagnolo
The Lagotto Romagnolo isn’t just any water dog—they’re the original water dog. This ancient breed hails from Italy, where it was originally bred to retrieve waterfowl from marshes. But while most water dog breeds stuck to their aquatic roots, the Lagotto took a career change.
WebMD states that he’s now the only purebred dog recognized for truffle hunting! Yes, this curly-coated wonder went from retrieving ducks to sniffing out gourmet mushrooms.
With their curly, water-resistant coat and webbed paws, the Lagotto Romagnolo is a strong swimmer who loves splashing around. Their dense coat repels water, keeping them warm even in chilly water, but they also require regular grooming to prevent matting. Unlike other retriever breeds, the Lagotto has a hypoallergenic coat, making them a great option for pet parents with allergies.
But don’t let his small to medium-sized frame fool you—this dog is packed with energy. It thrives on mental stimulation, whether it’s playing fetch, agility training, or digging for hidden treasures (truffles or otherwise). If left bored, they might just start excavating your backyard instead!
Highly intelligent and eager to please, the Lagotto Romagnolo is a dream to train. They excel in dog sports, enjoy hunting for objects, and, of course, will never turn down a good swim.
10. Newfoundland
If lifeguards had a four-legged division, the Newfoundland would be leading the rescue team. This gentle giant isn’t just one of the best swimmers in the dog world—he was literally bred to save lives. Originally bred as a water rescue dog off the coast of Canada, the Newfie can pull drowning people to shore, thanks to his massive strength, webbed feet, and natural swimming ability.
Newfoundlands have thick, water-resistant coats, allowing them to swim in frigid temperatures without a problem.
Their huge lung capacity helps them swim long distances, and their unique swimming style (a modified breaststroke instead of the usual doggy paddle) makes them stronger, more efficient swimmers than most other dog breeds.
But despite their impressive size and heroic history, Newfoundlands are big teddy bears at heart. These gentle, affectionate giants are famous for their calm temperament, making them great companions for families with kids. In fact, they’ve earned the nickname “nanny dogs” because of how protective and patient they are with children.
Newfies need plenty of exercise but don’t require the high-energy lifestyle of some other water dog breeds. They’re strong swimmers, love playing fetch in the water, but also enjoy relaxing by your side. Their thick double coat requires regular grooming, but trust us—it’s worth it for all the love and loyalty they bring.
Conclusion
Whether they’re retrieving waterfowl, herding fish, or just making a mess in your backyard pool, the dogs in this list are born to swim. From the fearless Chesapeake Bay Retriever who braves icy waters to the gentle giant Newfoundland who might just save a drowning swimmer, each of these breeds brings something unique to the water.
Their webbed feet, water-resistant coats, and natural enthusiasm make them the ultimate swimming companions—and possibly your next best friend.
But let’s be real—not all dogs share this same enthusiasm for a good swim. (Looking at you, tiny teacup pups who act like a raindrop is a natural disaster.) If you’re the kind of person who loves water adventures, having a dog that shares your passion can be a game-changer.
Of course, owning a water-loving dog comes with responsibilities—from ensuring they get plenty of exercise to keeping up with grooming needs (because let’s face it, wet dog smell is a real thing). But if you’re willing to embrace the splashes, wet paw prints, and endless games of water fetch, the reward is a lifetime of adventure and companionship.
So, if you’ve ever wanted a four-legged swimming buddy, now’s your chance to dive in—literally! Whether you already have a water-loving pup or are considering bringing one home, one thing is certain: with the right dog, life is always better by the water!
