Some dogs seem born with a natural love for the water—whether it’s diving headfirst into a lake, paddling across a backyard pool, or gleefully chasing ripples along the shore. If your pup can’t resist splashing through puddles or swimming circles around you at the beach, their instincts might be written into their breed’s history.
Water-loving dogs weren’t just bred for fun—they were developed with a purpose. Throughout the centuries, certain breeds were relied upon for their swimming prowess. From retrieving waterfowl during hunts to delivering messages across boats and helping fishermen retrieve nets, these breeds were made to excel in and around aquatic environments.
Traits like waterproof coats, strong builds, and webbed feet give them a distinct advantage in the water—and an unmatched enthusiasm for it.
If your lifestyle revolves around water-based adventures, you’re in luck. There are plenty of high-energy, water-loving dog breeds that will happily jump into the action—literally. Let’s dive into the breeds that are true naturals when it comes to swimming.
Dog Breeds That Are Born Swimmers
1. American Water Spaniel
Originating from the lake-studded region of the upper Midwest, the American Water Spaniel (AWS) is a versatile and spirited gundog with a deep affinity for water. According to the AKC, the American Water Spaniel is an energetic dog, known for its enthusiasm for hunting and swimming.
Recognized for their distinctive liver-colored coat, which ranges from tightly curled to wavy, these medium-sized dogs typically stand between 15 and 18 inches tall and weigh 25 to 45 pounds. B
red to retrieve game from boats and marshes, they are agile, muscular, and compact—traits that help them maneuver easily in watery environments.
Their thick, waterproof coat, padded feet, and webbed toes equip them ideally for icy waters and dense marshlands. AWS belongs to the Sporting Group and enjoys a life expectancy of 10 to 14 years.
Unique Traits
American Water Spaniels are known for their merry, intelligent personalities and impressive retrieving skills. They enjoy games like fetch, shaking toys, and carrying items in their mouths. Highly trainable, they excel in water-based tasks and interactive play such as hide-and-seek.
However, they can be wary of strangers and may become vocal or destructive without enough mental and physical stimulation. A standout fact: this breed was specifically developed to retrieve birds from small boats without tipping them over.
2. Spanish Water Dog
The Spanish Water Dog, also known as Perro de Agua Español or Turco Andaluz, is a medium-sized, rustic breed cherished for its versatility and vibrant energy. Originating centuries ago from the Iberian Peninsula, this dog was traditionally used for herding livestock and retrieving game from water.
Males typically stand just under 20 inches tall and weigh between 30 to 50 pounds. Their woolly, curly coat, which may form tight cords, comes in a range of colors including black, brown, beige, white, and parti-color combinations.
A hallmark of this breed is its strong build, expressive brown eyes, and natural affinity for water-based work. According to the PDSA, Spanish Water Dogs are affectionate and sociable companions that typically get along well with other pets, making them great additions to family households.
Unique Traits
Spanish Water Dogs are naturally athletic and deeply motivated by tasks. Their webbed paws make them excellent swimmers, and they instinctively excel in waterfowl retrieval.
Bred for both herding and aquatic environments, they’re enthusiastic participants in chase and tug games, often using floating or sheepskin toys. This breed thrives with physical stimulation and loves outdoor play, making it an ideal companion for active families.
Fact: Despite their name, Spanish Water Dogs have uncertain origins—some believe they were introduced to Spain by Turkish traders, hence the nickname “Turkish Dog.”
3. Golden Retriever
Originally bred in the Scottish Highlands for retrieving waterfowl, the Golden Retriever is a medium-sized member of the Sporting Group known for its enduring enthusiasm, kind expression, and iconic golden double coat. WebMD states that the Golden Retriever is a friendly, energetic, and playful large breed, well-suited as a family companion.
Males typically stand between 23 to 24 inches tall and weigh 65 to 75 pounds, while females range from 21.5 to 22.5 inches and weigh 55 to 65 pounds. Golden Retrievers were carefully developed by Lord Tweedmouth in the 19th century, with meticulous records confirming their lineage.
Their dense, water-repellent coat and naturally webbed feet enhance their swimming prowess, making aquatic play a natural delight. Their sunny disposition, eagerness to please, and ease of training make them a delight both in the home and on outdoor adventures.
Unique Traits
Goldens love water-based games like fetching and tug-of-war, often parading around with their favorite toy. Their instinct to shake wet items reflects their heritage as devoted water retrievers.
This breed is celebrated for its intelligence, loyalty, and joyful temperament—qualities that make it one of America’s favorite family dogs and a top choice for service work.
Fun Fact: Goldens maintain puppy-like playfulness well into adulthood.
4. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever, often referred to as “Chessie,” is a robust and determined gundog with deep American roots. Developed in the Chesapeake Bay region, these dogs were bred specifically for retrieving ducks in freezing waters, a trait that defines their strong swimming ability.
Standing between 21 and 26 inches tall and weighing up to 80 pounds, this breed is built for endurance and strength. Chessies possess a dense, wavy double coat that is water-repellent and oily to the touch, helping them retain body heat in cold temperatures.
Their solid-colored coats—typically in shades like chocolate brown, sedge, or deadgrass—pair strikingly with amber or yellow eyes. Loyal, intelligent, and slightly reserved with strangers, they also make excellent watchdogs.
Unique Traits
Chessies are independent thinkers with a protective streak and a love for water-based play. Their favorite activities include retrieving, tug-of-war, and carrying toys, especially those designed for aquatic environments.
Unlike many retrievers, Chessies exhibit a unique grin when happy and are known for their emotional depth and devotion to their humans.
Fact: The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is the official state dog of Maryland and the first retriever breed recognized by the American Kennel Club.
5. Standard Poodle
The Standard Poodle, the largest of the Poodle varieties, is renowned for its athleticism, intelligence, and noble appearance. Originating in Germany as a water retriever, this breed was specifically developed to retrieve waterfowl, which explains its natural swimming prowess.
Standing over 15 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 40 to 70 pounds, the Standard Poodle is robust yet graceful. It features a dense, curly, low-shedding coat that is both hypoallergenic and water-resistant.
Its elegant, square build and distinctive gait further contribute to its athletic reputation. Standard Poodles belong to the Non-Sporting Group and typically live 10 to 18 years, making them long-lived and loyal companions.
Unique Traits
Standard Poodles are born swimmers, with traits tailored for water work, including a coat that resists soaking and webbed feet that aid in propulsion. They are highly intelligent and excel in obedience, scentwork, and agility.
They enjoy puzzles and retrieval toys and are particularly fond of games that challenge their minds. Their heritage as waterfowl retrievers explains their instinctive love for swimming.
Fact: The iconic “Poodle clip” was originally designed to help these dogs stay buoyant while protecting vital joints and organs in cold water.
6. Flat-Coated Retriever
Energetic and cheerful, the Flat-Coated Retriever is a spirited member of the Sporting Group that was originally bred in the 19th century to retrieve game from both land and water.
Known for their lustrous black or liver-colored flat-lying coats, these dogs carry a distinctively long head and an ever-optimistic expression. They typically stand between 22 to 24.5 inches tall and weigh 60 to 70 pounds.
Often referred to as the “Peter Pan” of the dog world, Flat-Coated Retrievers maintain a playful demeanor well into old age, making them delightful lifelong companions.
Unique Traits
Bred specifically to work in and around water, Flat-Coats possess key traits that make them natural swimmers. Their webbed feet aid in powerful strokes, while their water-resistant coat keeps them buoyant and insulated.
They’re known for their strong retrieving instinct and are incredibly responsive and trainable. These dogs flourish with active families who enjoy outdoor adventures, especially those involving lakes or beaches. Their boundless enthusiasm and wagging tails make them one of the most joyful breeds to be around.
Fact: Despite their size and strength, Flat-Coated Retrievers are gentle-natured and sensitive, requiring positive reinforcement during training.
7. English Setter
Graceful, gentle, and stylish, the English Setter is a medium-sized sporting breed that hails from the United Kingdom. Developed for bird hunting, this breed is named for its distinct “setting” position used to locate game. Males typically reach about 25 inches in height, while females stand slightly shorter.
Weighing between 45 and 80 pounds, English Setters are known for their well-balanced frames and elegant, athletic movements. Their striking coats—long and silky—are flecked with patterns known as “belton,” a unique term for this breed denoting colors such as lemon, orange, and liver speckles on a white background.
These dogs thrive in active homes and love human companionship. Their calm temperament, affectionate nature, and adaptability make them excellent family pets. While they are alert and protective, they are not aggressive, earning them a reputation as the “gentleman of the dog world.”
Unique Traits
English Setters are naturally drawn to water and love swimming, thanks to their origins as versatile field dogs.
Their affinity for aquatic environments, coupled with their stamina and athleticism, makes them excellent swimmers. A notable fact: English Setters are divided into field and show lines, with field varieties being more agile and energetic.
8. Lagotto Romagnolo
The Lagotto Romagnolo, affectionately known as the “truffle dog,” is an ancient breed from the Romagna region of Italy. Bred originally to retrieve waterfowl from marshes, this medium-sized, robust dog has a natural affinity for water.
Standing under 20 inches tall and weighing up to 35 pounds, it boasts a dense, curly coat that’s more like human hair than fur, ideal for aquatic environments. Its facial features, including a thick beard and expressive eyes, add to its teddy bear charm.
Today, this breed is celebrated not just for swimming but also for its unparalleled ability to sniff out truffles. The Lagotto belongs to the Sporting Group and typically lives 15–17 years.
Unique Traits
Lagotti Romagnoli are known for their affectionate nature, intelligence, and trainability. They get along well with children and other animals and thrive in active households. Their woolly, water-resistant curls and compact build make them durable swimmers.
Though they are truffle hunters now, their heritage as water dogs is unmistakable. Their webbed feet and love for splashing in ponds or lakes highlight their aquatic roots.
Fact: The Lagotto Romagnolo is the only purebred dog officially recognized for truffle hunting expertise.
9. Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog, also known as Cão de Água Português, is a robust and agile breed originally developed along the Algarve coast of Portugal. Bred to assist fishermen, these dogs excelled in tasks like retrieving gear and herding fish into nets.
Typically standing 17 to 23 inches tall and weighing between 35 and 60 pounds, they are medium-sized dogs with muscular frames. Their distinctive waterproof coats, which come in curly or wavy textures, require regular grooming but shed minimally.
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in the Working Group, these dogs have a life expectancy of 11 to 13 years and thrive in active households.
Unique Traits
The Portuguese Water Dog is naturally drawn to water and thrives in aquatic environments. Its webbed feet, powerful build, and strong swimming instincts make it an ideal water companion. Highly intelligent and biddable, this breed loves engaging challenges and excels at problem-solving games and obedience tasks.
Their history of herding fish and retrieving objects from the ocean is evident in their instinct to swim, carry toys, and stay physically active. A fun fact: the PWD can be groomed in two styles—the practical retriever clip or the eye-catching lion clip, reflecting both its working heritage and flair.
Conclusion
From coastlines to lakesides, some dog breeds are simply born to embrace the water. These natural swimmers don’t just paddle—they thrive in aquatic settings. Whether it’s the Labrador Retriever eagerly splashing after a ball or the Irish Water Spaniel diving into chilly waters, these breeds exhibit remarkable instinct and agility. Their physical traits—such as water-resistant coats and webbed feet—are perfect for swimming and even assisting in water rescues.
Breeds like the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, also known as the Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, and the Curly Coated Retriever were developed specifically to hunt waterfowl, making them exceptional companions for hunters and outdoorsy families.
Their enthusiasm in the water is matched only by their loyalty on land. Choosing one of these breeds means welcoming a friend who’ll joyfully leap into any body of water with confidence and grace—an ideal match for those who love aquatic adventures and active companionship.
