Some dogs were simply born for adventure, especially the kind that ends with a big splash.
According to a 2021 study published in Applied Animal Behavior Science, dogs bred for specific tasks—like hunting and retrieving—retain those instincts even in domestic life, especially when exposed to triggering stimuli like birds, water, or even just the sound of a splash.
Basically, if you’ve got a water-loving retriever and a duck flapping around nearby, that dog is going in. Full send. And honestly? It’s one of the most thrilling and chaotic joys of dog ownership—watching your pup launch into nature like a pro!
Some breeds were literally created for this (thanks to their webbed feet). These aren’t your average fetchers—these are elite aquatic athletes with the muscle, brainpower, and pure talent. So let’s dive into the list of the 7 dog breeds that jump in lakes chasing ducks.
Dog Breeds That Jump Into Lakes Chasing Ducks
1. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever—also known as the Chessie—is water-dog royalty.
The Physical Capabilities
With a thick oily double coat and webbed feet, they’re basically aquatic heroes built for duck hunting in freezing Chesapeake Bay waters. They’ll sprint, dive, and retrieve ducks with unstoppable enthusiasm—then shake off so thoroughly you get splashed even if you’re onshore.
Scientifically, this breed’s undercoat traps air and water-resistant oils, making sure they stay warm in frigid water. Their muscular build and high stamina let them retrieve dozens of ducks per session without breaking a sweat.
They also have dense bones for breaking through cold currents.
The Original Retrievers
Historically, the Chessie descends from two rescued Newfoundland dogs named Sailor and Canton in 1807. Their offspring were originally bred with retrievers and setters to create a breed capable of retrieving waterfowl in harsh water environments.
They were so valuable that they were once traded for boats in duck-hunting circles. Sometimes, they can even hunt otters!
A Plus Qualities
These dogs are independent thinkers but fiercely loyal, and your lake day just got epic when they’re involved.
2. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, aka the Toller, is the tiniest retriever with the biggest drama.
The Strategy
These red-coated spitfires actually toll ducks—playfully dancing on the shore to lure waterfowl closer, then retrieve them once they’re within range.
Yes, they literally outfox ducks by mimicking a fox-like tease.
The Agile Swimmers
Their energy is off the charts. Tollers have webbed toes, a waterproof coat, and boundless enthusiasm. They’re intelligent, agile, and built to swim hard and run harder. Their waterproof double coat protects them from cold water, too.
Historically Hunters’ Favorites
The breed originated in Nova Scotia in the 1800s and was recognized by Canada’s kennel club in 1945. It was used by hunters to lure ducks close before retrieving—hence “duck tolling.” Early breeders included mixes of farm collie, setter, spaniel, and retriever to get that fox-like lure motion.
This is one of the most popular dog breeds, known for its unique purpose.
3. Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel—with its curly topknot and rat-tail—is like if Aquaman got reincarnated in dog form.
Built For This Purpose
They’re tall, curly-coated, and love jumping into lakes after waterfowl. Their coat is oily and waterproof, and their muscles are built for endurance. They’ll swim until ice forms around them if you let them.
Genetically, this breed descends (likely) from early water dogs like the extinct English Water Spaniel, poodles, and old spaniels. They’ve been around since the 1830s in Ireland and were specially bred for retrieving ducks out of cold bogs.WikipediaWikipedia
The Playful Pups
Known for being tall and athletic, Irish Water Spaniels are slow to warm up to strangers, but once bonded, they’re playful and driven. Their curly coats help insulate them in water, and they’re smart—often learning new retrieval drills faster than you can say “fetch duck.
These athletic dogs are adventurous, intelligent, and built for pursuit. With proper training, they can go places!
4. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever—the gold standard of water game dogs—is often the first breed people think about when it comes to duck retrieval.
Physically Built For Retrieving
Labs have webbed feet, water-repellent coats, and stamina for days. When ducks fall, they dive in without hesitation and return proud, dripping, and ready for another round.
Their scientific superpowers include a thick double coat, high VO₂ max (efficient oxygen use), and a soft mouth for duck retrieval. They’ve been trained for everything from guide dog tasks to search and rescue—but duck recovery is what they love the most.
The Bright History
Originally from Newfoundland and refined in England, Labs were bred in the 1800s to help fishermen collect nets and retrieve fish, then quickly became hunting legends. Their friendly demeanor and drive made them ideal for duck hunting.
5. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are flashy duck hunters too—sleek, eager, and built for water. They sprint into lakes, paddle like pros, and bring back birds with a wagging tail and a goofy grin. Their soft coats repel water, and their personalities make them perfect hunting partners or goofy pals.
Phenomenal Hunting Dogs
Genetically, they’re descendants of the Flat-Coated Retriever and Tweed Water Spaniel, bred in Scotland by Lord Tweedmouth in the mid-1800s to be excellent hunting companions.
Dream Dogs In Terms of Training
Goldens have high trainability, friendly dispositions, and athletic builds. They retain that retrieving instinct even in city life, but lakeside? That’s when they shine. Their temperament is calm yet enthusiastic, obedient yet playful.
The Ultimate Cuties
This TikTok clip shows a Golden swimming so fast after a duck the water frothed behind it. When the duck flew away, the dog paddled back, head held high, swimming all the way to shore. These dogs are loyal, energetic, and forever beach-ready.
6. American Water Spaniel
Well, not all dogs are heroic, but this one surely is!
Small But Mighty
The American Water Spaniel is less well-known but no less stalwart. Small but mighty, these dogs were bred in Wisconsin’s Wolf River Valley to hunt ducks and upland birds from boats. AKC mentions they are compact, agile, and strong swimmers—they’ll leap into lakes after ducks without needing a running start.
The Iconic History
Their ancestry includes English and Irish Water Spaniels and curly-coated retrievers, making them excellent swimmers with tight, water-resistant curls. They are phenomenal on both land and water!
When compared to most other dogs of this size, they are brave, compact, and surprisingly bold.
Energetic Retrievers
They pack energy into a compact body: 25–45 pounds, but with stamina for all-day retrieval sessions. Their intelligence and high prey drive make them ideal for active duck hunters who want a medium-sized partner.
7. Poodle (Standard)
Yes, you read that right: Standard Poodles were originally water retrievers, too.
Those glamorous trims?
Originally, functional cuts were made to reduce drag when swimming while protecting joints.
Natural Born Swimmers
Poodles have webbed feet, curly water-repellent coats, and a history as duck-hunting dogs across Europe.
They descended from ancient water dogs used by Roman sailors and medieval hunters to retrieve birds from water. Their athleticism made them popular in French hunting parties by the 17th century.
Strong Retrieving Instincts
Poodles are intelligent—like Border Collie–level—but with a strong retrieving instinct. They dive confidently, retrieve steadily, and will show off their water skills with flair. They require mental and physical stimulation, which duck hunting supplements brilliantly.
Compared to other breeds, they are elegant yet intense athletes, great for fashion-forward pet parents.
Conclusion
So there you have it: 7 dog breeds that will not only chase ducks into lakes—they’ll do it with style, energy, and historical swagger. From the mighty Chessie to the feisty Toller, the curly IWS to the elegant Poodle—even your standard Lab and Golden are part of this duck-retrieving squad.
Each breed brings its own mix of endurance, training heritage, and splash-tastic personality.
Whether you’re hunting, dock-diving, or pool-frolicking, these breeds are living proof that retrieving duck from water is in their very genes. Historically bred for waterfowl recovery, equipped with webbed paws and water-resistant coats, and powered by drive and intelligence, they’re water dogs in every sense.
