You’re chilling at the beach, watching the waves roll in, and suddenly you spot a golden blur on a surfboard having the absolute time of your life. That’s right, we’re talking about dogs who’ve traded their tennis balls for surfboards and couldn’t be happier about it.
Did you know some dogs just have to be reminded that they have this ability, but once they’ve done it the first time, they swim like fish and enjoy themselves in the water, as per Psychology.
Not every pooch is cut out for the surfing life. Some breeds would rather take a hard pass on anything that involves getting their paws wet, while others seem like they were born to ride the waves. These water-loving athletes don’t just tolerate being on a board; they love it.
Dog Breeds That Love Surfboards & Going to the Sea
The sport of dog surfing has been making waves since the early 1920s, and trust, it’s not just a passing fad. These four-legged surfers have turned what started as a fun beach activity into full-blown competitions with passionate owners who’ve discovered their pup’s hidden talent for balancing on boards and catching that perfect wave.
These dogs are good at water sports and enjoy the swim weeks, and are good at water training as well.
1. Golden Retriever
Size: 21.5–24 inches
Weight: 55–75 pounds
Lifespan: 10–12 years
Temperament: Intelligent / Friendly / Devoted
Let’s kick off with America’s sweetheart of the surf scene. Golden Retrievers didn’t just stumble into surfing by accident. They were practically born for it. These guys have been stealing hearts since the 1860s when they first appeared in Scotland, but their popularity as surfing buddies has absolutely increased over the past decade.
They were bred in 19th-century Scotland as a Duck Retriever. Goldens were prized for their ability to swim in cold lakes and fetch game, combining power and soft mouths for hunting.
How is this dog breed perfect for surfing?
Natural water-resistant coats keep them warm in cold surf
Ranked as the 4th smartest dog breed, they can learn over 200 commands in no time.
Webbed toes help them to swim faster and with efficiency
Minimum 2-hour daily exercise is needed so they match the surfing sessions
Charlie, the Golden Retriever, holds the record for the loudest bark in Australia at 113.1 decibels; they’re quiet on the surfboards.
2. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Size: 21-26 inches
Weight: 55-80 pounds
Lifespan: 10-13 years
Temperament: Bright / Affectionate / Sensitive
Now we’re talkin’ about the dog breed that doesn’t mess around when it comes to water sports. They’ve got good energy, and they love to be in natural scenes all the time. They will spend time with you at the sea or will participate in the competitions without too many skills.
The Chessie, as the cool kids call them, is a loyal and energetic breed. These dogs have been making a splash in the water for a long time and are good working dogs that have got real water sports skills.
Developed by watermen of the Chesapeake Bay, their oily, wavy double coat and webbed feet help them tackle cold, choppy waters while duck hunting.
What makes them great at surfing:
Oily double coat that’s completely waterproof and insulates against cold water
Webbed feet and broad shoulders are designed for good swimming
They can swim in near-freezing water for extended periods without getting cold
The tail works as a natural rudder for steering through waves
They were originally bred to retrieve multiple ducks and geese from the icy waters of Chesapeake Bay. These dogs were built to handle rough, cold water conditions that would challenge even the most dedicated surfer. They bond with families in a great way and love to interact with humans, as Purina states.
3. Labrador Retriever
Size: 21.5–24.5 inches
Weight: 55–80 pounds
Lifespan: 11–13 years
Temperament: Friendly / Active / Outgoing
Labrador Retriever is the golden boy of dog surfing, and that’s for a reason. They will do anything positive to make their humans happy and their day full of joy. They learn to balance on a moving board while salt water splashes in their face.
When it comes to food, Labs are notorious for being walking garbage disposals, but surfing Labs need high-quality nutrition to keep up with that ride action.
What you’ll love about these surfing dogs:
Labrador Retrievers love and wait for the moment when they’re perfectly in sync with their owner, both of them riding the same wave like they’ve been doing it forever.
They love to have a good surf, and when you do something to keep them engaged, they absolutely become your real partners.
4. Portuguese Water Dog
Size: 17-23 inches
Weight: 35-60 pounds
Lifespan: 11–13 years
Temperament: Adventurous / Athletic / Affectionate
The Portuguese Water Dog comes with built-in surfing equipment. A waterproof coat and webbed feet work like natural slippers, and we know that’s a little unfair to other breeds.
Originally bred by Portuguese fishermen to herd fish into nets, retrieve lost tackle, and even carry messages between ships, they’re the Swiss Army knife of water dogs.
According to the AKC, this breed emerged in Ireland during the 1830s and may descend from native water dogs and European breeds like the Poodle.
Natural Surfing Gear:
Webbed feet between all toes for maximum water propulsion
Waterproof, curly coat that repels water naturally
A compact, muscular build is perfect for board maneuverability
Centuries of breeding for water work and swimming abilities
5. German Shorthaired Pointer
Size: 21-25 inches
Weight: 45-70 pounds
Lifespan: 10-12 years
Temperament: Friendly / Smart / Willing to Please
Talk about a breed that brings serious athletic credentials to the surfboard. German Shorthaired Pointers were not originally bred to hunt waterfowl, but they’ve adapted to water sports with the same intensity. These dogs have incredible prey drive that translates perfectly into chasing waves.
What’s unique about these surfing dogs?
They approach it with a methodical hunting instinct that made them famous in the field.
They study waves, watch for the patterns, and commit when they think they can hit the right spot.
This breed doesn’t do anything halfway; they learn and master the commands effortlessly.
They cannot be inconsistent about training; they love and win with real routines and good strategies. They need an owner who knows exactly what they crave and desire.
6. American Water Spaniel
Size: 15-18 inches
Weight: 25–45 pounds
Lifespan: 10-14 years
Temperament: Happy / Eager / Charming
It’s a breed that flies under the radar but deserves a spot in the surfing conversation. American Water Spaniels are about as rare as they come. These dogs were bred specifically for water work in the American Midwest, which means they’ve got instincts that transfer beautifully to surfing.
Their size makes them perfect for smaller boards, and their natural ability to swim means they are comfortable in conditions that might intimidate other breeds. Good at sports and competitions, these are your beach partners.
Why this breed?
American Water Spaniels are a great choice for active individuals and families due to their friendly, intelligent, and eager-to-please nature, coupled with their adaptability to various lifestyles.
Their happiness levels are good when you help them to surf in the water, and this makes a lot of sense. They are intelligent and need mental stimulation, and if they play with the puzzles, they love it seriously.
They are your surfing buddies, and they are creative at making a bond with people.
7. Irish Water Spaniel
Size: 21-24 inches
Weight: 45-68 pounds
Lifespan: 12-13 years
Temperament: Playful / Hardworking / Brave
Last but definitely not the least, we’ve got the Irish Water Spaniels, think of them as the class clown of the surfing world, but with serious skills to back up their playful personality. These dogs have this amazing ability to make surfing look effortless while somehow managing to entertain everyone from the shore.
Their appearance is terrific. Tall, elegant, and affectionate dogs are covered in tight curls that look like they just stepped out of a doggy salon. That distinctive rat tail might look funny, but it works as a rudder in the water. This helps them steer while they’re riding waves.
One hour a day energy: They need vigorous play, surfing fits the bill perfectly.
They are independent thinkers who might give you attitude, but training and water games keep them engaged.
With tight curls and webbed feet, they’re natural water retrievers, playful and hilarious.
Conclusion
The world of dog surfing opens up a whole new dimension of fun for both you and your pup. The best thing that makes the experience unique is your bond with your dog while you’re at the shore. This article offers a large variety of dogs who possess an expertise in surfboards.
These dogs can become your best friend. They’d love to be your companions on an adventurous day at the beach. Watching your companions having fun on surfboards raises your mood as well. So, having a dog from the above list can prove to be the best decision you have ever made.
