Top 7 Dog Breeds that Love the Rain and Outdoor Fun

Top 7 Dog Breeds that Love the Rain and Outdoor Fun

Some dogs hate rain, some can tolerate it, but many dogs love rain! Some canine buddies love whatever they are doing outdoors without even noticing the rainy weather. These dog breeds enjoy rain more than others due to their physical characteristics and temperaments.

Mostly, the dogs with thick coats thrive on rainy days and love to swim. Their coats provide them with all the necessary protection against the wet weather. It keeps them insulated and does not let water reach their skin.

Are you a pluviophile who loves the feel of rain? Double the fun with your furry companion! Take them on long walks or engage them in a playful activity outside in the rain. Find yourself a dog to accompany you on a chilled, rainy day.

Here are 7 dog breeds that can be your partners in the rainy weather.

Dog Breeds that Love Rain

1. Labrador Retriever

Breed Profile

  • Height: 21.5 to 24.5 inches

  • Breed Group: Sporting group

  • Temperament: Warm and friendly

  • Energy Level: Active

Do you like walking or hiking in the rain? A Labrador Retriever can be your best buddy during a hike. Labs make one of the best companion dogs. However, they were originally bred as working dogs in Canada, where they used to retrieve fishermen’s nets.

Due to their thick double coat and oily hair, rainwater cannot directly reach their skin. Even if you just want to cozy up in your bed or on the couch on a rainy morning, your Lab would love to snuggle in your lap. Every cuddle session with a Lab is full of comfort and warmth.

These water dogs are popular for their easygoing and friendly nature. They love carrying things in their mouths—they will even bring your slipper to show their love. Their loyal and affectionate nature makes them a perfect fit for you when the weather is dreary.

2. Newfoundland

Breed Profile

  • Height: 26 to 28 inches

  • Breed Group: Working group

  • Temperament: Gentle and friendly

  • Energy Level: Calm

Newfoundland, also known as Newfie, is another pooch with a thick, dense, wavy, and oily coat, which makes them well-suited for rainy weather. The AKC claims that Newfies were originally bred as working dogs to work in water and on land for fishermen.

This historical lineage makes them a perfect partner to cuddle with as the raindrops drizzle. Even today, they work as water rescue dogs. Their strong legs help them pull people out of water with great ease. So, Newfoundlands love having adventures in the rain, and you might want to stay out longer than you want!

Newfoundland-01

Gentle and affectionate by nature, Newfies have a natural tendency to drool, which can add a little humor. Their natural instinct to attune with human emotions and sense comfort makes them perfect for a warm snuggle in cold weather.

3. Portuguese Water Dog

Breed Profile

  • Height: 17 to 23 inches

  • Breed Group: Working group

  • Temperament: Loyal and friendly

  • Energy Level: Hyperactive

The next one on our list, the Portuguese water dog, will be more than happy to tag along on a rainy walk. It is a medium-sized dog with thick, wavy, and dense fur that keeps them from getting chilled in water. Since the little rain does not bother your pup, wear your raincoat and step out to have fun with them!

Another factor that makes this dog a wonderful canine friend for rainy days is its role as a fishermen’s helper in the old days. It was used in Portugal for retrieving waterfowl and herding sheep.

Do you know? A Portuguese Water Dog named “Bo” was a part of former U.S. president Barack Obama’s family. The six months old puppy was gifted to them by Senator Kennedy.

Porties are smart dogs having a natural love for water. They are happy, active, and social. Their love for spending time with human companions makes them a great fit for pluviophiles looking for a dog to accompany them.

4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Breed Profile

  • Height: 12 to 13 inches

  • Breed Group: Toy group

  • Temperament: Friendly

  • Energy Level: Calm

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, a cuddly package wrapped in elegance and grace, is known for its silky coats and calm demeanor. Their gentle nature and constant need to stick to their humans make them paw-fect for spending time with, as the rain pours.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Profile

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are dogs with floppy ears. Their ears droop and hang down a little more when they get wet. Your Cavalier can spend hours sitting in your lap and gaze up at you with affection in their eyes. If you are planning to stay indoors this rainy season, I would recommend having a Charles spaniel with you.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Why They’re Special-01

Cavalier King Charles spaniels like water and love splashing in poodles. They are the friendly dogs who love attention. While not hyperactive, these fur balls make wonderful pets who get along well with kids, other pets, and even strangers.

5. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu

Breed Profile

  • Height: 9 to 10.5 inches

  • Breed Group: Toy group

  • Temperament: Friendly

  • Energy Level: Calm

Shih Tzus are the calm, small dogs who enjoy nothing more than their owner’s company. Their luxurious coats make them perfect canine friends to snuggle with. They can spend hours lounging and sitting on your lap on a rainy afternoon.

Shih Tzus love swimming and have a natural affinity for it. They enjoy splashing in puddles. You can take out your Shih Tzu for a fun-filled, playful activity in rainy weather.

Shih Tzu Profile

Do you know? Shih Tzus like swimming, but they are not built for it. Unluckily, they lack the stamina to swim for longer periods.

A Shih Tzu’s endearing nature and extroverted personality can easily warm up a chilly, rainy day. According to PDSA, these adorable dogs have moderate energy levels. They like getting involved in whatever you are doing, which might include walking in light rain.

6. Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise

Breed Profile

  • Height: 9.5 to 11.5 inches

  • Breed Group: Toy group

  • Temperament: Friendly

  • Energy Level: Active

The next cute doggo on our list is another little fluffball, the Bichon Frise. This dog breed has a soft and curly coat that provides warmth during cold weather. Bichon Frise loves going out in the rain and licking water off the grass.

Bichon Frise Profile

Bichons are known for their affectionate and friendly nature. The playful antics of these small dogs make them a paw-fect rainy day partner. So, grab your raincoat and step out to enjoy the rain with your pup.

PetMD explains that Bichon Frises are energetic dogs who can adapt to their surroundings. So, they will catch your vibe and happily snuggle in your lap for hours in the dreary weather. Bichone Frise are the social dogs. They are good with small children and other pets.

7. Pomeranian

Pomeranian

Breed Profile

  • Height: 6 to 7 inches

  • Breed Group: Toy group

  • Temperament: Friendly

  • Energy Level: Active

Little paws with big personalities, Pomeranians enjoy being close to humans. Their feisty, loyal, and playful nature makes them a perfect partner for wet weather. Watching a Pomeranian puppy playing in the rain pours will make you forget everything else!

Pomeranian Profile

Pomeranians love attention. They will nuzzle into you, give you kisses, and will never miss an opportunity to sit in your lap. Every cuddle session with a Pomeranian is full of love, happiness, and warmth.

These dogs can be very calm if trained properly. Pomeranians can be exercised indoors or taken out for short walks. Poms are family dogs— they happily play with your children in the rain and entertain them. However, some Poms find raindrops bopping on their nose a bit irritating.

Conclusion

Feeling alone in wet weather? Imagine having a walk or playtime with your canine buddy outdoors as the rain pours. It will be a fun-filled and joyful experience. Even if you don’t want to go out, adopt the super-cute dog breeds mentioned in the article to snuggle with on a rainy morning!

Russel Fawn
Russel Fawn is a writer with nearly two decades of experience creating pet-focused content. He has a deep passion for animal rescue and spends his free time volunteering to help animals in need. Over the years, Russel has cared for a variety of pets — including dogs, cats, rabbits, gerbils, and horses — and has always enjoyed learning about animal care, training, and breed behavior. Especially interested in canine obedience and training, Russel loves helping dog owners strengthen the special bond they share with their pets through kindness, patience, and understanding.