7 Dog Breeds That Love To Play In The Mud

If you’ve ever seen a dog happily rolling around in the mud, you know some pups just can’t resist the messy fun. Believe it or not, certain dog breeds actually love getting dirty more than others.

Sure, mud is fun and cooling, but there’s another surprising reason behind this love: mud (or any puddle) is the ultimate camouflage. It covers them in an earthy, natural scent that makes them smell like nothing at all. And that’s exactly how they like it.

In this article, we’ve explored 7 breeds that love getting wet and playing in the mud more than others. Let’s dive into what makes these pups such mud magnets!

Dog Breeds That Love To Play In The Mud

1. Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers have a natural love for playing in the mud, and there are good reasons why. They come from wild ancestors who used mud and dirt to hide their scent from other animals. Rolling and digging in mud helps them cover up their smell, which is especially comforting when they feel stressed.

Mud also feels great to them as it has a soft, cool, and squishy texture, and it makes a fun way for them to stay chill and comfortable on hot days. Their sharp noses love picking up all the new smells buried in the earth.

Beyond instinct, these dogs often just enjoy the simple fun of splashing and rolling around in mud, much like children who find joy in a carefree afternoon of play.

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2. Labrador Retriever

Labs absolutely love the water. They were first bred in Newfoundland to help fishermen pull in nets and fetch fish, so swimming is second nature to them. Their thick fur keeps them warm, their webbed feet act like their paddles, and their strong tails help them swim.

These doggos are always up for an adventure! They are playful, curious, and full of energy. If there’s water or mud nearby, they’ll find it and jump right in out of pure curiosity and excitement.

Their love for exploring makes them perfect for outdoor fun, whether it’s swimming, dock diving, or just rolling around in a muddy field. For Labs, water and mess are all part of the fun.

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3. English Springer Spaniel

English Springer Spaniels come from England and were made to help hunters. They are good at chasing birds and small animals out of the bushes so hunters can catch them.

This history means that it’s their natural behaviour to get excited when given a chance to explore outdoor environments like muddy fields and wetlands where game is often found.

Mud is like a big, cool playground for them, and splashing around and digging in it gives them a chance to have fun and burn off some of that endless energy they have. It’s their way of playing and exploring the world around them.

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4. Border Collie

Border Collies are made to work hard, and so, play hard too. They’ll run through water, mud, burrs, you name it, without a second thought. These dogs aren’t for people who want a neat and clean pet. But if you don’t mind getting a bit messy yourself, a Border Collie could be the perfect furry friend.

However, they’re not just all about fun outside, they take their jobs seriously. As a British breed from the Anglo-Scottish border, Border Collies come from sheepdogs that have worked all across the British Isles, noted by Britannica. Today, they’re mostly used to herd sheep or kept as loyal companions who love being active outdoors.

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5. American Pit Bull Terrier

Here’s another fine breed that’s always up for adventure. They have tons of energy all the time and never miss a chance to rush outside and explore everything in their neighborhood. 

Because they’re so playful, even when their owners don’t have time for long outings or the necessary bath and clean-up after muddy play, it’s still important to keep their minds active with mental stimulation to prevent boredom.

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6. Portuguese Water Dog

As the name suggests, Portuguese Water Dogs were once key helpers on Portuguese fishing boats, diving into waves to pull nets or deliver messages between boats. With webbed feet and a thick, curly coat that works like a wetsuit, they were built for the job.

But it’s not just work they love, these dogs simply enjoy water and mud play just as much. Splashing in puddles, rolling in mud, and getting messy is part of the fun for them. While muddy adventures are usually harmless, they’ll definitely need a good cleanup after.

That said, one thing to keep in mind is that if your Portuguese Water Dog has mostly lived as a house pet, don’t assume they’ll be safe in deep water on their own. In that case, a proper dog life jacket is essential to ensure their safety and protection, as recommended by PetMD.

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7. Irish Water Spaniel

It’s not a very popular breed, but definitely one with a proud history. It’s the tallest of the spaniels as per AKC, and they were bred centuries ago to retrieve waterfowl through rain, sleet, and choppy lakes. So naturally, these dogs are endurance champs with a serious work ethic and a big splash of personality.

With the boundless energy they’ve got comes zero patience for lazy days, too. If you’re not up for outdoor adventures, this curly-coated dynamo might just outpace you because this breed lives for action, be it long walks, pool parties, mud baths, hikes, or a good game of fetch.

A fun fact about this breed: it’s often called the clown of the spaniel family, possibly due to the peak of curly hair between the eyes.

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Conclusion

As we have just seen, playing in the mud is a blast for these dog breeds, but it comes with a little extra work for their humans. After all that muddy fun, a good rinse and thorough bath are musts to keep their coat healthy and avoid irritation due to muddy paws and body. Regular grooming helps prevent dirt buildup, mats, and pesky bugs hiding in the fur.

With the right care, your mud-loving pup can keep enjoying their splashy adventures without any worries, just lots of wagging tails and a happy mood.