Dogs have been bred for various purposes. Some act as guard dogs while other breeds make cute lap dogs. Since the beginning of time, certain breeds such as Retrievers, Setters, and Spaniels have been used as hunting dogs, aiding their human partners in all types of hunting expeditions.
It is the combination of their physical characteristics, temperament, and behavioral instincts that makes them excel at waterfowl hunting. In this article, we’ll go through 7 different dog breeds that aren’t afraid of swimming in cold water and retrieving ducks.
All of the dog breeds mentioned are capable retrievers and wonderful waterfowl hunters. Moreover, they are loyal companions and great partners for seasoned hunters. So, let’s dive in and see why these breeds are better than other dogs.
Dog Breeds That Swim To Retrieve Ducks Instantly
1. Golden Retriever
Just by hearing the name, we know that this dog is good at retrieving things. The Golden Retriever is a loyal companion for many hunters. Looking back at the dog’s history, we know that it was often used to retrieve game birds such as ducks and other waterfowl during hunting adventures.
Golden Retrievers have a soft mouth, which is used to safely transport the game birds without damaging them, as noted by WebMD. They also have webbed feet, which help them with their swimming ability. Finally, their sharp sense of smell is important in tracking downed birds.
Other Qualities
They are devoted, friendly, and of a gentle nature, especially with children. A popular dog amongst families, the Golden Retriever is the right dog for those who love hiking adventures and exploring outdoors.
2. Labrador Retriever
Another Retriever breed, the Labrador Retriever, has strong hunting instincts and makes a reliable companion for waterfowl hunters. Just like its cousin, Labs also have webbed feet that allow them to swim very fast in cold waters or muddy terrain to capture waterfowl.
Labs are physically well-suited for hunting ducks and birds because of their rudder-like tail. This helps them in swimming and steering. According to the American Kennel Club, they have a short, double, water-repellent coat. The undercoat is soft and dense, providing insulation to the Lab. Meanwhile, the topcoat is thick and waterproof.
Other Qualities
They originated in Newfoundland, Canada, where they helped fishermen by retrieving nets and fish. They are highly intelligent and eager to please. Due to this, they are often used as service dogs, for therapy work, and search and rescue activities.
3. American Water Spaniel
The American Water Spaniel is known for its water retrieval skills. Just like Labs, they have a dense, water-resistant coat. Moreover, the American Water Spaniel has a strong and muscular frame, which aids it in diving into cold water easily and retrieving waterfowl.
They are also considered water dogs because of their love for water and adventure. American Water Spaniel has webbed feet, which allow it to swim easily in rough waters and hunt waterfowl.
Other Qualities
These energetic dogs are very friendly and eager to please. They are also intelligent and alert. This makes them well-suited for households with active individuals who can not only keep them company but also keep them active on land and in the water.
4. Boykin Spaniel
A Boykin Spaniel is not your usual sporting breed. It was developed in South Carolina (and is now their state dog) for waterfowl hunting. It is a gun dog that came from the breeding of Cocker Spaniel, American Water Spaniel, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, and Springer Spaniel.
They have a curly coat and muscular chest, which helps them in retrieving downed birds. These dogs are now valuable as dove and quail hunters because of their incredible tolerance to extreme weather.
Other Qualities
A Boykin Spaniel is affectionate, highly intelligent, and loyal. They love being around people and thrive with families who love hunting and are extremely playful. They are also fast learners, responding well to positive reinforcement.
5. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is not a traditional Retriever in the sense that it was originally bred for one specific purpose: tolling (luring). That being said, these dogs are highly skilled at tolling ducks at gun range and hunting waterfowl. They are all around gun dogs.
These duck dogs are, according to PetMD, highly energetic and have webbed paws that help them swim fast. Moreover, they use their white-tipped tails to distract ducks and lure them into their traps.
Other Qualities
They make good family pets for active households. They also require obedience training and positive reinforcement to get along with other smaller animals.
6. Flat-Coated Retriever
The Flat-Coated Retriever is one of the rarest water dogs. It was bred specifically as an all-around gun dog, hunting both upland game and waterfowl.
Though they are slow to mature, these make good family pets and also excellent hunters of upland birds. This is all because of their strong-smelling sense, high endurance, and soft mouths. You can be sure that while upland bird hunting, they won’t damage the goods or get tired!
Other Qualities
Although they are not common in households today, these dogs were quite popular in the US and England back in the 1990s. After World War II, they were almost extinct because Lab and Golden Retriever breeds were preferred by hunters as hunting partners.
7. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever has been used for only two main purposes: retrieving upland game and waterfowl hunting. Several dogs were cross-bred to create this dog breed, which likely included Irish Water Spaniels, Bloodhounds, and Newfoundlands.
They possess a water repellent double coat, which includes the outer coat that is short and rough, while the inner coat is woolly and dense, protecting the dog from icy water. These are loyal and athletic water dogs that never tire.
Other Qualities
They are high-energy dogs that may need training as they are strong-willed and like to do things their own way. They are versatile hunting dogs favored for their range of skills and loving personalities. You can find them almost everywhere doing some kind of work!
Conclusion
These little river duck dogs are extremely great companions and hunting partners. These skilled hunting dogs are great because of their water-resistant coats and webbed paws.
Most are strong swimmers with boundless energy and a passion for hunting both waterfowl and wild turkeys. Most of these water dogs have short coats that repel water, which they then use to trap and retrieve curious waterfowl.
