Dogs were originally bred with specific roles and needs in mind. This purpose-driven breeding gave each breed its unique traits. Hunters needed good running speed with scenting skills, while service dogs in harsh climates had to wear water-resistant coats.
The water-resistant coats are special coverings that act as a natural shield for these dogs. They aid them in not only residing in areas with harsh climates but also make them great working dogs. No matter how cold or damp the weather may be, these dogs work hard enough to help their owners.
In this article, we shall talk about dog breeds with water-resistant coats that have natural insulation against the weather.
9 Dog Breeds with Water-Resistant Coats
1. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Major Characteristics:
Large-sized dog
Intelligent canines
Working Dog
Excellent swimmer
This massive dog is known for its phenomenal swimming capabilities. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a typical Retriever. It was originally bred to be used as a gun dog. AKC classifies it as a sporting dog.
This retriever has a dense, woolly double coat with natural oils that repel water, making it perfectly water-resistant. The coarse outer layer and thick undercoat keep moisture out. With sky-high energy levels, it needs plenty of exercise—no lazy days for this swimmer!
If you are a hunter who loves having a good game near ice-covered water, this dog would make a great hunting partner. Thanks to their water-repellent double coats, webbed feet, and strong stamina, Purina says these dogs are phenomenal hunters.
2. Labrador Retriever
Major Characteristics:
Friendly and outgoing
Phenomenal water dogs
Great companions
Endure cold temperatures easily
The Labrador Retriever is a medium to large dog breed, known for their capabilities as a traditional water dog.
Labs wear a double coat; the inner coat is super soft and dense, and the outer one is slightly coarse. This is not only waterproof, which keeps the moisture away, but it is also thick enough to keep the dog insulated in cold, harsh weather.
Alongside the water-repellent double coat, this bird dog also has webbed toes that make it an incredible swimmer, making it easy for the dog to retrieve waterfowl. These dogs are such good swimmers that they can even spend a whole day playing the retrieving game in the water!
3. Newfoundland
Major Characteristics:
Massive Built
Has a dense undercoat
Patient
Drools a lot
Newfoundland is a massive dog that is known for its incredible working capacity and impressive stamina. But, they drool a lot!
They also wear a double coat; the outer coat is water resistant and a bit coarse, the inner one is super soft and fluffy. The hair on the coat has oils that help repel water and let the dog be in a humid environment without being affected. They come in different colors: black, white, and brown.
PetMD praises its swimming capabilities. Thanks to its webbed feet, this dog can swim for several hours without faltering. With its strong body and sturdy build, it is a great asset for the rescue teams. They are so sturdy that they can even help rescue humans from frowning.
4. Portuguese Water Dog
Major Characteristics:
Super athletic
Low-shedding coats
Intelligent
Non-allergic coats
Historically and traditionally, this robust and medium-sized dog has worked as a water dog and is still great at it.
The Portuguese Water Dog, when compared to most dogs mentioned here, has a single coat rather than a thick double coat. However, this single coat is super thick and water resistant.
It is thick and has oils that repel moisture. The coat doesn’t shed, so there is a need for constant grooming to avoid matting.
These dogs were initially bred to help the fishermen. They would find broken nets in the water and would also herd fish into the nets. With their great working spirits and athleticism, these tasks were really easy for them to manage.
5. Irish Water Spaniel
Major Characteristics:
Super tall
Has a lot of energy
Eager to please
Did you know that the Irish Water Spaniel is the tallest Spaniel out there?
Well, it’s not only tall but also has a water repellent coat that keeps it safe from harsh weather. You’ll spot tight rings around it that cover most of its body. This dog has unlimited energy packed into it. This is why it loves to swim, as this activity helps it burn off most of its energy.
Despite being soft and curly, you’ll have to groom them constantly. This is because they can mat and form big tangles that would be difficult to manage later on. At home, you have to give this dog plenty of exercise and physical activity.
6. Spanish Water Dog
Major Characteristics:
A great guard dog
Low shedding
Sharp and sturdy
Another dog that comes with a water repellent coat is the Spanish Water Dog.
Known for its phenomenal capabilities to be a waterfowl retriever and herder, the AKC mentions this dog as a great protector and guard. It surely is great at hunting.
This single coat doesn’t shed, hence PDSA warns that you need to groom it regularly. It truly wears a unique coat that is super curly. You have to groom it consistently to prevent matting. Thanks to these string ringlets on the body, it can protect itself from both dry and wet conditions.
7. American Water Spaniel
Major Characteristics:
Large dogs
Athletic
Great swimmers
The American Water Spaniel is a massive dog that is known for its love of outdoor activities.
This dog is up for all kinds of activities at all times, especially if they include some thrill. For hunters, they tend to be great partners owing to their large size and a thick, water-repellent double coat. The oil on the coat keeps the moisture at bay! However, the wavy coat requires you to brush the dog regularly.
Hills Pet says the coat protects the dog at all times. Be it swimming or running after prey in harsh weather, the coat acts as a superhero cape. Oh, and this dog’s coat is also hypoallergenic. This is why it is a great fit for pet owners who are prone to catching allergies easily.
8. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Major Characteristics:
Super intelligent
Eager to please
Reserved with strangers
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is another retriever that comes with a medium-length coat that has water-repelling properties.
Originally bred in the 19th century to lure waterfowl and then retrieve them, these dogs have always been great hunters. Their double coat plays a significant role in keeping them insulated during harsh temperatures.
They are affectionate and eager to please. Hence, their training is not difficult, but you need some consistency. Though they are friendly with their owners, you can’t expect them to be cordial with strangers. Rather, they are extremely distant from them and showcase a reserved attitude.
9. Lagotto Romagnolo
Major Characteristics:
Wears a double coat
Intelligent and lively
Highly trainable
The Lagotto Romagnolo is an ancient dog with its roots in Italy, according to PetMD.
Originally bred to sniff out truffles, they still have an impressive sense of smell. It has curly and woolly hair that is super dense. It has tight curls around the body. The undercoat is waterproof, helping to protect the dog in extreme weather conditions.
They are well-suited to be a family dog. However, as a pet owner, you have to get ready for this dog’s regular trimming. This way you’ll be able to avoid matting and tangling. Also, give it frequent baths to get rid of debris stuck in the curls.
Conclusion
Dogs that wear thick coats have natural insulators that protect them from harsh weather. The waterproof coats make them suitable for all activities that require contact with water. These dogs mostly have webbed feet. You just need to ensure regular grooming in the non-shedding dogs.
