Not all dogs are fond of water, but several breeds thrive in water and have a natural love for swimming. These water dog breeds were originally bred for working in water, such as hunting, retrieving, or assisting fishermen.
Even though they are perfectly happy on land, they are on cloud nine when they hit a beach, lake, or your backyard pool. If you are looking for a canine who can win a medal in the next boating or swimming championship, this article is for you.
Do you know? Some dogs can learn to surf. There is a World Dog Surfing Championship held in San Francisco Bay Area every year.
Water dog breeds can easily swim by “paddling” through water using their front and back legs. They move one front leg and one back leg through water at the same time and keep alternating.
Here are the top 7 large dog breeds that love water and make excellent swimmers.
Seven Large Dog Breeds That Love Water
1. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a large dog known for its affectionate and sensitive nature. Their muscular build and athleticism make them ideal for water work. It was originally bred for hunting and retrieving game such as ducks and geese from the icy waters of Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever is an active water dog that loves staying outdoors and hunting in water. Their oily and waterproof double coat keeps the water from touching their skin and provides them with insulation against harsh weather, explains Purina.
When trained from a young age, Chessies become avid swimmers. Despite having an independent streak, they are big fans of playing fetch. Chessies prefer toys that challenge their strength, such as tough tuggies.
2. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are medium to large-sized, known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. They were specifically bred to work alongside fishermen and retrieve ducks from lakes and rivers. This history contributes to their affinity for water.
Labs’ short double coat, otter tails, and webbed feet make them well-suited for swimming in water. The waterproof coat provides them with insulation against harsh weather and protects them from chilly weather.
They love playing fetch and will happily retrieve a floating tennis ball from the pool. Labs are natural swimmers; their muscular build makes them perfect for swimming long distances. If you are looking for a swimming partner, a Lab might be the right fit for you!
3. Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are the gentle giants that were originally bred for water rescue and assisting fishermen in the chilly waters of Newfoundland, Canada. Their powerful build and thick water-resistant coat make them ideal for water work.
Newfies are strong swimmers capable of pulling people and boats safely. Their calm demeanor makes them excellent swimming partners for swimmers of all ages. Newfies have wide feet with webbing in between the toes to assist them in swimming.
These docile and kind-hearted dogs have a special love for people, particularly children, according to the American Kennel Club. Newfies are massive; they require yard space for daily exercise and access to water. Hill’s Pet recommends 20 to 40 minutes of daily physical activity for the dog.
4. Irish Water Spaniel
Irish Water Spaniels have a medium to large build, with males standing a little taller than females. Originally bred in Ireland, Irish Water Spaniels are playful and sharp dogs having a clown-like personality.
Their curly, dense, water-resistant coat provides them protection against the cold and sets them apart from other spaniel breeds. Their strong and agile bodies and webbed feet make them well-suited for water-related work.
Irish Water Spaniels have a natural love for water and excel at long swims and water sports. They love splashing in water and fetching floating toys more than anything else in the world. These active and easy-to-train dogs need plenty of exercise for physical and mental stimulation.
5. Irish Setter
Irish Setters were originally bred to locate birds. The word “setter” in their name refers to their action of lying down on their belly in the direction of the hidden bird and staying there until the hunter arrives. Irish Setters love the ground as much as they love water!
These water-loving dogs are determined when given a task in or out of water. These active dogs need to keep a balance between diet and exercise to prevent obesity and anxiety. Irish Setters enthusiastically fetch toys from the water and swim in the lake.
These lively fellows are quite outdoorsy and get along well with families who enjoy adventures. They are the happiest when they get adequate exercise combined with swimming. According to PDSA, these high-energy dogs require around 2 hours of exercise every day.
6. Catahoula Leopard Dog
Louisiana’s working dog, the Catahoula Leopard Dog, is medium-to-large in size. They are known for their unique ability to work tirelessly alongside their owners throughout the day. These affectionate dogs have strong work ethics.
Catahoula Leopard dog is one of the dog breeds that instinctively know how to swim. Their love of water is associated with their history of retrieving and hunting in lakes and swamps. Their stamina, strong muscular bodies, and webbed feet allow them to swim for long periods of time.
The webbing on their feet not only adds to their swimming experience but also lets them tactfully handle swampy terrains and even climb trees. If you are planning a trip by the riverside, your Catahoula Leopard dog will be more than happy to accompany you.
7. Braque Francais
Originally bred as hunting dogs, the Braque Francais now makes an excellent family pet. These friendly dogs are the true people pleasers and can be easily trained to fit well in families having young children. It is a water-loving breed that is more than happy spending time with its humans.
There are two types of Braque Francais: the Pyrenean type and the Gascogne type. The Pyrenean is the smaller, leaner, and faster of the two breeds. The Gascogne is heavier, larger, and is considered closer to its gundog ancestors.
These water-friendly dogs need plenty of exercise, although they don’t appear to be very energetic. Inadequate exercise can lead to destructive behaviors like jumping fences. The Braque Francais’ coat does not require extensive grooming.
Conclusion
Several dog breeds are known for having a natural love for water due to their history of working in water. Their muscular bodies, strong build, webbed feet, and stamina allow them to swim effortlessly and perform water-related tasks; they also feature a water-repellent coat.
If you are planning to adopt a swimming partner for you or your family, one of the dogs mentioned in this article might be the right fit for you. These are water dogs who love to be a part of the adventures on the seas and other water bodies.
