While all dog breeds enjoy life on land there are some whose hearts belong to the water. Water dogs delight in splashing in puddles or diving right into the deep end. These tend to be high-energy breeds that were developed to be superior swimmers. Most water dogs carry the same characteristics including webbed feet, water-resistant coats, and a natural ability to swim.
You’ll find that many of these breeds belong to the Sporting Group and have worked as hunters and retrievers. Others are members of the Working Group who have excelled at water rescue or herding. While these breeds are known for wanting to swim at every opportunity, it is important to understand that every dog has their own personality. Getting a water dog doesn’t necessarily mean that your dog will automatically love water, but chances are you will have a companion that would enjoy pool time or even a boat ride out on the lake.
Here is a look at some popular water dogs!
American Water Spaniel
- Average weight 25-45 pounds
- Life Expectancy 10-14 years
- Is a member of the Sporting Group
- They originated along the banks of the Great Lakes region
- Their dense waterproof coat and webbed toes allow them to move through icy marshes
- They are a versatile gundog that works as a flusher and a retriever
- This charming and happy breed whose numbers are unfortunately dwindling. Their parent club currently estimates their numbers to be under 3,000
Boykin Spaniel
- Average weight 25-40 pounds
- Life Expectancy 10-15 years
- Is a member of the Sporting Group
- The official state dog of South Carolina
- Is a medium-sized Spaniel that is used for flushing and retrieving bird dog
- Their rich brown coat and feathery ears help camouflage them when hunting
- The Boykin has webbed toes and is a natural swimmer who might need a little encouragement when first introduced to water.
Brittany
- Average weight 30-40 pounds
- Life Expectancy 12-14 years
- Is a member of the Sporting Group
- The Brittany is an all-purpose bird dog that has both spaniel and pointer attributes
- They enjoy swimming and dock diving among other sporting pursuits
- They are considered to be one of the most successful field dogs and are admired for their stamina, agility, excellent nose, and upbeat personality.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
- Average weight 55-80 pounds
- Life Expectancy 10-13 years
- Is a member of the Sporting Group
- The Chessie was named after the Bay region where they originated
- Was named the state dog of Maryland in 1964
- The Chessie is renowned for their ability to tirelessly maneuver through icy water
- They have an oily harsh outer coat and a wooly undercoat. This protects their skin from cold water and allows their coat to dry quickly.
- They are vigilant watchdogs and confident hunting companions.
German Shepherd Dog
- Average weight 50-90 pounds
- Life Expectancy 12-14 years
- Is a member of the Herding Group
- While the GSD was developed to be a herding and working breed, they are athletic and fearless enough to jump right into the deep end. However, you might find they prefer to wading or splashing.
- Although they are excellent swimmers it is recommended to keep them out of cold water that is below 45 °F to prevent hypothermia.
- Keep swimming time limited to 15-45 minutes to prevent exhaustion
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German Shorthaired Pointer
- Average weight 45-70 pounds
- Life Expectancy 10-12 years
- Is a member of the Sporting Group and is a multi-purpose gundog that can hunt in the woods and water.
- They have the natural ability to track, point, and retrieve
- They are intelligent and responsive hunting dogs that are high-energy and prey-driven
- The GSP’s rounded spoon-shaped feet are compact and close-knit which allows them to maneuver through lakes and rivers
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Golden Retriever
- Average weight 55-75 pounds
- Life Expectancy 10-12 years
- Is a member of the Sporting Group
- The Golden is a strong swimmer that was bred to retrieve waterfowl for hunters
- Their coat is dense and repels water allowing them to dry quickly
- They are an athletic breed that enjoys competitive dog sports like dock diving, field trials, and obedience.
- Known for their friendly personality, loveable nature, and zest for life.
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English Setter
- Average weight 45-80 pounds
- Life Expectancy 12 years
- Is a member of the Sporting Group
- Is a part of the Setter family that was developed by crossbreeding pointer and spaniel breeds.
- Setters were named for their style of hunting. They slowly move in on their prey and sit quietly, or 'set,' while waiting for the perfect moment to move.
- They are sweet-tempered, merry, and boisterous dogs who love to play and are friendly with strangers and other dogs.
- They love water and will enthusiastically swim for as long as you let them.
Labrador Retriever
- Average weight 55-80 pounds
- Life Expectancy 11-13 years
- Is a member of the Sporting Group
- The Lab is an enthusiastic water dog who is built to swim. They have webbed feet, an otter tail, and a distinctive coat that is weather-resistant.
- They were initially developed to be duck retrievers and fisherman's mate
- They are known for being high-spirited, eager to please, friendly, and affectionate.
- Labs are social companions who make new friends easily.
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Lagotto Romagnolo
- Average weight 24-35 pounds
- Life Expectancy 15-17 years
- Is a member of the Sporting Group
- This curly-coated water dog’s name comes from the Italian word ‘lago’ which means ‘lake.
- Their name is pronounced ‘Low-got-tow Ro-man-yow-low’ (plural: Lagotti Romagnoli).
- They are known to have an extraordinary sense of smell and are trained to hunt down expensive truffles along the Italian countryside.
- The Lagotto is known for being friendly, playful, affectionate, and undemanding
Newfoundland
- Average weight 100-150 pounds
- Life Expectancy 9-10 years
- Is a member of the Working Group
- The Newfie is known for being devoted, friendly, loveable, and has the patience of a saint.
- The Newfie not only looks like a bear, but they can also swim like one. These giant dogs are built to swim and can easily maneuver through icy waters.
- They are the ultimate water rescue dog. Not only are they powerful yet gentle, but they are courageous enough to dive from boats and helicopters to save a life.
Browse available Newfoundland puppies for sale
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
- Average weight 35-50 pounds
- Life Expectancy 12-14 years
- Is a member of the Sporting Group
- The Toller is the smallest of the retriever-type breeds
- They are a strong and athletic breed that has boundless energy
- The Toller has a unique way of hunting. They stick close to the shoreline and use their fox-like tail to lure ducks toward their hunter.
- They are an affectionate and outgoing family companion that does well with children and other dogs
Poodle
- Average weight 40-70 pounds
- Life Expectancy 10-18 years
- Is a member of the Toy Group and Non-Sporting Group
- The Poodle’s name comes from the German word ‘pudelin’ which means to splash in water.
- While the toy, standard, and miniature varieties love water, it is the Standard Poodle is the avid swimmer.
- The Poodle’s extravagant haircut serves a purpose! Large areas called pompons are left on a dog to protect their vital organs when they are retrieving in cold water. Shaved areas allow them to maneuver through water with ease.
- The Poodle has been ranked as the 2nd most intelligent breed
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Portuguese Water Dog
- Average weight 35-60 pounds
- Life Expectancy 11-13 years
- Is a member of the Working Group
- The Portie is a seafaring that worked for fishermen. They would help herd fish to the nets and retrieve tackle
- Fishermen would use the Portie to swim out and deliver messages to other boats or back to shore.
- Their waterproof coat is considered low-shedding and allergy-friendly
Browse available Portuguese Water Dog puppies for sale
While our above list doesn't feature every water breed, below are a few others to consider:
- Barbet
- Curly-coated Retriever
- Irish Water Spaniel
- Otterhound
- Spanish Water Dog
Breeds That Don't Like Water
While most breeds can doggie-paddle alongside our elite water dogs, a few can’t. This doesn’t mean that these breeds can’t swim at all or don’t like playing in water. The anatomy of these breeds plays a factor in why they can struggle to stay afloat. Bully-type breeds are barrel-shaped, snub-nosed, and often short-legged making it hard for them to stay above water. Breeds with elongated bodies and short legs usually tire easily and should be monitored closely when in the water. Some smaller breeds have limited buoyancy due to delicate bone structure, endurance, and lower body fat. Then you have the breeds that have an aversion to water and would prefer to keep their paws on dry land.
It is important to take the necessary precautions to safeguard these breeds if you have them in or around water. If you have a pool, you might consider introducing your dog to the shallow end and teaching them how to safely exit the pool should they accidentally fall in. Pool fencing is a great option to keep a curious dog from diving into the deep end. If you’re planning on spending a nice day at the beach or lake with your furry best friend, consider investing in a doggie life jacket to keep them safe.
It is important to note that just because a breed isn’t listed below it means they are good swimmers or love water. Every breed and individual dog is different. Things like a disability or trauma could cause any dog to shy away from water. Try slowly introducing your dog to water while using positive reinforcement. Never force them to continue if they show signs of stress or aggression as it will only make the situation worse. Patience is key and if they aren’t taking to the water, they might just enjoy sunbathing while watching you go for a swim.
- Basset Hound
- Bichon Frise
- Boxer
- Bulldogs
- Cardigan Welsh Corgi
- Chihuahua
- Dachshund
- French Bulldog
- Maltese
- Pekingese
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi
- Pomeranians
- Pugs
- Shih Tzu
- Yorkshire Terrier
If you’re looking for the perfect water dog to add to your family, browse our available puppies for sale or contact us today!
