Dogs have always demonstrated unwavering loyalty and companionship towards humans, showcasing their love for bonding with us through various activities. They eagerly partake in walks, runs, and park visits and embark on exciting adventures on land and water. Certain dog breeds have been selectively bred to accompany humans on boats, highlighting their adaptability to the marine environment. Similarly, other breeds have been specifically developed as skilled hunting companions for waterfowl, showcasing the diverse roles that dogs have played throughout history.
These dogs are known for their natural love for water and possess physical traits that make them well-suited for aquatic activities. Notably, they are equipped with thick, water-repellent coats that provide insulation against dampness, keeping them warm in the water. In addition, their athletic builds and webbed toes make them exceptionally adept swimmers, allowing them to navigate the water with agility and ease.
If you live in a waterfront area and relish spending time by the pool, at the beach, out on a boat, or are an enthusiastic swimmer, these ten dog breeds are perfect companions for making some waves with you.
Tip
While many small dog breeds are capable swimmers, they face challenges when exposed to cold water due to their low tolerance for low temperatures.
Portuguese Water Dog
The top breed on our list is the Portuguese water dog. Their name suggests their love for water, and they are truly enthusiasts. These dogs show no hesitation when getting in the water; they are always ready for a swim whenever the opportunity arises.
These dogs have a natural affinity for water due to their initial purpose as companions for fishermen. They have a long history of being comfortable on boats and are well-suited for dock-diving competitions and various water-related dog sports. These dogs are a great fit for families who love spending time in and around the water, as they will readily spend their days on board a vessel.
BREED CHARACTERISTICS
Group: Working Group
Weight: Male dogs usually weigh between 42 and 60 pounds, while females typically weigh between 35 and 50 pounds.
Height: Males typically stand 20 to 23 inches tall, while females stand 17 to 21 inches tall.
Coat and colour: Wavy or tightly curled coat; colours include black, black and white, and brown
Life span: 11 to 13 years
Labrador Retriever
Labrador retrievers are widely recognized as one of America’s most beloved dog breeds. Their affectionate nature and loyalty make these dogs thrive on land and in water, especially in the company of their favourite people. With a strong work ethic and a natural desire to please, Labs are renowned for their dedication. Their proficiency as swimmers is a testament to their athleticism and love for water, making them excellent companions for activities such as swimming and retrieving.
The Labrador Retriever, originally bred for waterfowl hunting, has an inherent love for water-related activities. These intelligent and versatile dogs thoroughly enjoy swimming and are always eager to retrieve toys from pools, ponds, lakes, and oceans. Their enthusiasm for water-based games is a testament to their enduring and unwavering passion for aquatic activities.
BREED CHARACTERISTICS
Group: Sporting Group
Weight: Male dogs typically weigh between 65 and 80 pounds, while female dogs typically weigh between 55 and 70 pounds.
Height: Male height: 22.5 to 24.5 inches; Female height: 21.5 to 23.5 inches
Coat and colour: Smooth, dense, water-resistant coat; comes in black, yellow, and chocolate
Life span: 10 to 12 years
Poodle
Throughout history, poodles have been perceived as more accustomed to city life rather than as water-loving dogs. Interestingly, poodles are adept at water activities despite their reputation as fashion accessories. The name “poodle” is derived from the German word “pudl,” which means “to splash in water.” O” Finally, the dogs were bred to”plunge into the water to retrieve the game, utilizing their characteristic curly coat to stay warm. The distinctive puff balls of fur over a poodle’s knees, feet, head, body, and poodles are initially a practical grooming choice rather than a mere fashion statement to keep these vital areas warm.
BREED CHARACTERISTICS
Group: Standard and miniature dogs belong to the Non-Sporting Group, while toy dogs belong to the Toy Group.
Weight: Male standard weight: 60-70 pounds, Female standard weight: 40-50 pounds, Miniature weight: 10-15 pounds, Toy weight: 4-6 pounds
Height:Standard: Dogs over 15 inches; Miniature: Dogs 10 to 15 inches; Toy: Dogs up to 10 inches.
Coat and colour: This coat has a dense, curly, single-layered texture and comes in white, black, grey, brown, and apricot.
Life span: 10 to 18 years
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
The Chesapeake Bay retriever shares some physical characteristics with the Labrador retriever, but it is distinguished by its slightly stockier build and thicker, denser coat. The Chessie breed possesses an oily double coat, providing exceptional water resistance and insulation. Originally bred in Maryland and Virginia, these dogs were developed as hunting companions for waterfowl retrieval. Their thick fur, power, and endurance made them well-suited for prolonged stays in the damp estuaries of the mid-Atlantic region. This unique combination of traits has made the Chesapeake Bay retriever a valuable asset for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts in waterfowl-rich environments.
BREED CHARACTERISTICS
Group: Sporting Group
Weight: Male dogs typically weigh between 65 and 80 pounds, while females weigh between 55 and 70 pounds.
Height: 23 to 26 inches (male); 21 to 24 inches (female)
Coat and colour: Short, wavy, waterproof coat; comes in solid shades of brown
Life span: 10 to 13 years
Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a gentle and affectionate giant breed known for its love of water. This impressive breed has a fascinating history that dates back to when European fishermen brought their loyal companions on boats that landed in Canada. These fishermen lived and worked by the sea and began selectively breeding a capable, hardworking companion with a natural affinity for water rescue. The resulting Newfoundland dogs are powerful and agile swimmers and possess an intuitive ability to assist individuals in distress, making them invaluable lifesavers.
BREED CHARACTERISTICS
Group: Working Group
Weight: 130 to 150 pounds (male); 100 to 120 pounds (female)
Height: 28 inches (male); 26 inches (female)
Coat and colour: Thick, medium-length coat that falls flat; colours include black, brown, grey, white and black
Life span: 9 to 10 years
Curly-Coated Retriever
The curly-coated retriever is a highly adept breed regarding activities in and around the water. Thanks to its unique tight, curly coat, this breed can effectively regulate its body temperature while diving into the water during hunts. This special coat is an essential adaptation for their water-centric lifestyle. The origins of the curly-coated retriever can be traced back to two now-extinct breeds, the English water spaniel and the retrieving setter, both of which were skilled water dogs. Some believe the poodle may have instilled this breed with its characteristic curls and innate affinity for water.
BREED CHARACTERISTICS
Group: Sporting Group
Weight: 60 to 95 pounds
Height: 25 to 27 inches (male); 23 to 25 inches (female)
Coat and colour: Sight water-resistant curls that cover the body from the tail up to the top of the head; feathering fringe of hair on the ears, belly, thighs, feet, legs, and tail; colours include black and liver
Life span: 10 to 12 years
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, affectionately known as the “toller,” is a small-sized, water-lov” ng bree” from Canada. This treasured retriever possesses a unique tolling talent, which involves luring ducks within range of the hunter through a series of playful and energetic movements. This process, known as tolling, highlights the toller’s intelligence and agility. Ontoller’saterfowl is downed, and the toller eagerly leaps into the water, displaying its strong swimming abilities to retrieve the game for the hunter. This breed’s remarkable combination of Skibreed’s affectionate nature makes it a beloved companion and a valuable hunting partner.
BREED CHARACTERISTICS
Group: Sporting Group
Weight: 35 to 50 pounds
Height: Males typically measure 18 to 21 inches, while females are generally 17 to 20 inches tall.
Coat and colour: Medium-length, water-repellent, dense double coat; golden red, orange, or copper colouring, usually with white markings on the face, chest, and paws
Life span: 12 to 14 years
Boykin Spaniel
Originating from the Southern United States, the Boykin spaniel is a versatile and friendly breed adapted to an active lifestyle near water. This breed, known for its webbed toes and muscular build, is highly skilled at swimming and is an excellent companion for water-based activities such as boating and waterfowl hunting. With its generous nature and love for the water, the Boykin spaniel is a loyal and enthusiastic partner for outdoor adventures.
BREED CHARACTERISTICS
Group: Sporting Group
Weight: Males typically weigh between 30 and 40 pounds, while females generally weigh between 25 and 35 pounds.
Height: Males are 15.5 to 18 inches tall, while females are usually 14 to 16.5 inches tall.
Coat and colour: Deep brown, medium-length, curly coat with a lighter reddish fringe
Life span: 10 to 15 years
Schipperke
The small-sized Schipperke breed originated in Belgium and was particularly favoured for its role as a rodent exterminator and watchdog on ships and dockyards. The name “Schipperke” is derived from Flemish, meaning “l” little captain.” Despite its diminutive stature, this breed is known for its high energy, agility, and fearlessness. The Schipperke’s thick coat provides Schipperke’sion and helps keep the dog warm in the water.
BREED CHARACTERISTICS
Group: Non-Sporting Group
Weight: 10 to 16 pounds
Height: 11 to 13 inches (male); 10 to 12 inches (female)
Coat and colour: Thick, black double coat that’s shorter around the face than the body
Life span: 12 to 14 years
Irish Setter
The Irish setter is a breed that originated from a deliberate crossbreeding of the Irish terrier, Irish water spaniel, English setter, and pointer. This meticulously planned mix of breeds resulted in a dog specifically tailored for hunting and retrieving waterfowl. The Irish setter’s long and powerful limbs allow it to stay buoyant in water for extended periods, making it well-suited for water-based hunting and retrieval activities. Furthermore, its glossy and flat coat serves a dual purpose, not only repelling water to keep the dog dry but also providing insulation to regulate its body temperature during water activities.
BREED CHARACTERISTICS
Group: Sporting
Height: 27 inches (male); 25 inches (female)
Weight: 70 pounds (male); 60 pounds (female)
Coat and colour: Flat, silky, long coat of deep chestnut red or mahogany; feathering on the chest, belly, legs, and tail
Life span: 12 to 15 years
Breeds to Avoid
Due to their physical characteristics, not all dogs are naturally equipped for swimming. Breeds with a top-heavy build, short legs, and brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds are not well-suited for swimming. For example, breeds like boxers, bulldogs, pugs, and dachshunds may struggle in the water due to their anatomy and tire easily due to their breathing structure.
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