11 Water-Loving Dog Breeds for Families Who Love to Swim
These dogs will splash all day if you let them!
It’s wonderful when any dog comes into your life, but when one fits perfectly with your lifestyle, it’s like a dream come true. Whether you’re looking for a gentle dog who’s great around babies or one that doesn’t bark a ton (ideal for apartment dwellers), it’s always good to find a spot-on canine match.
If you and your family enjoy spending time in the water, whether it’s on the lake or in a swimming pool, there are plenty of dog breeds that can’t get enough of splashing around, especially when the weather heats up.
Every dog is different, so not every dog in these breeds will love water. But these athletic dogs are typically water-loving, and many were bred specifically to work in the water to help hunters and fishermen.
As long as you always supervise and take safety precautions, like having your dog wear a life jacket, you and your family will have a blast with your water-loving pup.
Labrador Retriever
Love for all things water is in a Lab’s DNA. Originating in Newfoundland, they were bred to retrieve ducks and to join fishermen on their journeys. Sporting a waterproof double coat and even webbed feet, your Lab needs no convincing to jump in!
Golden Retriever
As excellent swimmers who used to retrieve waterfowl in Scotland, Golden Retrievers are at home in the water. They love a dip in the pool or a splash in the lake, so be sure to keep plenty of water toys on hand, like floating bumpers and waterproof balls.
Portuguese Water Dog
It’s right there in the name! Once accompanying fishermen, the Portuguese Water Dog is black, white, and furry all over, but don’t let all that fuzz fool you—they’re actually hypoallergenic. But they certainly aren’t allergic to the water, where they’ll happily play and swim for hours.
Newfoundland
As one of the biggest dog breeds, goofy and sweet Newfoundlands certainly have a lot of love to give. And they equally love everything about the water. With webbed feet and a water-resistant coat, it’s not surprising that these loyal pups are often trained as water rescue dogs.
American Water Spaniel
Originally bred in and around the lakes of Wisconsin, the American Water Spaniel is no stranger to H2O. Known for their hunting and swimming skills, they have a curly coat that is impervious to water, even on chilly days. They’re also super-athletic, making for perfect water playmates for your kiddos.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
These chocolate-hued pups come from the Mid-Atlantic’s Chesapeake Bay. This retriever is a sporting breed and is famous for its swimming abilities. Strong with waterproof coats, they were bred for rough waters, but they probably wouldn’t mind a lazy day at the lake, either.
English Setter
English Setters were first bred for hunting in the water, which makes them athletic swimmers today. They love to play, retrieve toys, go swimming with their people, and generally splash around. In addition to their swimming prowess, they’re gentle and affectionate pets, too.
Standard Poodle
Although they may look like fancy pups, Standard Poodles aren’t afraid to get a little wet and messy! Like fellow water dogs, they have webbed feet and water-resistant coats. They love being active and are thought of as “Velcro” dogs, so you’ll always have a furry bestie to swim with.
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Bred to—you guessed it—retrieve ducks from the water during hunting outings, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever loves to hit the water in lots of ways, even if you’re not hunting ducks anytime soon. High-energy and displaying plenty of confidence in the water, they’re game to swim anywhere.
Irish Setter
With their beautiful, red-hued locks, Irish Setters sure are stunners, and they can be pretty stunning in the water, too. Strong and athletic, at one time they hunted waterfowl, but these days they’ll be content hunting for those toys you toss in the water.
Barbet
This French water dog is oh-so curly with pretty eyes and was once bred to retrieve game in marshes and swamps. With thick skin and a woolly coat, they’re never afraid of a little cold water, which means you might have a few late-season lake swims in your future.
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