- portuguese water dog
- boykin spaniel
- irish water spaniel
- lagotto romagnolo
- spanish water dog
- english setter
- otterhound
- dog breeds
- swimming
- american water spaniel
- labrador retriever
- barbet
- newfoundland
- poodle
- chesapeake bay retriever
- curly-coated retriever
- nova scotia duck tolling retriever
- flat-coated retriever
While some dogs aren’t fans of swimming, there are other dog breeds that can swim easily and happily. These breeds were developed to work in the water, whether for hunting, retrieving, rescue, or as all-around helpers. Even though they’re perfectly happy on land, they’re truly delighted to hit the beach, lake, or anything wet. If you’re looking for a canine companion that revels in boating and swimming, one of these is perfect for you.
American Water Spaniel
This charming little water dog is just the right size to hunt from a canoe or a skiff. Combining traits of a retriever and a spaniel, they are used to working in water, everything from the marshes of the Great Lakes to icy expanses. The American Water Spaniel is pretty rare, but those in the know love their eagerness and energy.
Barbet
Although a rare dog breed in the U.S., the Barbet has been a popular French water dog since at least the 16th century, when Henry IV hunted waterfowl with his Barbet. Friendly, outgoing, and energetic, the Barbet is drawn to water, even muddy tracts of swampy land. In fact, their nickname is “Mud Dog.”
Boykin Spaniel
Those who hunt wild turkey and waterfowl in the swampy and marshy terrain of the American South treasure this medium-sized breed of spaniel. The Boykin Spaniel is a great companion for an active family — lovable, trainable, and eager. And they will outlast you in the water, every time.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever‘s name says it all. With their oily, waterproof coat, strength, and endurance, this rugged gundog was born to work the rough, often icy waters of the Chesapeake Bay. This versatile, energetic breed thrives with active, outdoorsy families.
Curly-Coated Retriever
This English dog is one of the oldest retrieving breeds. Hard-working, versatile, and extremely smart, the Curly-Coated Retriever will retrieve in the iciest water, and they are still a favorite of hunters. Some call them “the thinking man’s retriever.”
English Setter
For such an amiable, sweet, and well-mannered dog, the English Setter is also an energetic athlete. Originally bred as a bird dog to point, they are happy out on the water. With proper training and encouragement, swimming can be one of their favorite things, along with hanging out with their people, of course.
Flat-Coated Retriever
This breed’s beautiful coat is actually quite functional. It protects them from harsh weather and icy temperatures. Originally bred to hunt on land and water, the Flat-Coated Retriever is better known today as a happy, energetic, water-loving, and forever-young family companion.
Irish Water Spaniel
One of the largest and oldest of the spaniel breeds, this dog has a naturally water-repellent coat, along with intelligence, endurance, and an eager attitude. These traits combine to make the Irish Water Spaniel a versatile gundog, especially for waterfowl. They are also a lovely companion, often called the “clown of the spaniel family.”
Labrador Retriever
One of the most popular breeds in the country, the Labrador Retriever was bred to retrieve waterfowl, often under difficult conditions. They are an ideal family dog and sporting dog, always, always ready for a swim. In fact, they are excellent swimmers and will happily spend the day retrieving from the water.
Lagotto Romagnolo
The Lagotto Romagnolo is thought to be the original breed from which all water dogs are descended. Originally used as a gundog to hunt waterfowl, they are prized today for their ability to hunt for truffles. In fact, they are the only purebred dog recognized as a specialized truffle searcher. However, they haven’t lost their natural water dog qualities, so they are excellent swimmers.
Newfoundland
You might not think of this giant sweetheart of a dog as a water dog, but the Newfoundland was developed as a water rescue dog. They have natural lifesaving instincts and, with a large lung capacity, can swim long distances to bring a victim to safety. On land, they are used for carting or drafting… or just being an adored family pet.
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
This beautiful, medium-sized dog is the smallest of the retrievers. Intelligent and outgoing, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever has the energy to work or play all day long, and then some. Tollers were developed to lure waterfowl within gun range and then retrieve the dead or wounded birds from the water. They’d lure ducks with their playful activity along the shoreline, which would attract the ducks’ attention
Otterhound
Rarer than the Giant Panda, the Otterhound was bred for hunting otters. They are big, boisterous dogs, humorous, friendly, and affectionate. Fans of the breed call them “the clown of the hound group.” Their rough double coat and webbed feet are ideal for the water, and they are exceptionally strong swimmers.
Portuguese Water Dog
This intelligent and athletic dog is truly the fisherman’s friend. In their native country, this web-footed breed was used to “herd” fish into the nets, as well as to swim out and retrieve broken nets and lost equipment. The Portuguese Water Dog needs a great deal of exercise and attention and will be even happier if all this takes place in the water.
Spanish Water Dog
It’s unusual that a top-notch herding dog is also considered an excellent water dog, but this breed is both. In fact, Spanish Water Dogs are happiest with a job to do. Although their origins are unclear, we do know that this is an ancient breed used for herding and hunting on both water and land. Athletic and sturdy, they are an expert swimmer.
Standard Poodle
Despite their elegant looks, the Standard Poodle is more than just a runway model. With their athleticism and intelligence, they excel in obedience and other dog sports. In Europe, Poodles were used as waterfowl retrievers and still enjoy a good swim today.
At AKC Marketplace, we can help you find your dream dog. You can find AKC-registerable puppies from responsible, passionate breeders, and we provide the tools you need for every step of the process. Visit marketplace.akc.org to start connecting with dog breeders in your area!