Pictures of Water Dogs: 12 Unique Breeds to Fall in Love With

The Portuguese Water Dog is a breed that's perfect for water lovers, with its curly or wavy coat and webbed feet making it a natural in the water. It's also highly intelligent and active, requiring regular exercise to keep it happy and healthy.

The Portuguese Water Dog is an ancient breed, originating in Portugal over 1,000 years ago as a working dog on fishing boats. Its original purpose was to help fishermen herd fish and retrieve items from the water.

These dogs are known for their high energy levels and need plenty of exercise to keep them happy and healthy. They're not suited for apartment living and require a lot of space to run around.

The Portuguese Water Dog is a versatile breed that excels in many areas, including agility, obedience, and even as a therapy dog.

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Water Dog Breeds are built for the water, with a thick double coat that sheds water easily.

The Portuguese Water Dog, for example, has a curly or wavy coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting.

Their webbed feet are perfect for swimming, and their strong tails act as rudders in the water.

The Standard Poodle, another water dog breed, has a low-shedding coat that makes it ideal for families with allergies.

Their intelligence and trainability make them a popular choice for water rescue and therapy work.

The Barbet, a French water dog breed, has a distinctive beard and mustache, in addition to its thick, curly coat.

Their love of water and strong instincts make them natural swimmers and retrievers.

The Lagotto Romagnolo, an Italian water dog breed, has a curly or wavy coat that requires regular grooming.

Their keen sense of smell and intelligence make them highly trainable and popular for hunting and water rescue work.

Their love of water and strong instincts make them natural swimmers and retrievers.

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The Portuguese Water Dog is an energetic and athletic breed, weighing between 36-60 pounds.

They come in a variety of colors, including black, white, brown, black & white, and white & chocolate.

These highly intelligent and spirited pups are suitable for active families and people who enjoy spending time outside. Experienced dog owners will appreciate their loyal and affectionate nature.

The Spanish Water Dog is a hard-working and playful breed bred to be herders and waterfowl retrievers.

They are affectionate and social, and can play well with other dogs if socialized as a puppy. This breed is also good with kids.

Their unique, curly, wooly coat is low maintenance when it comes to grooming, but the hair does form cords that need daily attention.

Spanish Water Dogs come in a variety of colors and have a bouncy, curly coat that should never be brushed.

They are charming animals who enjoy playing with and protecting their families, and are generally hypoallergenic.

Spanish Water Dogs are active, protective, and have a high activity level, so they need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Their life expectancy is 12-14 years, making them a long-term companion for many families.

It's essential to work with someone experienced in their coat care, especially for first-time owners, to ensure proper grooming and care.

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Irish Water Spaniels are known for their playful and affectionate nature. They're also highly trainable, making them a great addition to active families.

These dogs are natural swimmers, with waterproof coats that require regular trimming every couple of months. Their coats are also hypoallergenic, making them a great choice for families with allergies.

Irish Water Spaniels are generally good with other pets and kids, as they're eager to please and playful. With proper training and socialization, they'll fit right in with your family.

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The Lagotto Romagnolo is a smart breed from Italy that's known for being good family dogs if socialized early. They're also affectionate and lively, making them a great companion.

Their curly, water-resistant coat is a unique feature, but it does require special care to prevent matting. They love water, so a daily bath or swim is not uncommon.

They're highly trainable and eager to please, which makes them a joy to work with. With daily mental stimulation through play or training, they'll thrive and stay happy.

Problem-solving is one of their favorite activities, so a doggie puzzle toy is a great way to keep them engaged. Their low shedding coat is a bonus for people with allergies or who prefer less dog hair.

On average, Lagotto Romagnolos live for 15-17 years, which is a long and happy life for a dog.

Newfoundlands are gentle giants, weighing in at over 100 pounds, often reaching up to 150 pounds.

Their flat, coarse exterior coat is perfect for avid swimmers in cool waters.

They have a shorter life span than other breeds, usually living until around 8 years old.

These big lovers tend to drool profusely, so be prepared for some serious slobbering.

They shed a lot, so regular grooming is a must.

Newfoundlands are prone to ear infections, especially those floofy ears, so keep a close eye on them.

Newfoundlands are friendly and loving, making them great companions.

They have a moderate activity level, but they do need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Newfoundlands have a moderate to high shedding factor, so be prepared for regular vacuuming.

They're known for their strength and patience, making them perfect for kid-friendly families.

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a medium-sized sporting breed with an eye-catching golden copper coat. They are bred to help hunt ducks and are perfect for families who enjoy outdoor activities like hunting, hiking, and swimming.

Tollers are very intelligent and eager to please, which makes them a joy to train. They thrive on routine exercise and love playing fetch.

These dogs can be a bit loud, with a notorious "toller scream" that's not suitable for apartment-dwellers or those with close neighbors. They need to be exercised regularly to keep them happy and healthy.

In terms of size, Tollers typically stand between 17-21 inches tall and weigh between 35-50 pounds. They have a moderate shedding factor and a life expectancy of 12-14 years.

Tollers can be a bit stubborn at times, so early training and consistent practice are essential. Rewarding them with treats can go a long way in keeping them on track.

The American Water Spaniel is a rare breed, with only around 3,000 existing at any given time. They are Wisconsin's state dog and known for their unique chocolate, curly-haired appearance.

They were developed by duck hunters to fit into small boats easily, which is a testament to their adaptability. This breed excels at learning commands and trains easily.

American Water Spaniels are charming and active, requiring moderate to high activity levels. They're happy when they get lots of outdoor time.

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The Boykin Spaniel is a medium-sized dog that stands between 14-18 inches tall. Their weight ranges from 25-40 pounds.

These energetic pups have a moderate to high activity level, which means they need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They're adaptable and cheerful, making them great family pets.

Their silky brown coats are relatively low-maintenance, requiring only weekly brushing and occasional baths.

The Flat Coated Retriever is a breed that's known for being leaner than some other retrievers, with a height range of 22-25 inches and a weight range of 60-70 pounds.

These dogs are built for action, with a high activity level that makes them perfect for owners who love to stay active. They're also known for their moderate shedding factor, which is great news for people who don't want to deal with excessive dog hair.

One of the standout features of the Flat Coated Retriever is their outgoing and playful personality. They're always up for an adventure and will happily follow you to the ends of the earth - especially if you give them a job to do.

Flat Coated Retrievers are also known for their relatively short lifespan, with an average life expectancy of 8-10 years. This means that owners need to be prepared to make the most of their time with these lovable dogs.

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The Otterhound is a unique breed that stands out for its impressive size, with adults reaching 24-27 inches in height and weighing between 80-115 pounds.

Their friendly and sensitive nature makes them a great companion for families with kids and other pets, as they enjoy playtime and social interaction.

With a moderate activity level, Otterhounds don't require an excessive amount of exercise, but they do need regular physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.

Their low to moderate shedding factor is a plus for people with allergies or who prefer less dog hair in their homes.

On average, Otterhounds have a life expectancy of 10-13 years, which is a relatively long lifespan for a medium-sized breed.

Their webbed feet are a distinctive feature, and a remnant of their original purpose as otter hunters in Medieval England.

The Portuguese Water Dog is an energetic breed, weighing between 36-60 pounds, and coming in various colors such as black, white, brown, black & white, and white & chocolate. They are perfect for active families who enjoy spending time outside.

These dogs are highly intelligent and athletic, making them excellent companions for experienced dog owners. They have a loyal and affectionate nature, making them a great fit for families who want a loving pet.

The Spanish Water Dog is another energetic breed, weighing between 30-50 pounds and standing between 15-20 inches tall. They have a unique, curly coat that requires daily attention to prevent matting.

A Spanish Water Dog's curls come in a variety of colors and are best left unbrushed. They are charming animals who enjoy playing with and protecting their families.

The Irish Water Spaniel is a working dog that stands between 15-20 inches tall and weighs between 25-45 pounds. They are known for their signature "rat tail" and are highly trainable.

Irish Water Spaniels are also very playful, affectionate, and eager to please, making them a great fit for families with kids. They are generally good with other dogs and are easy to train.

The American Water Spaniel is a rare breed that weighs between 25-45 pounds and stands between 15-18 inches tall. They have a low-shedding coat and are highly trainable, making them a great fit for families with allergies.

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American Water Spaniels are developed to fit into small boats easily and enjoy learning commands. They are happy to get lots of outdoor time and are generally good with kids.

The Newfoundland is a giant dog that weighs between 100-150 pounds and stands between 26-28 inches tall. They have a thick, coarse coat that developed to keep them warm in icy Canadian water.

Newfoundlands are strong and patient animals that are perfect for families with kids. They are also known for assisting fishing boats with daily hauls and working rescue missions.

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is an outgoing breed that weighs between 35-45 pounds and stands between 17-21 inches tall. They have an eye-catching golden copper coat and are highly intelligent.

Tollers are perfect for families who enjoy hunting, hiking, camping, and swimming. They are also very loving and eager to please, making them a great fit for families with kids.

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a loyal breed that weighs between 55-80 pounds and stands between 21-26 inches tall. They are sensitive souls who love their families but have independent streaks.

Chessies are smart and athletic dogs that won't stand for being left behind. They need early and firm training to ensure a well-behaved adult dog.

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When considering introducing a Portuguese Water Dog to a household with other pets, it's essential to know their compatibility.

Portuguese Water Dogs generally do well in households with other pets as they have a relatively low prey drive.

However, if a Portie is introduced into a home with a resident cat, the transition may not go as smoothly. You'll need to follow a proper introductory period to increase the likelihood of peaceful cohabitation.

Portuguese Water Dogs are highly intelligent and easy to train, making them a great breed for first-time dog owners.

They generally respond well to obedience training, but may challenge their owner's will and commitment to training at times.

Positive reinforcement training is best for PWDs, as they're usually highly motivated by food.

Rewarding good behaviors with high-value treats is a great way to communicate a job well done to your pup and mark the behaviors you want them to continue.

Their natural inclination to use their mouths to rip has become a breed trait, so owners need to teach their PWDs what they can and cannot use their mouths on.

Nipping at their humans is not acceptable, but chewing certain toys or bones may be.

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