If you're a dog owner who loves to spend time by the water, you're in luck - there are many breeds that share your enthusiasm. The Portuguese Water Dog, for example, is a natural swimmer.
This breed was originally bred to help fishermen in Portugal, and as a result, they have a strong instinct to be in the water. They have a thick, curly coat that sheds water and a webbed foot that makes them agile in the water.
The Barbet is another water-loving breed that's perfect for families who enjoy swimming and water activities. They're known for their love of water and have been known to dive to great depths in search of fish.
The American Water Spaniel is a versatile breed that's happy to spend time in and out of the water. They have a water-resistant coat and a love of swimming that makes them a great companion for water activities.
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Water-Loving Dog Breeds
If you're looking for a water-loving dog, you'll want one that's naturally inclined to get wet! The Irish Water Spaniel is a great choice, as they have a water-repellent coat and love swimming.
They're also highly intelligent, which makes them easy to train for water fun. Their curly-haired coat is dense and curly, perfect for withstanding water and getting dirty.
Originally bred to be water retrievers, Irish Water Spaniels excel at retrieving objects and are a joy to watch in action.
Irish
The Irish Water Spaniel is a breed that's all about the water. They have a naturally water-repellent coat that makes them perfect for swimming and water activities.
These dogs are highly intelligent, which makes them highly trainable, but also means they can be a bit mischievous at times. I've seen Irish Water Spaniels in action, and they're always up to something fun.
One of the key characteristics of the Irish Water Spaniel is their curly, liver-colored coat. It's water-resistant, which is essential for a breed that loves the water as much as they do.
These dogs are larger than you might expect, with a distinctive skinny, rat-like tail that sets them apart from other spaniels. They're also quite energetic, which means they need plenty of exercise to keep them happy and healthy.
Irish Water Spaniels are often nicknamed the "clown of the spaniels" due to their precocious personality. They're loyal to those they know, but can be a bit wary of strangers.
Their curly coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, but it's worth it to keep them looking their best. With the right care and attention, Irish Water Spaniels can make wonderful companions for active families or individuals.
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Schipperke
The Schipperke, a Belgian breed that's at home in the water. They're known as "canal boat dogs" and their energetic nature makes them an exciting companion for outdoor adventures.
Schipperkes are popular on barges, which is why they're also referred to as "little captains" in Flemish. Their history is tied to the water, and it shows in their love for being near it.
Their energetic nature can sometimes make them stubborn, especially when they're off-leash. This means they can be challenging to keep track of, but with the right training and attention, they can thrive.
If they do escape, be prepared to chase after them, as they're naturally drawn to the water.
What Are Water-Loving Dogs?
Water-loving dogs are a unique group, and one of their defining characteristics is their love of water - the Barbet, for instance, is drawn to water, even muddy tracts of swampy land.
Their waterproof coats and webbed feet are just a few of the physical traits that make them well-suited for life in and around water.
Barbet
The Barbet is a shaggy, cheerful dog that loves to swim. They're often mistaken for a Goldendoodle due to their similar appearance.
This French water dog has a hairy chin, which is where they get their name from - "barbe" means beard in French. Their nickname is actually "Mud Dog", which suits them perfectly.
The Barbet has been a popular French water dog since at least the 16th century, when Henry IV hunted waterfowl with them. They're drawn to water, even muddy tracts of swampy land.
Historically, Barbets made great water hunting dogs, and they've retained a warm and outgoing nature. They're not afraid to get dirty, which is reflected in their nickname "Mud Dog."
A fresh viewpoint: Barbet vs Spanish Water Dog
Duck Tolling
Duck Tolling is a unique way that some dogs, like the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, have been bred to lure waterfowl within gun range. They'd lure ducks with their playful activity along the shoreline, which would attract the ducks' attention.
These dogs are intelligent and outgoing, with the energy to work or play all day long. They're the smallest of the retriever family.
Their original job was to help hunters round up and retrieve waterfowl. Today, they make excellent swimming and playing companions.
Tollers have a waterproof coat and webbed feet, which makes them well-suited for their water-loving disposition.
For another approach, see: Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Other Water-Loving Breeds
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever was developed to retrieve birds from the icy waters of the Chesapeake Bay. They can retrieve as many as 200 ducks a day.
Their thick, short coat has a wooly, dense undercoat, and the coat may be wavy on the shoulders and back to keep them warm even in the water. This unique coat helps them thrive in cold water conditions.
The English Curly-coated Retriever is one of the oldest of the Retriever family. They're brave enough to go head first into icy cold waters.
Their curly coat repels water and helps them stay warm in cold temperatures. This makes them a great choice for water-loving dog owners.
The Otterhound has a rough, waterproof overcoat and oily undercoat, making them a perfect water dog. They were bred as otter-hunters and can cover great distances in the water.
Their webbed feet and oily, water-repellant fur make them extraordinary swimmers. This is a boisterous, amiable dog who needs lots of exercise, especially in the water.
The Lagotto Romagnolo gets its name from càn lagòt, an Italian phrase meaning “water dog”. They still love a good swim, but are often used to hunt truffles instead of waterfowl.
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Lists and Information
If you're looking for dog breeds that love water, you're in luck because there are many out there.
The top 19 dog breeds that love water are listed in an article, but one breed that stands out is the Portuguese Water Dog.
These breeds are perfect for families who live near a pool or beach and want a furry companion to join them for a swim.
The Portuguese Water Dog is known for its love of water and its ability to help fishermen by retrieving fish and other items from the water.
Many of these breeds are natural swimmers and can easily adapt to swimming in a pool or lake.
The Portuguese Water Dog is also a great breed for families with children, as it is gentle and patient.
For more insights, see: Is It Bad for Dogs to Drink Pool Water
Sources
- Just Add Water! 16 Dog Breeds That Can Swim Easily (akc.org)
- 18 Dogs That Love to Swim (petmd.com)
- 19 Water Dogs – These Dog Breeds Love Water (tractive.com)
- 10 Best Dog Breeds for Swimming and Water Activities (thesprucepets.com)
- 11 Dog Breeds That Love to Swim (chewy.com)
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