Best Dog Breeds for Swimming and Water Activities

Portuguese water dogs have such a natural affinity for water that it became part of their official name. These avid splash masters don’t have to be asked twice to enter the water. They were originally bred for life as a fisherman’s friend, so it’s a natural sight to see these dogs on boats. The Portuguese water dog made a name for itself assisting Portuguese fishermen by swimming in between boats, herding fish into nets, and even retrieving lost tackle and gear. Today, they’re often used in dock diving competitions, water trials, and agility competitions. They are a natural fit for water-loving families and will happily spend the day aboard a vessel.

You might imagine a poodle to be more at home strolling a city street than pouncing into the water, but the truth is that these are true water dogs at heart. The name "poodle" derives from the German word "pudl," which translates as “to splash in water.” The characteristic curly coat served to keep the dog warm as it plunged into chilly water to retrieve birds and other game. The familiar puff balls of fur over the dog’s knees, feet, head, body, and tail were originally a functional grooming choice to keep these vital areas warm, rather than a fashion statement. It’s interesting to note that standard, toy, and mini poodles are all the same breed and are equally water adept.

Labrador retrievers have long been one of America’s most popular pooches, and these dogs are happy on land or sea, as long as they’re with their people. However, the lab was bred with waterfowl hunting in mind and claims the St. John’s water dog as its ancestor, which is a combination of the Newfoundland and small spaniels. These dogs are always game for hopping into pools, ponds, lakes, oceans and anything else wet—especially if there’s a ball involved. Get these dogs on a boat, and they’ll be ready to go for a ride and happily plunge in to retrieve a favorite toy.

Also known as a Chessie, these lesser-known retrievers are a slightly stockier retriever with a thicker, denser coat. Its double coat is oily and provides excellent water-resistance as well as insulation, which makes it perfect for a water-loving dog. These dogs were originally bred in Maryland and Virginia to be hunting companions in search of waterfowl. Their warm coat, combined with strength and stamina, made these dogs a natural fit for spending hours and hours in the wet estuaries of the mid-Atlantic region.

One of Canada’s most treasured breeds is a small-stature, water-loving retriever that possesses a unique tolling talent. The Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever, sometimes referred to as "a toller," gets its name from its peculiar ability to toll or lure ducks within range of the hunter by using playful antics. Once the waterfowl is downed, the toller is happy to jump into the water and retrieve the game.

The Newfoundland (Newfies) are known as gentle giants. But what you might not know is that they’re really gentle water giants. It is believed that this big breed got its start when European fishermen brought dogs on boats that landed in Newfoundland, Canada. These men lived and worked by the sea and they began breeding a capable, hardworking companion that also had a knack for water rescue.

The Newfoundland’s large size and intuitive ability to help a person in distress have made them a literal lifesaver. If you keep a Newfie for a pet, you’ll have a loyal companion that is right by your side at all times and always ready for a swim in the pool—just make sure the pool is big enough for your Newfie and you.

Like other retrievers, the curly-coated retriever is a natural fit for life by the water. The tight, curly coat of this retriever assists it in staying warm and maintaining its body temperature when diving into lakes or rivers on a hunt. These dogs have a rich heritage tied to the water; they’re descended from two extinct breeds that formerly served as water dogs—the English water spaniel and the retrieving setter. It’s also believed that the poodle may be responsible for lending this breed some of its characteristic curls—and no doubt its natural affinity for the water.

Hailing from the southern part of the U.S., the Boykin spaniel has a reputation for being an easy-going family companion that’s well-suited for life on the lake—or pond, ocean, stream, or river. It sports webbed toes and a compact, athletic body that is well-suited for swimming. Take this dog on the boat or out for your next duck hunting adventure and you’ll have a happy pal that’s always ready to go. Other spaniels that are well-suited for water include the American water spaniel and Irish water spaniel.

In the 1690s, the schipperke became popular on barges in the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium, Flanders, and earned its name meaning "little captain" in Flemish. Often called the canal boat dog, these dogs were popular as ratters as well as served as great guard dogs when boats would anchor for the night.

The Irish setter was developed from mixing the Irish terrier, Irish water spaniel, English setter, and pointer. A gun dog, it was designed for hunting and retrieving waterfowl. Its strong limbs can keep it afloat and in the water for prolonged periods of time. It's a true water lover.