There are many dogs that love water. However the breeds discussed here were bred for the water and they truly love the wet stuff. If you’re looking for a fishing or swimming partner then these ten pooches are right for you.
#1 Standard Poodle
The Standard Poodle derives their name from the German word Pudeln, which means “to splash”.While many think the Poodle lives on the dog show circuit, the truth is this dog was born for the hunt. They are retrievers.
Their original job was to fetch waterfowl from the water for their hunting companion. He may appear dainty, but the Standard Poodle is a swimming expert and many hunters still use them for retrieving duck and other waterfowl.
#2 Newfoundland
The giant Newfoundland breed was a popular working dog, both on land and water on the island of Newfoundland off the east coast of Canada.They were bred to tow lines from ship to land in choppy seas and rescuing swimmers.
With their webbed paws,they were so good at saving the drowning, that there was once a time when Newfoundland dogs were required at lifeguard stations along the British coast. The Newfoundland is able and strong,and has been used as a drafting dog as well.
#3 Chesapeake Bay Retriever
This retriever is often referred to, as the complete water retriever dog breed. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever dog breed originated as a water dog used to hunt and retrieve ducks in the chilly waters of Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay.
Many “Chessies”, as they are sometimes called, actually swim and dive into ice cold water. This is probably because their coat, which is nearly waterproof, consists of a dense undercoat and a rough wind-resistant outer coat.
Similar in appearance to the Labrador Retriever, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is still an excellent hunting and swimming dog today.
Truly one of the top 10 dogs that love water.
#4 English Setter
The English Setter often feels more at home in the water than on land. They were originally bred as a bird dog to point and retrieve game in the soggy English moors. For the last 400 years,the English have used the setter as a hunting dog.
The English Setter is still used as a hunting dog today as well as a family companion.
#5 Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel is one of the largest and oldest of the spaniel breeds still around today,it was originally bred as a sporting dog and water retriever.
It is a breed,native to Ireland, dating back at least 1000 years. Their beautiful double coat and tight curls help resist harsh outdoor conditions. They may be a difficult to acquire as they are a relatively rare breed.
#6 Irish Setter
The Irish Setter is the result of combining the best traits from several breeds, including the English Setter, the Pointer, the Irish Terrier and the Irish Water Spaniel. The Irish Setter is at home equally hunting in the fields or having fun swimming.
Like the previously mentioned English Setter, the Irish Setter was bred for hunting, specifically for setting or locating and pointing upland game birds. They have boundless energy,are well suited to fields and wet or dry moorland terrain.Due to their energy levels,they possess a wide range for hunting.
#7 Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog once found all along the coast of Portugal, this sea faring dog was used mainly to herd fish into nets, retrieve lost fishing equipment, and act as a boat-to-shore or boat-to-boat courier.
These days the Portuguese Water stretches his sea legs in his owners backyard pool.
#8 Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, the smallest of the retrievers,were originally bred in the southern region of Nova Scotia, Canada to toll, lure, and retrieve waterfowl by playing on-shore.The name “toller” is derived from it’s ability to lure waterfowl within range of a hunter’s shots.
They are particularly suited for retrieving in cold water climates because of their water-repellent double coat.
#9 Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever, America’s most popular dog also happens to be one of the best swimming dog breeds. The reason being the modern Labrador Retriever is the ancestral result of a popular fishing and retrieving dog from Newfoundland and Labrador, an Atlantic coastal province in Canada near the Labrador Sea.
Today they are a ubiquitous family companion and other than retrieving, have also found work in other fields such as a guide dog and even police work, thanks to their nearly unmatched trainability.
#10 Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever, a cousin of the Labrador, was originally bred as a hunting companion for retrieving waterfowl. They continue to be a favorite among hunters and families who want a dog that loves to swim! The Golden Retriever’s friendliness has made them popular as a disability assistance dog such as being a guide dog for the blind and a hearing dog for the deaf.
In addition, they are trained to be a search and rescue participant,hunting dog and detection dog.
