These dogs that love the water as much as you do!
Labrador Retriever
Who doesn’t love Labradors? These lovable, goofy dogs are constantly voted the number one dog to have as a pet (and for good reason). Hailing from Canada, these hunter dogs were trained to catch waterfowl in extreme conditions and were quite successful due to their slightly webbed paws and water-resistant double coat. Their drive and energy make them great companions for families. They love being in the water, whether it’s just to engage in some hunting or playing around with their favorite humans.
Portuguese Water Dog
Remember Bo and Sunny Obama? The happy and energetic former first dogs belong to this renowned breed. How could this dog, out of all the breeds, not love water? After all, it’s in their name! Portuguese Water Dogs used to live up and down the coast of Portugal, helping their owners catch and herd fish into their nets as well as being the middlemen for people on the sea and people on land. These dogs’ coats serve multiple functions; not only is their coat waterproof, but it’s also low shedding! They make great companions for people who live active lifestyles as they need lots of activity themselves.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a quintessential American dog. Thought to be a mix of many different dog breeds including Newfoundlands and various Water Spaniels, the Chessie, as it is affectionately known, got its start helping duck hunters along the Chesapeake Bay between Maryland and Virginia. This is one of the many breeds that love the water and make excellent swimmers. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers can have a stubborn streak, but they are loyal and loving companions.
Newfoundland
If you’re a Peter Pan fan, this may be a breed you’d want to consider. Known for its sweet and docile temperament, the Newfoundland is a gentle giant that is an ideal pet for any family. Newfoundlands can be traced back to their roots as working dogs in Canada, helping fishermen with rescues when things got too tough. They also helped bring in heavy fishing nets and took those fish to markets. Their coats are long, thick, and luxurious, making them perfect for the Canadian cold or other cold regions.
Poodle
Even though the French may have claimed this dog as their own, the Poodle got its start as a duck hunter in Germany. The Poodle is one of the more popular dog breeds that are known for their love of the water. The fluffy coat we all associate the Poodle with today had a more functional purpose back then. Over the years, the Poodle went from a working-class dog to one that lived in the lap of luxury and developed a stereotype of being a “prissy,” high-maintenance dog. While they have their moments, Poodles are always eager to learn and considered one of the most intelligent dogs around. Their willingness to learn and trainable nature made them natural-born performers and a favorite at circuses. Nowadays, they come in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy.
Curly Coated Retriever
Set apart by its distinctive curled coat, Curly Coated Retrievers are one of the oldest known retrievers. These dogs are known for being great waterfowl hunters and are considered one of the best hunting dogs. They are extremely intelligent and loyal to their families, but may not be so comfortable with others. While still popular in their home country of Britain, Curly Coated Retrievers are also wildly popular in both New Zealand and Australia.
English Setter
English Setters, known for their long, flowing coats that are uniquely spotted, got their name from the way they would “set,” or lie low to the ground, in order to let their owners know they’d found the fowl they were hunting. This breed is easygoing and extroverted, making them great with strangers. They’re also great with kids and can be both a family dog or a hunting dog. English setters developed a pointer style of hunting when their owners started hunting with guns. They’re beloved in their home country of Britain but are also adored in America as a show dog.
American Water Spaniel
American Water Spaniels, the state dog of Wisconsin, are probably the rarest dogs on this list! The American Water Spaniel Club website states that there are probably no more than 3,000 of these dogs in existence. American Water Spaniels are quite social, extremely intelligent, and are great with families. They are also extremely energetic and love both hunting and swimming. Be careful, though! They have been known to be destructive if they don’t receive enough activity throughout the day.
Choosing the Right Dogs That Love The Water.
As you can see above, all of these dog breeds have an innate love for the water. More importantly, their love for water is not the only thing that they enjoy. Many of these breeds are great family dogs who enjoy spending time with the ones they love. All of them also make excellent workers that can help with everyday tasks. Whatever purpose you have for these dogs, make sure you have a pool or lake nearby!