Some people are naturally active and love to spend time in or around the water. Whether it’s at the beach, the lake, or even in a backyard swimming pool, we can’t help but jump in and swim! If you love swimming and you’re looking to adopt a dog to keep you company on your aquatic adventures, you might want to check these dog breeds out. Here are ten of the best dog breeds for swimming.
1. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Also affectionately known as “Chessies,” these dogs truly love the water. They’re even known to dive into cold icy waters like the Chesapeake Bay, hence the name.
This is possible thanks to their almost waterproof coat that’s also wind resistant. They are a tough breed with a great guard dog instinct, as they’re wary of strangers.
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers will stand by you no matter what!
2. Barbet
Originally from France, the Barbet breed loves to accompany their human parents on the boat and in the water.
Throughout French history, these loving and energetic pups used to help sailors hunt for waterfowl. These dogs are an active breed who don’t shed much but still have a lot of grooming needs, as their nails need frequent clipping, and their coats need to be brushed constantly.
But no matter what, they’re affectionate dogs who will love you as much as they love the water!
3. Irish Water Spaniel
If there was a breed that was made for the water, it’s the Irish Water Spaniel. Out of all the Spaniel breeds, they are the biggest and the oldest.
Their coat is naturally oily, which repels water and keeps their skin underneath dry as they swim. They also have webbed toes, which help them glide in the water and swim in different temperatures and environments.
If you love the water, these dogs are great companions to swim by your side!
4. Newfoundland
This giant breed of sweethearts is originally from Canada. Some might think they aren’t good swimmers due to their size, but you’d be surprised!
Newfoundlands, or “Newfies,” were originally bred and trained to help fishermen, as well as to rescue those who needed help in the water. They have a large lung capacity and can swim long distances, which makes them perfect dogs to rescue people from drowning — and they are still trained for that task today!
These gentle giants are amazing water dogs.
5. English Setter
Dogs of this breed love their human parents. English Setters were originally trained to help hunters find birds in the English countryside; they are also adept swimmers.
In fact, they love the water and like to expend their energy swimming around whenever they can. They’re highly intelligent and easy-to-train dogs. However, they’re also very sensitive and prefer to always be alongside their humans at all times.
Check these pups out if you need a loving and friendly companion!
6. Otterhound
This is large dog breed originally come from Great Britain where they were trained to hunt otter. Because of this, Otterhounds are powerful in the water.
Their thick coats and webbed feet help them get through the water with ease. They’re also very affectionate and friendly, often called the clown of the hound breed.
If you’re looking for big, loving dog, the Otterhound is the one for you!
7. Poodle
The name “Poodle” is actually derived from the German word, Pudeln, which means, “to splash.” So, you know these dogs simply love to go for a swim in the water!
Originally from Germany, these dogs were trained to hunt for waterfowls. They’re great swimmers but can adapt to any lifestyle of their humans.
They’re very obedient dogs who can be easily trained and love the outdoors.
8. Portuguese Water Dog
A dog breed from Portugal, Portuguese Water Dogs were bred and trained to help fishermen gather fish into their nets. It’s no wonder they’re one of the best dog breeds for swimming! They also were sent to recover broken nets and lost equipment, which is why they excel in the water.
They’re highly energetic and love to be outdoors, which means they need more than a walk around the block for exercise. If you have a pool or live near a body of water, make sure to let them go for a swim, as that’s their favorite pastime!
9. Boykin Spaniel
This medium-sized Spaniel breed hails from South Carolina. They were trained to help hunters search for all kinds of game on land and water. They were also a good size to ride in boats with their humans when hunting for waterfowl.
Boykin Spaniels are easily trainable and eager to please their humans. They’re also full of energy and love to swim in lakes and pools.
These are the pups for you if you like to be active in all kinds of terrain, especially water!
10. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Among the family of Retrievers, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is the smallest of the bunch.
As you might guess from their name, these dogs are originally from Nova Scotia, Canada. “Tolling” means “enticing,” which is what they would do in the water to attract ducks or waterfowl for their humans to hunt.
These dogs truly love the water and would be great companions if you live an active lifestyle by the sea or lake.
Do you have a water-loving swimmer dog? Are they one of the breeds on our list? Let us know in the comments below!
