10 Dog Breeds That Love Water

Newfoundland 

If a Newfoundland had to participate in one Olympic event, it would definitely take first place in long-distance swimming. These dogs were born to swim. Their heavy coats protect them from icy waters, and their webbed feet help them to be excellent swimmers. Back in the day, Newfoundlands were used as working dogs to pull nets for fishermen. Today they're the perfect family dogs, with their sweet character and gentle demeanor. 

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers aren't considered the toughest water retrievers for nothing. These dogs love water so much that they even were named after the coast where the breed was developed. They can work on both water and land, and can tolerate harsh weather conditions if necessary. Owners of Chesapeake Bay Retrievers should know that their dogs' exercise regimen ought to include water activities.

Irish Setter

Even though Irish Setters are excellent field dogs, they love the water. The breed was developed from a mix of several other breeds, including the Irish Water Spaniel, the English Setter and the Pointer. These beautiful, playful working dogs are among the most active around, and were bred to hunt. 

English Setter

Once you bring an English Setter into the water, it's difficult to bring it out again! English Setters need plenty of exercise, and of the breed's most recommended activities, swimming is one of its favorites. This is an intelligent breed that is easy to train. 

Golden Retriever 

When picturing dogs in water, most people think of Golden Retrievers. Long ago, Golden Retrievers first developed when early retrievers were crossed with the best water spaniels,  explaining their adoration for and agility in aquatic environments. They even have naturally water-repellant outer coats!

Irish Water Spaniel

The tallest of spaniels, these active and energetic dogs are one of the most clever and intelligent breeds around. Their distinct, curly coats made of dense, tight ringlets and curls are water-repellant, making these dogs expert water-fowl hunters. That said, they're more popular as pets or show dogs these days.

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever  

They may be the smallest of the retrievers, but Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers can outswim the biggest of water dogs. These playful and highly intelligent dogs have water-repellant double coats. The breed was developed in the early 19th century to toll, lure and retrieve waterfowl.

Portuguese Water Hound

The Portuguese Water Dog is a fairly rare breed of working dog. It was originally from the Portuguese region of Algarve, and then spread all around the country's coast. Portuguese Water Dogs were put to work herding fish into nets and acting as couriers from ship to shore. Bo Obama is arguably the world's most famous Portuguese Water Dog. We hope he's able to squeeze in his fair share of fishing and swimming during his days at the White House.

Labrador Retriever

The founding breed of the Labrador was St. John's Water Dog, a random-bred mix of English, Irish and Portuguese working breeds. As a working dog, the Labrador's ancestors helped carry ropes between boats, tow dories and retrieve fishnets. Above all, however, their loyalty was what made them the perfect companions. Labradors are famous for being able to retrieve anything in the water and on the shore. These days, Labrador Retrievers are often used in water rescue.

Spanish Water Dog

From herding to hunting, Spanish Water Dogs are versatile working canines. They are extremely active, unusually agile, highly intelligent and easy to train. Their love of the ocean can be best shown through their participation in water sports.