14 Dog Breeds That Can’t Resist a Good Swim

Many dogs have an affinity for water, but certain breeds stand out as true water enthusiasts. With an innate love for swimming and a natural ability to paddle, these 14 dog breeds are the ultimate water babies.

Just ask the athletes at the recent USA Swimming Olympic Trials,1 who made an unusual request for therapy dogs to help manage their stress and anxiety during the high-pressure competition. 

The calming presence of these furry companions has become a beloved tradition, reminding us of the powerful bond between humans and dogs, both in and out of the water.

1. Labrador Retriever: Quintessential Water Dog

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Labrador Retrievers top the list of swimming enthusiasts. Originally bred as fishing dogs in Newfoundland, Labs have webbed paws and a water-resistant coat that make them natural swimmers. Their strong build and boundless energy mean they can swim for hours, making them the perfect companion for a day at the lake.

2. Golden Retriever: The Joyful Swimmer

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Image Credit: chendongshan/Deposit Photos

Like their Labrador cousins, Golden Retrievers have a deep love for water. Bred for retrieving waterfowl, these dogs have water-repellent coats and strong, muscular bodies that allow them to swim with ease and grace. Their playful personalities make swimming a joyful experience for both dog and owner.

3. Portuguese Water Dog: The Seafaring Swimmer

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Image Credit: Lynda McFaul/Shutterstock

As their name suggests, Portuguese Water Dogs were bred to assist fishermen, herding fish into nets and retrieving lost gear. Their robust build, webbed feet, and waterproof coat make them exceptional swimmers and divers. These dogs have tireless energy and love nothing more than a day spent in the water.

4. Newfoundland: Gentle Giant of the Seas

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Newfoundlands may be massive, but don’t let their size fool you – these gentle giants are incredible swimmers. Originally used for water rescue, Newfies have webbed feet, a water-resistant double coat, and impressive strength that allows them to swim long distances and even pull boats.

5. Chesapeake Bay Retriever: The Rugged Water Warrior

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Image Credit: Nature of Home

Hailing from the challenging conditions of the Chesapeake Bay, these powerful retrievers are renowned for their strength, endurance, and affinity for water. Equipped with a waterproof, oily coat, and muscular limbs, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are exceptional swimmers capable of navigating even the most treacherous waters with ease.

6. Irish Water Spaniel: The Clownish Swimmer

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Image Credit: Nature of Home

Often referred to as the clown(ref) of the spaniel family, the Irish Water Spaniel not only possesses superior swimming abilities but also a playful and fun-loving disposition. Equipped with a dense, water-repellent curly coat and a strong tail that acts as a rudder in the water, these dogs are perfectly suited for aquatic pursuits.

7. Poodle: Elegant Water Retriever

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Despite their sophisticated appearance, Poodles were originally bred as water retrievers. Their athletic build, webbed feet, and moisture-resistant coats make them strong, efficient swimmers. Whether Standard, Miniature, or Toy, Poodles of all sizes enjoy a good swim.

8. English Setter: The Graceful Water Hunter

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While perhaps best known for their elegant appearance, English Setters are also skilled swimmers. Bred for hunting, these dogs have a strong build and a dense, water-repellent coat that allows them to comfortably swim and retrieve game from lakes and rivers.

9. Spanish Water Dog: The Versatile Swimmer

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The Spanish Water Dog, an ancient breed originally used for herding and hunting, feels just as comfortable in the water as on land. Boasting a curly, waterproof coat, robust build, and boundless energy, these intelligent dogs excel at swimming and thrive when given a task to accomplish, whether it’s in the water or on terra firma.

10. Otterhound: Enthusiastic Water Hound

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Bred for hunting otters in rivers and streams, Otterhounds are strong, enthusiastic swimmers. Their rough, double coat and webbed feet are perfectly suited for the water. These large, boisterous dogs have a fun-loving nature and enjoy nothing more than a day spent swimming.

11. Boykin Spaniel: The Spirited Swamp Swimmer

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Image Credit: Zadranka/Shutterstock

Developed in South Carolina for hunting wild turkeys and ducks in swampy terrain, Boykin Spaniels are known for their energy, trainability, and love of water. These medium-sized spaniels have a dense, water-repellent coat and strong swimming skills, making them excellent companions for hunting and recreational swimming.

12. Curly-Coated Retriever: The Resolute Water Retriever

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One of the oldest retriever breeds, Curly-Coated Retrievers were bred for retrieving waterfowl. Their distinctive curly coat is water-resistant, and their strong, athletic build allows them to swim powerfully. These intelligent, independent dogs have a resolute nature and love a good swim.

13. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever: The Clever Swimming Companion

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Image Credit: Helen Marz/Shutterstock

Originating in Canada, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever was developed for tolling (luring) and retrieving ducks. Renowned for their intelligence, agility, and love of water, these energetic and clever dogs make ideal swimming partners. Their water-repellent double coat and webbed feet make them excellent swimmers.

14. American Water Spaniel: The Eager Swimmer

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Image Credit: Kasefoto/Deposit Photos

Developed in Wisconsin for hunting and retrieving, American Water Spaniels are known for their eagerness, trainability, and love of water. They have a curly, water-resistant coat and strong swimming skills that make them well-suited for hunting and recreational swimming. These friendly, energetic dogs are always ready for a swim.

Source:

  1. https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2024/06/20/olympic-trials-swimming-dog-therapy-izzo/

Disclaimer: Some images in this content was created with the help of AI.

davin
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.