Thinking of adding a four-legged aquatic adventurer to your family? From powerful paddlers like Newfoundlands to energetic retrievers like Labs, these 33 dog breeds are born to swim.
Whether you’re chasing waves at the beach, exploring lakes, or lounging by the pool, these breeds bring enthusiasm, strength, and loyalty to every splash-filled adventure.
1. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is perfect if you’re looking for a big, gentle dog that’s a natural swimmer. Newfoundlands have thick, water-resistant coats that keep them warm in cold waters.
They also have strong muscles and large paws that help them easily paddle. Known for their life-saving skills, Newfoundlands have even been used for water rescues.
2. Portuguese Water Dog
This breed was originally bred to help fishermen, so they’re made for the water! Portuguese Water Dogs have curly, water-resistant coats and are strong swimmers with webbed feet.
They’re smart, playful, and love to dive and splash around, making them great companions for water activities.
3. Leonberger
Leonbergers are big and friendly with thick coats that keep them comfortable even in chilly waters. They have a calm personality and love to swim, thanks to their natural strength and endurance.
Leonbergers were often used for rescue work, and they’re happiest when swimming with their family.
4. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are some of the best swimmers you’ll find. They have a sleek, water-resistant coat and strong, webbed paws that help them glide through the water.
Labradors are energetic and playful, perfect for beach trips or lake days. They’re also excellent at retrieving things so that you can count on them for a game of fetch in the water.
5. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers love the water! With their dense, water-repellent coat and webbed paws, they’re built for swimming.
They’re friendly, energetic, and great at retrieving. Goldens enjoy splashing around and are usually up for any water-based adventure with you.
6. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
This breed was designed for the water, especially in cold environments. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, also called “Chessies,” have a thick, oily coat that repels water and keeps them warm.
They’re strong, independent, and excellent swimmers who enjoy retrieving in deep waters.
7. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, or “Toller,” is a smaller retriever with loads of energy and a love for water. Tollers have a dense, water-resistant coat that makes swimming easy for them.
They’re playful, smart, and known for their unique “tolling” method, where they playfully attract ducks closer to the shore.
8. Curly-Coated Retriever
The Curly-Coated Retriever is a strong swimmer with a unique look. Their curly, water-resistant coat helps keep them warm and dry in the water.
Curly-coated retrievers are friendly, playful, and love being active, making them great for swimming, retrieving, and other outdoor fun.
9. Flat-Coated Retriever
Known for their endless enthusiasm, Flat-Coated Retrievers are always ready for a water adventure. They have sleek, shiny coats that shed water easily, which helps them swim smoothly.
They’re cheerful, energetic dogs who love swimming, fetching, and spending time with you.
10. Lagotto Romagnolo
Sometimes called the “Italian Water Dog,” the Lagotto Romagnolo has a thick, curly coat that’s perfect for keeping them warm in cool waters. Originally bred for hunting truffles and working around water, these dogs are natural swimmers.
Lagottos are also loyal and affectionate, making them great companions for lake days or beach outings.
11. German Shorthaired Pointer
German Shorthaired Pointers are sleek, athletic dogs with short, water-resistant coats that make swimming easy. They’re strong, agile, and love outdoor activities, especially in the water.
Known for their high energy and intelligence, German Shorthaired Pointers are happiest when they have plenty of exercise, including swimming.
12. German Wirehaired Pointer
Similar to the German Shorthaired Pointer, the German Wirehaired Pointer is built for swimming, thanks to its thick, wiry coat that repels water. These dogs are smart, hardworking, and eager to swim, run, or play fetch.
13. Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel has a curly, waterproof coat and a unique tail that’s flat and strong, almost like a “rudder,” helping them swim with ease. These dogs are known for being lively, playful, and full of personality.
Irish Water Spaniels love being in the water, so they’ll be thrilled to join you for any swimming or water-based fun.
14. American Water Spaniel
American Water Spaniels love to please their owners, making them perfect for water play and training. They’re small, energetic dogs with a water-resistant, curly coat that helps them stay dry and warm while swimming.
They were originally bred for hunting and retrieving, so they’re strong swimmers with lots of energy.
15. Brittany Spaniel
With short, water-resistant coats that make them good in the water, Brittany Spaniels enjoy a good swim swimming and a play of fetch. Brittanys are known for being friendly, intelligent, agile, and lively dogs with boundless energy so they’re easy to train and eager to be active with you—especially when there’s water involved!
16. Boykin Spaniel
Often called the “swamp dog” because they’re so good at navigating water, Boykin spaniels have wavy, water-resistant coats and webbed paws that are made for swimming and retrieving.
They’re friendly, affectionate dogs that love spending time outdoors, making them perfect for lake trips and water adventures.
17. Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are friendly, loyal, and have a smooth, silky coat that handles water well. They’re naturally playful and love to swim, especially when they can splash around with you.
Cocker Spaniels are smaller than some other water-loving dogs, but they are great at swimming and water activities.
18. Welsh Springer Spaniel
These agile pups have a water-resistant double coat, making them ideal for swimming. With their webbed feet and muscular bodies, they’ll paddle through water like a boss.
And the best part? They’re a joy to watch as they make their way across a lake or river.
19. Irish Setter
Irish Setters are dashing dogs who have a water-repelling coat and a love for the water that’s second to none. They’ll go from a landlocked hound to a fish in seconds flat.
If you’ve got a pool or lake nearby, your Irish Setter will be the first one in and the last one out.
20. English Setter
The English Setter is a graceful, athletic dog with a sleek, soft coat. They’re naturally drawn to water, thanks to their hunting background.
English Setters are gentle, and friendly, and love swimming or playing in water. If you’re looking for a dog that’s both beautiful and active, an English Setter could be your perfect match.
21. Otterhound
Otterhounds are big, friendly dogs with a thick, rough coat that keeps them warm in the water. They were originally bred to hunt otters, so swimming comes naturally to them.
With their strong, webbed feet, Otterhounds are excellent swimmers and enjoy splashing around and exploring in water.
22. Standard Poodle
The Standard Poodle might surprise you as a swimming dog, but they’re natural water lovers! Originally bred as water retrievers, Standard Poodles have a curly, water-resistant coat and are great swimmers.
They’re smart, playful, and full of energy, making them a fun companion for water activities.
23. Spanish Water Dog
These pups are natural swimmers with their water-resistant coats and webbed feet. They’ll spend all day in the water, whether it’s catching waves or rescuing you from a rogue inner tube. Plus, their shaggy hair is perfect for drying off after a swim.
24. Weimaraner
Weimaraners are sleek, athletic dogs with lots of energy and a natural love for water. Their short coat is easy to dry off, and they’re built for fast, smooth swimming.
Weimaraners are strong, smart, and enjoy outdoor adventures, so they’ll be right by your side, whether it’s at the lake, river, or beach.
25. Australian Shepherd
These dogs are high-energy and playful and may not always be known as swimmers, but many of them love water. With a thick, double coat that’s somewhat water-resistant, they’re comfortable splashing around.
Australian Shepherds are incredibly smart, making them quick to learn new water games and tricks.
26. German Shepherd
German Shepherds got it all: waterproof double coat, strong hind legs for powerful paddling, and the intelligence to navigate tricky currents. But what sets them apart is their unwavering loyalty.
Your German Shepherd will never let you down, even if you’re stuck in a riptide.
27. English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel is an active, friendly dog with a strong love for water. Their wavy, water-resistant coat helps them stay comfortable when swimming.
These dogs are playful and enjoy retrieving toys from the water, so they make great partners for beach or lake trips.
28. Barbet
A curly-coated dog from France that was bred for hunting waterfowl, their thick, curly fur keeps them warm in cold water, and they’re strong swimmers with a playful spirit.
Barbets are friendly, and gentle, and love any activity that involves swimming or playing in water with you.
29. Beagle
Beagles may not look like natural swimmers, but many of them enjoy water play! These small, sturdy dogs are curious and adventurous, and some Beagles love to splash around in shallow water.
They may not swim as well as other breeds, but their fun, playful nature makes them eager to try!
30. Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Cattle Dogs are energetic and love to stay active, and some of them really enjoy swimming! With a short, dense coat that dries quickly, they’re ready for outdoor adventures, including water activities.
Australian Cattle Dogs are strong, smart, and enjoy learning water games, so they’re great for active owners.
31. Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois is an agile, athletic dog that often enjoys swimming as part of their exercise routine. With a sleek, short coat, they’re comfortable in the water and are strong, fast swimmers.
Belgian Malinois are known for their intelligence and energy, so they’ll happily join you for a swim or any other outdoor adventure.
32. Drentsche Patrijshond
The Drentsche Patrijshond, or “Drent” for short, is a versatile hunting dog from the Netherlands that’s naturally drawn to water. They have a thick, water-resistant coat and enjoy swimming and retrieving.
Drents are friendly, loyal, and love spending time outdoors, making them a great choice if you like swimming or exploring near water.
33. Saint Bernard
These gentle giants may not be your typical water dogs, but don’t let their size fool you. Their thick coats make them surprisingly buoyant, and they’re built like a brick wall to handle rough waters.
Plus, their friendly nature means they’ll never hesitate to jump in and save you from a watery predicament.
Each breed has something special that makes it great for swimming, whether it’s a strong build, a water-resistant coat, or a playful spirit. With one of these dogs by your side, you’ll always have a buddy ready for a splash at the lake, beach, or pool.
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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.