Top 19 breeds with pictures [2024] –

Some dog breeds are natural swimmers, while for other breeds the water can be a challenge. [1]

Some breeds were specifically bred for water use. Be it for hunting, retrieving or rescue. [2]

The following dog breeds are water lovers and like to take advantage of every opportunity to swim:

Then let's take a closer look at the individual dogs.

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#1 American Water Spaniel

As the name of this breed suggests, the Water Spaniel is made for the water and makes an excellent water dog.

The size of this breed is ideal for hunting in a boat or canoe. The water spaniel is therefore a useful combination of retriever and spaniel. [3]

Otherwise, the dogs are considered very energetic, friendly and obedient. They are also said to be very intelligent and shed little.

Fun fact: American Water Spaniels love bananas more than anything else! Bananas can therefore be an excellent and healthy treat for this breed. [4]

#2 Barbet

Henry IV already hunted waterfowl with his barbet. A friendly, energetic and outgoing water dog, the Barbet takes advantage of every opportunity to be in the water.

This breed is best known as a waterfowl retriever in the swamps, wetlands and estuaries of France. [5]

In addition, these dogs are very playful, good-natured and obedient. They also rarely absorb odors and hardly shed. [6]

Fun fact: The barbet is not afraid of wet swampy areas, which has given it the nickname “Mud Dog”.

#3 Boykin Spaniel

Anyone who hunts wild turkeys and waterfowl in the swampy terrain of the American South appreciates the Boykin Spaniel breed.

Adorable, trainable and eager, this medium-sized water dog is the ideal companion for active families. [7]

These dogs also get along very well with children and other pets. Because their hunting instinct is relatively weak. [8]

Fun fact: This breed likes to work until you drop! So be careful of high temperatures, because many a four-legged friend has worked to the point of heat stroke!

#4 Chesapeake Bay Retrievers

With its oily, waterproof coat, strength and endurance, this hardy water dog was purposefully bred to work in the rough, often icy waters of the Chesapeake Bay. [9]

This versatile, energetic breed is ideal for active families who spend a lot of time outdoors.

They are also relatively calm and are considered very cheerful. However, they are rather unsuitable for living in small apartments. [10]

Fun fact: Paul Walker, better known as Brian O'Conner from Fast & Furious, had a Chesapeake Bay Retriever named “Boone”. Don’t worry, after his death “Boone” went into good hands.

#5 Curly Coated Retriever

This English water dog is one of the oldest retrievers. Hardworking, versatile and extremely intelligent, this breed works even in icy water.

A firm favorite among hunters, this breed is also called the “thinking man’s retriever.” [11]

Despite their thick fur, the dogs shed very little. They have a strong hunting instinct and need a lot of exercise.

Fun fact: This breed is childish! This water dog needs more time than other animals to grow up. So they stay children longer at heart! [12]

#6 Drentse Patrijshond

The Drent is made for hunting and is used in the field as a water dog for retrieving. [13]

In addition to their excellent hunting abilities, this breed is loyal, intelligent and makes an extremely good pet.

These dogs also get along well with children and are very easy to train. They are therefore also suitable for beginners. [14]

Fun fact: Translated, the Drentse Patrijshond is also called “Drentse Chicken Dog”. Don't worry, this breed doesn't cluck!

#7 English Setters

This breed is a real gentleman – lovable, sweet and at the same time a high-performance athlete.

Originally bred as a bird dog, water is this breed's preferred element. With proper training, swimming will quickly become a favorite activity for these water dogs! [15]

The dogs are also considered very playful, loving and active. Because they enjoy being around people, they make ideal family dogs.

Fun fact: The English Setter used to be a status symbol. So it was reserved for the nobility to own this breed, while the common man was not allowed to do so. Unheard of! [16]

#8 Flat Coated Retriever

The Flat Coated Retriever was originally bred for land hunting and as a water dog.

This breed is known for its friendly and energetic disposition, making it an ideal family companion for active individuals. [17]

These dogs are even very open towards strangers. They are also easy to train. But they shed relatively heavily. [18]

Fun fact: This breed is so overly friendly that they are willing to go along with any stranger who offers them a stick! This breed is better kept on a leash!

#9 Irish Water Spaniel

This Irish Water Spaniel is considered one of the largest and oldest breeds of spaniels. This versatile water dog is particularly suitable for waterfowl.

The water-repellent coat of this breed, coupled with intelligence, endurance and enthusiasm make it the ideal hunting companion. [19]

But the four-legged friends are also suitable as family and house dogs. Their clown-like behavior makes them very popular with children.

Fun fact: These dogs are so adorable that they are also called the “clown of the spaniel family.” However, juggling is not innate! [20]

#10 Labrador Retrievers

This popular breed was specifically bred to find waterfowl in often difficult conditions. [21]

In addition to his love of water, this water dog is also an ideal family companion. [22]

The dogs also have a strong hunting instinct and are very playful. They are therefore ideal for all throwing games.

Fun fact: Number 1! Labrador Retrievers are the most popular dog breed in America and Great Britain.

#11 Lagotto Romagnolo

It is believed that all water dogs are descended from this breed. Originally used for hunting waterfowl, the Lagotto Romagnolo is now a specialized truffle hunter.

However, he has not lost his natural qualities and continues to be an excellent swimmer. [23]

Otherwise, the animals are considered active, loving and loyal. They are also very easy to train and relatively rarely stink. [24]

Fun fact: Many owners of this breed have already fenced off houseplants in their own home. These water dogs love to dig and hardly a plant is spared.

#12 Newfoundland

This breed was originally bred as a water rescue dog. He has natural life-saving instincts and can swim long distances with his large lung capacity.

It was also used on land to pull carts. Today, this water dog is primarily found as a cuddly family member. [25]

In addition, these dogs sometimes behave like big teddy bears. Because they are very gentle. They are also easy to train. [26]

Fun fact: Newfoundlands drool! It is normal for this breed of dog to have saliva flowing almost constantly from their mouths. Not for the picky soul!

#13 Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

These intelligent and outgoing water dogs have lots of energy and enjoy working from sunrise until night.

As the smallest breed of retrievers, “Tollers” were developed to lure waterfowl within shooting range and then retrieve the dead or wounded birds from the water. [27]

Compared to other dogs, these animals are very alert and patient. They also have a particularly strong desire to follow their master.

Fun fact: Great “scream!” This breed's bark sounds like a scream and to the uninitiated this sounds high-pitched, frantic and loud. [28]

#14 Otterhound

This breed is bred for otter hunting. This water dog is large, humorous, friendly and very loving. The Otterhound is also known as the “clown” among fans.

This breed's rough double coat and webbed feet are ideal for the water and make them exceptional swimmers. [29]

However, there are definitely easier dogs to train. Depending on their mood, these animals can also be very stubborn.

Fun fact: An interesting feature of this breed is the way they drink. They like to submerge their nose or even their entire head under water when they drink! [30]

#15 Portuguese Water Dog

This intelligent and athletic breed is a fisherman's best friend! In Portugal, this water dog was used to “drive” fish into the nets and to remove broken nets from the water.

The breed needs a lot of exercise and attention and is happiest when this all takes place in the water. [31]

They are also considered particularly obedient, which is why they are ideal for beginners. They should also be very clean and odorless.

Fun fact: Former US President Barack Obama and his family are the proud owners of a Portuguese water dog named “Bo”. [32]

#16 Schipperke

The face of this water dog is reminiscent of that of a fox. This breed is particularly popular on boats to guard the boat overnight. [33]

Although not primarily bred as a water dog, this four-legged friend is still generally a good swimmer.

Compared to other dogs, these animals are very curious and adventurous. They are also considered fearless and self-confident.

Fun fact: Often used as captain's dogs, this breed's nickname is also “Little Captain” and “Little Skipper”. [34]

#17 Perro de Agua Español

It is unusual for a top-notch herding dog to also be an excellent water dog. But this breed can do both.

This breed thrives on human contact and is ideal for families that are active and spend a lot of time outdoors. [35]

They are also considered to be very good-natured, loyal and athletic. The dogs are also ideal for training.

Fun fact: These dogs have so many names that you could easily mistake them for an international spy: “Perro de Agua Español”, “Turco Andaluz”, “Perro Turco” or “Andalusian…