22 dog breeds that love water: Find the ideal partner for your water adventure

Have you ever stood by the lake with your dog and wished he loved the cool water as much as you do? The good news is that there are dog breeds that do just that. Dive into our list of 22 dog breeds that love the water and discover your ideal partner for beach and water adventures!

Imagine having a four-legged friend by your side who is as excited as you are when he hears just a breath of sea air or the sound of waves. He is always ready to jump into the water, swim and share the adventures around the water with you. With such a companion, any trip to the sea or the beach will be an exciting experience.

Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever is a true treasure for water lovers! Their origin as a working breed, specifically for retrieving water fowl, explains their distinct love of water. They are full of energy, always ready for a swim or a rollicking game on the lakeshore. But beware: Labradors can become very addicted to water, so sometimes it takes a bit of a fight to get them out of the water! Nevertheless, these playful and friendly dogs are tireless companions on all water adventures.

Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is a breed known not only for its infectious zest for life and friendliness, but also for its deep affection for water. A trip to the beach or lake quickly becomes the highlight of the day for these dogs. With their great energy and stamina, they are well suited for extended swimming excursions. However, their love of water can also lead them to take the occasional involuntary dip when a watering hole is in sight.

Portuguese water dog

The Portuguese Water Dog is a breed whose fondness for the water is deeply rooted in its history. They were originally bred in Portugal as fishing dogs to pull nets from the water and retrieve lost equipment. Today, they are energetic and playful companions that take every opportunity to swim. However, it should be noted that this breed requires consistent training and plenty of exercise to be happy and balanced. Therefore, they are best suited for active people who can exercise them mentally and physically.

Spanish water dog

The Spanish Water Dog owes its name to its love of water. Originally, this breed was used in Spain as helpers in the work with fishing nets. Today they are enthusiastic swimmers and always ready to jump into the water. They are characterized by their great energy and love of movement, so they need regular exercise and mental stimulation. However, keep in mind that these dogs can have a somewhat headstrong personality, which requires consistent training.

Newfoundland

Newfoundland dogs, also affectionately known as "Newfies", are true water rats. Their thick coats and webbed toes make them excellent swimmers. They are known for their rescue skills in the water, making them not only enthusiastic, but incredibly capable water rats. Despite their impressive size, they are surprisingly gentle and docile. It should be noted, however, that due to their size and thick coat, this breed can be prone to overheating, especially in very warm weather.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

As a breed originally bred for hunting and retrieving waterfowl in the rugged Chesapeake Bay, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers have a natural affinity for water. They are full of energy and love to be in the water, whether playing, swimming or working. In doing so, they show amazing stamina and strength. However, their independent and sometimes stubborn nature can be challenging, so consistent education and early training are essential.

Flat-Coated Retriever

The Flat-Coated Retriever is a tireless water hunter. Originally bred as a working dog, he loves swimming and retrieving in the water. This breed is full of energy and joie de vivre, making them an ideal companion for active families who enjoy spending time around water. However, they can be a bit too enthusiastic when it comes to water and are sometimes unstoppable when they see a water hole. Therefore, they need consistent leadership and positive training to get their temperament under control.

Irish Water Spaniel

The Irish Water Spaniel is a true water ace. With their wavy, water-resistant coat and lively nature, they love to play and swim in any type of water. They are very energetic and need lots of exercise to stay balanced. However, a critical point is their sometimes somewhat reserved nature towards strangers and their tendency to defend their territory. Therefore, they need careful socialization and training from the beginning.

More about spaniel you can find in our article Discover 18 fascinating spaniel breeds: From classics to hidden treasures

American Water Spaniel

With a name like American Water Spaniel, you can hardly expect anything else: this dog breed is an avid water sports enthusiast! They love to swim and have a natural aptitude for water work. Their size and friendly nature make them an ideal family dog for active people who love the water. However, keep in mind that they have a thick, wavy coat that requires regular grooming to keep it in good condition. Their energy level also requires daily exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and balanced.

Otter Dog

The Otter Hound is a breed created for the love of water. Originally bred for otter hunting, these dogs have webbed toes and a thick, oily coat that keeps them warm in the water. With their great energy and playful nature, they are always up for a dip. However, they can be a bit stubborn at times and therefore need patient and consistent training.

Schipperke

The Schipperke, also known as the "little captain," has a deep-rooted affinity for the water. Originally used as a guard dog on the Belgian canal ships, it is an active and alert dog that is always up for an adventure on the water. Despite their small size, they have a lot of energy and love to play by the water. But beware, these small dogs have strong personalities and can be very headstrong at times.

You can find more about Schipperkes in our article Schipperkes - smart and independent dog breed for active owners.

Barbet

The Barbet, also called the French Water Dog, is a dog that loves the water more than almost any other breed. With its thick, curly coat and great energy, it is an excellent swimmer and playmate for those who love water activities. However, this dog's coat needs regular grooming to prevent matting. Also, these dogs need daily physical and mental stimulation to be happy.

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

The Newfoundland retriever, also called "Toller" in the short form of the English name, was bred specifically for water hunting. This medium-sized, spirited dog is an excellent swimmer and loves to retrieve balls or sticks from the water. However, this breed is not for everyone. Their high energy level means they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to be happy and balanced.

Belgian shepherd dog

Although not specifically bred as a water dog, the Belgian Shepherd is an avid swimmer. His active and energetic nature makes him an ideal companion for outdoor activities, including water play. However, Belgian Shepherds require consistent leadership and sufficient mental exercise, as they were originally bred as working dogs and need a task to be content.

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Curly-Coated Retriever

The Curly-Coated Retriever, recognizable by its uniquely curly coat, is an avid aquatic athlete. These dogs love swimming and retrieving and are known for their stamina and enthusiasm. They are energetic dogs that need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. On the other hand, their independent nature can be challenging and they need consistent education and early training.

English Setter

The English Setter is a real joy for all water rats. Despite their aristocratic appearance, these dogs are true bundles of energy and love to play and swim in the water. Their friendly and even-tempered nature makes them wonderful family dogs. But be careful: their long, silky coats need regular grooming, and without enough exercise and activity, they can become restless.

English Springer Spaniel

The English Springer Spaniel is a true water lover. With their inexhaustible energy and love of fetch, they are always up for a swim or a game at the lake. Not only are they active, but they are also very intelligent and eager to learn, which makes training easier. Potential owners should keep in mind, however, that this breed needs plenty of exercise and can become restless without adequate activity.

German shepherd dog

The German Shepherd is a versatile breed that also loves the water. They are very active and intelligent, which makes them excellent swimmers and playmates. They are also easy to train and learn quickly. However, they need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to be happy. They also tend to defend their territory and family, which requires early and consistent socialization.

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Border collie

The Border Collie, often called the king of herding dogs, also has a great affection for water. Although they were originally bred to work the land, they readily accept an invitation to swim or play by the water. Their remarkable intelligence and energy make them lively companions. However, one should be aware of their eagerness to work, which can make them restless without adequate exercise and exercise.

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Poodle

Elegant and playful, Poodles love the water. Originally used as retrieving dogs, they feel especially comfortable swimming and playing in the water. They are active, intelligent and easy to train. However, their curly coats require regular grooming, and without social interaction and mental stimulation, they can easily become bored.

Lagotto Romagnolo

Lagotto Romagnolo, also called truffle dogs, are passionate water rats. These Italian dogs love to play and swim in the water. They are active, robust and hardworking dogs. However, it should be noted that they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to be happy. Also, their thick, curly coats may require regular grooming.

Weimaraner

The Weimaraner is a strong and energetic dog that loves water activities. These dogs are athletic, intelligent and quick learners, which makes them excellent swimming partners. However, they need adequate exercise and mental stimulation or they may become overactive or anxious. They also need strict and consistent training, as they can be a bit stubborn at times.

FUN FACT: Did you know that when dogs shake after swimming, they remove 70% of water from their fur? In doing so, they achieve a speed of up to four revolutions per second.

22 dog breeds that love water: Find the ideal partner for your water adventure | with pictures