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Not all dogs enjoy the water equally. Some breeds would much rather stay dry than so much as get a paw wet. However, some dogs are water dogs. They live for the water no matter if it’s lake, stream, pool, or beach. They love to splash, and they were bred to retrieve waterfowl and other game in the water.
Dogs that love the water had this enjoyment bred into them along with their eagerness to work in the water. All these dogs possess coats well suited to keep them warm in the chilly water and many have webbed toes to help with swimming.
While bred to work in the water not all dogs are still known for this trait. Over the years, the Poodle has become more of a companion or a show dog than a working water dog. All of these dogs, however, still enjoy a good romp in the water.
It should be mentioned that just because a breed is considered a “water dog” does not mean it should be assumed a dog of that breed can swim. Each dog should be gotten accustomed to the water in their own time and coached or coaxed into swimming on the timeframe. Some dogs will take to the water right away and others may not at all.
Water Dogs Bred for the Water
Poodles of all sizes, not just Standard, rank number five on the Most Popular Dog Breed List by the American Kennel Club. A Poodle over 15 inches tall at the shoulder is considered a Standard size. This size dog will weigh between 40-70 pounds depending on sex. Poodles are very affectionate towards their families and good with small children as are many water dogs.
A Poodle’s curly hair keeps it warm in the water, but most Poodle owners opt to keep their hair shorn close as it mats when not kept short. The Standard Poodle is the national dog of France although it originated in Germany as a duck hunter. The pompon cut it is famous for was originally done as a practical way to keep the dogs leg joints, hips, and chest protected from the cold waters.
Newfoundlands come in at number 45 on the AKC’s Most Popular list. These are large dogs standing 26-28 inches and weighing 100-150 pounds. They are sweet, affectionate dogs that get along with everybody, yet vigilant watchdogs.
In the past, a Newfoundland’s dense thick coat kept it warm on water rescues and hauling fishing nets to shore in the North Atlantic. These dogs were used on board ships by Canadian fisherman. They have partially webbed toes and are excellent swimmers. Today they are still employed all over the world as water rescue dogs.
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever comes in at number 48 on the AKC’s Most Popular Dog Breed list. Chessies stand 21-26 inches at the withers and weigh 55-80 pounds. They are most often thought of as hunting dogs for waterfowl, but they are known as search and rescue and bomb and drug detection animals as well.
Chessies were bred for a specific job in a specific location. They are native to the Chesapeake Bay area between Maryland and Virginia. This dog’s thick, curly, double coat of chocolate brown fur is oily and waterproof. Their feet are webbed to aid with swimming. They are the perfect duck dogs for this shallow American estuary.
Labrador Retrievers are the Most Popular Dog Breed in America and have held that spot for the last 31 years, since 1991. Labs are 21-25 inches tall and weigh from 55 to 80 pounds depending on sex. Labs are excellent family dogs. Protective and nurturing, they are good with all children and other animals alike. Their overwhelmingly good-natured disposition is what sets them apart from all other dogs.
Labrador Retrievers are the original water dogs of Newfoundland. At that time, they were used both as a duck retriever and a boat dog. English nobles brought them back to England in the early 1800s and refined them into what we know today as the “Labrador.” Their short, thick coat is water-resistant and keeps them warm and free from ice build-up in chilly waters.
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is the water dog who ranks 92nd on the AKC’s Most Popular Breeds List and is the smallest of the retrievers. The Toller stands 17-21 inches high and weighs only 35-50 pounds. These dogs are excellent family companions and great with children of all ages and other family pets. They have boundless energy and will require a good outlet to stay mentally and physically stimulated.
The Duck Tolling Retriever has an unusual skill for hunting. They play along the shoreline, splashing in the shallows, much like a fox would. This lures the waterfowl down to see what is going on and down into shotgun range. Then the Toller retrieves the fallen game aided by their webbed toes. This style earned them the name “Decoy Dog.”
Water dogs are a hard-working bunch. They collect waterfowl, work on boats, and act as decoys. The above five dogs are just a few of the breeds representing the water dog.
Other Water Dogs That Love the Water
- Portuguese Water Dog
- Boykin Spaniel
- English Setter
- Irish Water Spaniel
- Barbet
- Lagotto Romagnolo
- Curly Coated Retriever
- Spanish Water Dog
- Irish Setter
- Golden Retriever
- American Water Spaniel
- Flat Coated Retriever
- Otterhound
- Schipperke
Find out more about water dogs in another upcoming installment…
