If you love spending time near water, having a dog that enjoys it too can be a great fit. Many dog breeds are naturally built for life in and around water, with skills like swimming, retrieving, and even helping with water-based tasks. In this blog post, we’ll explore 11 water-loving, waterproof dog breeds known for their love of water and unique abilities. From the hardworking Portuguese Water Dog to the gentle Newfoundland, and the versatile Labrador Retriever to the rare Otterhound, these breeds have a history of thriving in aquatic environments. Whether they’re helping hunters, assisting fishermen, or simply enjoying a swim, these dogs are perfect companions for water lovers.
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#1. Portuguese Water Dog (Portugal)
The Portuguese Water Dog is a breed from Portugal known for its love of water. They have webbed feet, a waterproof coat, and a strong, muscular body, making them excellent swimmers. These dogs were traditionally used by fishermen to help with tasks like herding fish into nets, retrieving lost gear, and carrying messages between boats. Their intelligence, energy, and trainability also make them good candidates for search and rescue (SAR) work in water. While they are not typically used in military roles, their skills and adaptability have made them valuable for water-related jobs throughout history.
#2. Curly-Coated Retriever (United Kingdom)
The Curly-Coated Retriever is a breed from the United Kingdom known for its curly, waterproof coat. This coat helps protect them in cold water. They are strong, agile, and excellent swimmers, making them great for water work. Traditionally, they were used by hunters to retrieve ducks and other game from lakes and rivers. Their intelligence and endurance also make them good at tasks like waterfowl hunting and retrieving. While they are not commonly used in search and rescue (SAR) or military roles, their skills and love for water have made them reliable working dogs in water-based activities.
#3. Chesapeake Bay Retriever (United States)
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a breed from the United States known for its strength and love of water. They have a thick, oily coat that keeps them warm and dry in cold water. Their powerful build and webbed feet make them strong swimmers. Traditionally, they were used by hunters to retrieve ducks and other waterfowl in the icy waters of the Chesapeake Bay. Their endurance, intelligence, and loyalty also make them good for tough water tasks. While they are not typically used in search and rescue (SAR) or military roles, their skills and determination have made them excellent working dogs for waterfowl hunting and retrieving.
#4. Labrador Retriever (Canada)
The Labrador Retriever is a breed from Canada known for its friendly nature and love of water. They have a short, waterproof coat and webbed feet, which make them strong swimmers. Labs are intelligent, trainable, and full of energy, making them great for water work. Traditionally, they were used by fishermen to help retrieve nets and catch fish that escaped from hooks. Today, they are widely used in search and rescue (SAR) missions, especially in water, because of their swimming skills and strong sense of smell. While not typically used in military roles, their versatility and love for water have made them popular for waterfowl hunting, retrieving, and other water-related tasks.
#5. Newfoundland (Canada)
The Newfoundland is a large, strong breed from Canada known for its calm nature and love of water. They have a thick, waterproof coat and webbed feet, which make them powerful swimmers. Their strength and gentle temperament make them perfect for water rescue work. Traditionally, they were used by fishermen to pull nets, carry ropes, and even rescue people from drowning. Today, Newfoundlands are often used in search and rescue (SAR) missions, especially in water, because of their swimming ability and lifesaving instincts. While not typically used in military roles, their bravery and skill in the water have made them legendary for water rescue and assistance.
#6. Otterhound (United Kingdom)
The Otterhound is a breed from the United Kingdom known for its shaggy coat and love of water. They have a rough, waterproof coat and webbed feet, which help them swim well. Their strong sense of smell and endurance make them excellent trackers in water. Traditionally, they were used to hunt otters, which helped control otter populations and protect fish in rivers. While they are not typically used in search and rescue (SAR) or military roles, their swimming skills and tracking abilities made them valuable for water-based hunting. Today, they are rare but still known for their unique water-working history.
#7. American Water Spaniel (United States)
The American Water Spaniel is a breed from the United States known for its love of water and versatile skills. They have a curly, waterproof coat and webbed feet, which make them strong swimmers. Their medium size and agility help them move easily through water and rough terrain. Traditionally, they were used by hunters to retrieve ducks and other waterfowl from lakes and rivers. Their intelligence and trainability also make them good for water-based tasks. While they are not typically used in search and rescue (SAR) or military roles, their hunting and retrieving skills have made them excellent companions for waterfowl hunting and other water work.
#8. Irish Water Spaniel (Ireland)
The Irish Water Spaniel is a breed from Ireland known for its curly, waterproof coat and love of water. They have webbed feet and a strong, athletic build, making them excellent swimmers. Their intelligence and energy make them great for water work. Traditionally, they were used by hunters to retrieve ducks and other waterfowl from lakes and rivers. Their unique coat helps protect them in cold water. While they are not typically used in search and rescue (SAR) or military roles, their skills and enthusiasm have made them reliable for waterfowl hunting and retrieving. They are also known for their playful and loyal nature and for their unique “rat-tail”.
#9. Barbet (France)
The Barbet is a breed from France known for its curly, waterproof coat and love of water. They have webbed feet and a strong, agile body, making them excellent swimmers. Their friendly and intelligent nature makes them great for water work. Traditionally, they were used by hunters to retrieve ducks and other waterfowl from marshes and lakes. Their coat helps keep them warm and dry in cold water. While they are not typically used in search and rescue (SAR) or military roles, their skills and adaptability have made them valuable for waterfowl hunting and retrieving. They are also known for being cheerful and easy to train.
#10. Lagotto Romagnolo (Italy)
The Lagotto Romagnolo is a breed from Italy known for its curly, waterproof coat and love of water. They have a strong sense of smell and webbed feet, which make them good swimmers. Traditionally, they were used to hunt and retrieve waterfowl from marshes and lakes. Over time, their skills shifted to truffle hunting because of their excellent scenting ability. While they are not typically used in search and rescue (SAR) or military roles, their history shows they were skilled in water work. Today, they are more known as truffle hunters but still have a natural love for water. They are also friendly, intelligent, and easy to train.
#11. Frisian Water Dog
The Frisian Water Dog is a breed from the Netherlands known for its love of water and energetic nature. They have a curly, waterproof coat and webbed feet, which make them strong swimmers. Their intelligence and agility help them excel in water tasks. Traditionally, they were used by farmers and hunters to retrieve ducks, herd livestock, and catch small pests like rats. While they are not typically used in search and rescue (SAR) or military roles, their skills and enthusiasm made them valuable for water-based farm work and hunting. Today, they are still known for their versatility and love of water, making them great companions families.
FAQ’s-11 Water Loving – Water Proof Dog Breeds
Which dog breeds in the list have webbed feet?
Many of the breeds featured, like the Portuguese Water Dog, Labrador Retriever, Newfoundland, and Chesapeake Bay Retriever, have webbed feet. This unique feature helps them swim more efficiently and makes them excellent water workers.
What makes a dog’s coat waterproof?
Breeds like the Curly-Coated Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, and Barbet have thick, curly, or oily coats that repel water. This keeps them warm and dry, even in cold or wet conditions.
Are these water-loving breeds good for families?
Many of these breeds, such as the Labrador Retriever, Newfoundland, and American Water Spaniel, are known for their friendly, loyal, and gentle nature, making them great companions for families who enjoy outdoor and water activities.
