What are water dogs?
Water dogs are dog breeds that have been used to bring back water-bound games. You can also use it to describe any dog breed that likes water.
There are a lot of dogs who seem to like water, but why do dogs like water so much?
Some dogs were bred to work in the water, such as the Irish Water Spaniel.
It’s also an excellent way for dogs to stay cool and avoid getting heatstroke in hot weather.
The water can be an excellent way for them to have fun—also a perfect way for dogs to bond with their favorite people.
Getting wet is a good way for them to stay clean. Overall, it’s just a good activity for them to be happy!
Dog Breeds That Love Water
Barbet – is a popular French water dog; we don’t see them very often in the United States. With the name “mud dog,” this dog isn’t afraid to get dirty. They’ve been great water-hunting dogs in the past, and they have warm and friendly personalities.
Boykin Spaniel– is a dog that is active and eager. It is easy to train, and it loves to hunt waterfowl or wild turkey. There are a lot of dogs like this one in the southern United States.
English Curly-coated Retriever – one of the oldest retrievers, is smart and hard-working and is also one of the best. They’re brave enough to go headfirst into icy cold water, and hunters love them because they’re so brave.
English Setters – are usually very comfortable in the water, and they’ll go swimming to have fun. They can be excited and not afraid of the water. They were bred to be hunting dogs, but they also make great pets for a family to have around. You need to make sure they have a lot of space and time to work out and use up all their energy.
Flat-coated Retriever – people who own a Flat-coated Retriever, know that they were made for hunting. You can use them to find or retrieve things in water and on land. This dog, too, is from the UK. They are happy, excited to play, and easy to train. They need a lot of exercise and are good at hunting, so they’d be a great swim trip partner.
German Shepherds – aren’t like any of the other dog breeds on this list. They weren’t specifically bred to swim. You can do a lot of different things with them. They are good at everything from herding to protecting to aiding and helping, and they can even do military work. If you have an athletic and brave dog, it is more likely that they will love the water and become good swimmers.
Golden Retrievers – is the most likely breed to come to mind when you think of dogs and water. These are some of our favorite dogs. They are active, fun, and happy. They love to be near (and in) the water. When they go swimming, they usually don’t have a problem splashing into lakes and rivers because they have waterproof coats.
Irish Water Spaniel – this taller version of the Spaniel is an intelligent breed. It was initially bred to be a water retriever. The Irish Water Spaniel has a unique, dense, curly-haired coat that is water-resistant. It makes them great for swimming and water fun.
Labradors – If you want to get a Labrador, you should know that they come from Newfoundland, where they were bred to help fishers pull in giant fishnets. Having a thick, waterproof coat makes Labrador dogs great swimmers, and they love fetching water toys or taking a dip on hot days.
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers – are the smallest members of the retriever family and are very smart and energetic. They helped hunters get waterfowl and bring them back to them in the past. Today, they make great friends by swimming and playing in the water and on the playground.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever – His name says it all. This tough gundog was made to work the rough, often icy waters of the Chesapeake Bay, thanks to his oily, waterproof coat, strength, and endurance. This breed is adaptable and full of energy, and it does best in families that like to be active and spend time outside.
Lagotto Romagnolo – People think that this old breed is the original breed from which all water dogs came. He used to be a gundog that hunted waterfowl, but now he’s highly valued for his ability to find truffles. In fact, he is the only purebred dog that is known for being a good truffle hunter. He is still a great swimmer, though, because he is a water dog at heart.
Newfoundland – You might not think of this big, cute dog as a water dog, but the breed was created to help people in the water. He has a natural desire to save lives and can swim long distances to get someone to safety because he has a lot of lung capacity. On land, he can pull a cart or a sled, or he can just be a loved family pet.
Otterhound – The Otterhound is even rarer than the Giant Panda and was made to hunt otters. He’s a big, loud dog who is funny, friendly, and loving. People who like this type of dog call him “the clown of the hound group.” He is a very strong swimmer and has a rough double coat and webbed feet that make him perfect for the water.
Portuguese Water Dog – This dog is a fisherman’s best friend because it is smart and athletic. In his home country, this breed of dog with webbed feet was used to “herd” fish into the nets and swim out to get broken nets and lost gear. He needs a lot of attention and exercise, and he’ll be even happier if it all happens in the water.
Spanish Water Dog – It’s not often that a great dog for herding is also a great dog for the water, but this breed is both. In fact, he’s happiest when he has something to do. Even though we don’t know where he came from, we do know that he is an ancient breed that was used to herd sheep and hunt on both land and water. He is strong and athletic, and he knows how to swim well.
Standard Poodle – Even though he looks like a runway model, the Standard Poodle is more than just a pretty face. He does well in obedience and other dog activities because he is athletic and smart. He was used to getting waterfowl in France, and he still likes to swim today.
Avoid These Mistakes When Introducing Your Dog to Water
- Dogs can be traumatized by being thrown into large bodies of water. Imagine how you would feel if someone did this to you. Please don’t throw your dog into the water and expect him to swim. If your dog hits the water, it could choke on it or stop breathing, which could be very dangerous.
- Don’t dunk your dog in the water: People who have dogs know that each dog needs time to get used to new things and that each one is different. It should be easy to figure out how to get into the water then.
- For dogs who have never been in the water before, it’s important not to use cold water and keep the hoses away. Always keep an eye on your dog in the bathroom. If they start to shake, it might mean that the water is too cold.
Frequently Asked Question
What dog breeds don’t like water?
Some dog breeds aren’t meant to swim, so it’s better if they don’t go into very deep water. This group of breeds includes top-heavy, short-nosed, and short-legged dogs like pugs and boxers. They may get tired quickly or have a hard time staying afloat. Keep in mind that small dog breeds could also have trouble with cold water.
