Dogs, like humans, are a diverse species. There are furry dogs, and dogs with minimal fur. There are dogs that reach up to 5 feet, and those that come miniature or toy sizes.
There is a lot of variety and diversity within the canine world. Today, we’re going to discuss dogs that love water, and the ones who loathe it.
Yes, there is a division along ‘watery’ lines in the diggy world. While some species’ are total water babies, others try to avoid it.
9 Dog Breeds That Love Water
Below, we have listed as many as nine species of dogs that love water, and swim like fish (an exaggeration, but you get the idea).
These guys were born to swim like champions; and they make the perfect swimming buds when you go out for a swim, or even for fishing.
Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel deserves the first mention when it comes to water dogs. At first glance they can be mistaken for a Poodle, since they have similar curly hair.
However, these spaniels are much larger in size, and have a very thin tail.
They absolutely love swimming and are masters at retrieving things from water.
Golden Retriever
This is one of the most popular dog breeds all over the world owing to their loyalty, intelligence, courage and an affectionate personality.
Although they are not traditionally considered ‘water dogs’, they do love a swim once in a while. Did you know that their golden coat is water-repellent? Bet not!
Spanish Water Dog
This breed is very affectionate in nature. Super energetic and ‘responsible’, it was originally bred for the purpose of herding cattle and retrieving game such as pheasant or duck.
These dogs require a lot of exercise, and love to stay active by swimming or fetching balls from the water. They have webbed paws which help them swim.
American Water Spaniel
This dog is a great retriever which is also very sensitive in nature.
It is easily identified by its curly coat which has a natural water-repellent property. These dogs are very intelligent and great natural fishers.
In addition, they are curious little critters who love to accompany you on outings. Get one of these, and you have the perfect hiking and swimming buddy!
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers boast of a signature double coat.
The warm layer of fur has a layer of oil that helps to repel water and also provides insulation to keep the dog warm even in below-freezing-point temperatures.
Needless to say, these dogs are pro swimmers, and total water babies.
Labrador Retriever
The labrador retriever is one of the best dogs for swimming.
They have very muscular bodies and bushy tails. Many people say that they are the ideal dogs to train for dock diving.
What is dock diving? Well, it’s a combination of various activities such as jumping, running, swimming, and retrieving.
Like the golden retriever, the labs were used for hunting and retrieving game in the past.
Poodle
Poodles are usually considered lap dogs. But, you’d be surprised to learn that they used to be trained for hunting waterfowl, such as ducks, in the past.
Because they were trained to fetch game from the water, the poodles enjoy a good swim like any other water dog.
Their signature curly coat is water-resistant. With the poodle, get a swim buddy and a cuddle companion. Talk about a win!
Boykin Spaniel
The Boykin Spaniel looks disarmingly cute, but that is only a facade. In reality, they’re seasoned hunters and retrievers.
Like the Spanish Water Dog, they have webbed feet for swimming.
And like the Chesapeake Retriever, they have a double coat which keeps them warm. In the past, it had been specifically bred to fetch game from swamps and rivers.
Curly-Coated Retriever
Like the other retrievers on the list, this one is intelligent, brave and confident. It is also a very tenacious swimmer that can paddle in a water body for hours.
They look very cute and are also great with kids. This means that it’s double the fun for you when you plan your next outing at the lakeside with family!
You can enjoy splashing around, while the curly-coated retriever keeps an eye out for the little ones.
3 Dog Breeds That Don’t Love Water
We have our list of water-friendly pooches above. Now, it’s time to look at the ones that don’t enjoy water all that much; in fact, they’d be really pleased if they didn’t have to go anywhere near it!
Here, presenting before you a list of three very non-water-loving doggos:
Bulldog
Bulldogs are flat-faced and have a heavy chest, which makes it very difficult for them to swim.
In fact, it is dangerous for them since most bulldogs cannot keep themselves afloat in water without assistance.
So while it is perfectly fine to let them chill by the poolside, do not let them go into it.
Basset Hound
This breed has long ears and very short legs, which are not very ideal when it comes to swimming.
Their bodies are low and near the ground; and not very suitable for water. So, it makes complete sense for you to keep them as far away from water as you can.
Shih Tzu
These are one of the most adorable toy dogs known to mankind. They have a long and shaggy coat that becomes heavy when it gets wet.
Their short snouts can also make it tricky for them to breathe in the water.
Naturally, they avoid water and you should be very wary of letting them anywhere near a water body.
Conclusion
So, it’s done at last! We have a fun list of pooches who take to the water like fish, and others who cheer for the land and don’t like getting their paws wet.
So now the question is, what breed do you like the most from this list? Are you someone who loves swimming and wants a com-‘paw’-nion?
Or do you prefer to stick to land and chill with your pooch by your side? Let us know in the comment section.
