Dogs have long been trusted companions to people on land and at sea. In reality, some dog breeds were intended to accompany people on boats, while others were developed to be waterfowl hunting partners.
These dogs have an innate love of water and characteristics that allow them to be effective when traversing the waves. For example, they wear heavy, water-repellent coats to keep their bodies warm in the rain.
They also have athletic physique with webbed toes, allowing them to be superb swimmers.If you live near water, enjoy boating, or are an avid swimmer, here are 10 dog breeds that enjoy making a splash.
Portuguese Water Dog
Water is so natural to Portuguese water dogs that it became part of their official name. These enthusiastic splashers don’t need to be urged twice to enter the water.
They were initially designed to be a fisherman’s companion, thus seeing these dogs on boats is a natural sight. They’re now commonly utilized in dock diving events and other water-related dog sports.
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They are an excellent choice for water-loving families and will happily spend the day on a boat.
Poodle
A poodle may appear to be more at home strolling along a city street than leaping into the water, but the truth is that these are truly water dogs at heart.
The term “poodle” comes from the German word “pudl,” which means “to splash in water.” The dog was bred to dive into water to recover game, and its distinctive curly coat kept it warm.
The famous puff balls of fur over a poodle’s knees, feet, head, body, and tail were originally a pragmatic grooming option to keep these essential areas warm, rather than a fashion statement.
Labrador Retriever
Labrador retrievers have long been one of America’s most popular dogs, and these canines are content on land or sea as long as they’re with their owners.
The Lab was bred specifically for waterfowl hunting. And these days, these dogs are always up for jumping into pools, ponds, lakes, oceans, and anything else that’s wet—especially if there’s a toy to be found.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
These retrievers, known as Chessie, are slightly stockier dogs with a thicker, denser coat than the Lab. The oily double coat of the Chesapeake Bay retriever provides good water resistance as well as insulation.
These dogs were developed in Maryland and Virginia as hunting companions for ducks. The dogs’ thick coat, paired with their strength and stamina, made them a great choice for spending hours in the mid-Atlantic region’s rainy estuaries.
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
A small-stature, water-loving retriever with a distinctive tolling aptitude is one of Canada’s most prized breeds. The Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever, often known as a “toller,” derives its name from its unusual ability to toll, or draw, ducks within range of the hunter by amusing antics.
Once the waterfowl has been dispatched, the toller is eager to dive into the water and recover the prey.
Newfoundland
A calm, water-loving behemoth, the Newfoundland. This large breed began when European fisherman transported dogs on boats that arrived in Canada.
These fishermen lived and worked by the sea, so they began breeding a capable, hardworking companion that was also skilled at water rescue.
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These strong dogs can easily negotiate the water. And their innate capacity to assist someone in crisis has literally saved their lives.
Curly-Coated Retriever
The curly-coated retriever, like other retrievers, is a perfect fit for life on the water. This dog’s tight, curly coat helps it keep its body temperature stable when plunging into water on a hunt.
These dogs are descended from two extinct water dog breeds: the English water spaniel and the retrieving setter. It’s also said that the poodle is responsible for some of this breed’s distinctive curls and affection for water.
Boykin Spaniel
The Boykin spaniel, which originated in the southern United States, is known for being an amiable family friend who is well-suited to life on the water.
It has webbed toes and a compact, athletic body, making it ideal for swimming. Take this dog on your next waterfowl hunting trip or on the boat, and you’ll have a joyful buddy who is always ready to swim.