Discover 10 Types of Water Dog Breeds

Water dogs are hunting dogs used to flush and retrieve birds and other game from water. An ancient dog type, they were also used by mariners to send messages between boats and recover objects lost at sea. They became the ancestors of modern retrievers. There are many breeds of water dogs, ranging from the ancient Barbet to the American Water Spaniel, and even the poodle. So, let’s discover some of the most unique water dog breeds!

1. Irish Water Spaniel

The Irish Water Spaniel at first glance resembles another water dog breed, the poodle. This breed is native to Ireland and is the tallest spaniel around, standing 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder. It is also one of the oldest and most unique of the water dogs.

Irish water spaniels are known for being highly intelligent dogs. They are considered the clown breed of the spaniels due to their playful personalities. They are devoted to their families, although socialization from a young age is important. These dogs love small children and are great family pets. Irish water spaniels do tend to shed, but not heavily, so they are great for people with allergies. Athletic, versatile, intelligent, and loyal, it is called “the best-kept secret of the dog world.” Irish water spaniels are excellent swimmers and can retrieve birds on water or land alike.

2. American Water Spaniel

The American water spaniel is relatively new compared to other types of spaniels. It was developed in the 19th century in the state of Wisconsin from two spaniel breeds: the Irish water spaniel and the extinct English water spaniel. This breed can work on both land and water. However, it is a rare breed, and there are only around 3,000 dogs left.

3. Poodle

The poodle is a popular dog breed in the United States. However, most people don’t realize that they are excellent water dogs. Poodles are more commonly known as pets and companions, but they are actually incredibly agile and athletic dogs and thrive when they have a job to do.

4. Wetterhoun

The Wetterhoun originated in the Netherlands. It is also known as the Frisian water dog, as it was used to retrieve waterfowl and small mammals in the Friesland province. Its name in Dutch literally translates to “water dog”. It is confused with the Otterhound, which is a British dog breed. Developed over 400 years ago, the Wetterhoun is believed to have been created from the old water dog and gypsy dogs. Wetterhouns are medium-sized dogs and stand 21 to 23 inches at the shoulder. They are reserved, protective, and strong-willed but not aggressive, making them an excellent family dog.

5. Spanish Water Dog

The Spanish water dog is a medium-sized dog that stands 15 to 18 inches at the shoulder. They are known for their curly coat, which gives them a particularly adorable appearance. However, although they are affectionate and loyal, they are actually incredibly good work dogs. Spanish water dogs are often used for retrieving waterfowl, but they are also excellent sheepdogs and home guard dogs. They do get along well with children, and also make good pets, but they need to be properly socialized first.

6. Cantabrian Water Dog

Another water dog hailing from Spain, the Cantabrian water dog originates in Cantabria in the north of the country. The Cantabrian water dog has traditionally been used by fishermen to retrieve fallen fish and take ropes between ships. One of its common names, “perro de lanas,” translates to “wool dog”, and true to its name, its fur is very curly.

The ancient breed is genetically related to a few other water dog breeds, such as the Spanish water dog and the Barbet. What distinguishes it from the Spanish water dog is that it’s shorter and lighter.

7. Portuguese Water Dog

One of the Portuguese water dog’s nicknames is “dog of Algarve water,” while another is “Portuguese fishing dog.” This breed originates from the Algarve region of Portugal. It was used by fishermen to act as a courier from ship to shore or ship to ship, herd fish into fishing nets, and retrieve broken nets and lost tackles.

The Portuguese water dog is intelligent and enthusiastic, but can also be incredibly loving. They have a single-layer coat, which doesn’t shed much, meaning they’re ideal for people with allergies. Their coats are generally one of two types: either curly or wavy, but some may be a combination of both types.

8. Lagotto Romagnolo

Also known as the Romagna water dog, the Lagotto Romagnolo is an Italian dog breed originating from the Romagna sub-region of the country. Although it was first used as a duck retriever, since the 19th century, it has been used to search for truffles, giving it the nickname “truffle dog.” The Lagotto Romagnolo is a hard worker and has an excellent sense of smell. They stand 17 to 19 inches at the shoulder, have powerful bodies, and a thick, curly coat.

9. Pudelpointer

Suitable for both land and water retrieving, the Pudelpointer is a cross between the English pointer and the German poodle. Such ancestry makes it an equally excellent tracker, pointer, and retriever. The Pudelpointer is 21 to 26 inches at the shoulder and is typically either black, liver, or chestnut. Their coat is relatively short and doesn’t shed much. They are calm and willing to please, making them extremely versatile.

10. Barbet

Also known as the French water dog, the Barbet is a medium-sized dog that stands 21 to 26 inches at the shoulder, with males being slightly larger than females. Their name is a form of “barbe” which means “beard.” This is possibly due to their long, curly coat, which grows continually. The Barbet is a rare breed, and there are estimated to be only around 1,000 to 2,000 of them left. They are excellent swimmers and are often used for retrieving waterfowl. Their sociable and affectionate nature also means they make good pets, but they require proper training and plenty of exercise as they are incredibly active dogs.