7 Dog Breeds That Love Water (and 5 That Hate It!)

Some dogs are born to love water, whether it’s the local lake or simply the garden hose in the backyard on a hot summer’s day. But not all dogs are equal. Just as some dogs love to play in the water, others absolutely hate it! Get to know the seven dog breeds that love water and five that will do anything to avoid it.

1. Golden Retriever

The golden retriever is an extremely popular dog breed for families due to their temperament. They are known for being friendly, trustworthy, and confident. This dog breed is also great with water, as they were actually bred to work in water. Their coat is dense and water-repellent, keeping these dogs as dry as possible while working or playing in the water.

The golden retriever loves water for a few reasons. Firstly, these large dogs have long and powerful legs, which help them swim easily. Secondly, these adorable dogs have a lot of energy, and swimming is a great way to expel excess energy! Lastly, their water-resistant coat makes going into the water more enjoyable for them than for some other dogs. 

2. German Shepherd

The German shepherd is a popular working dog breed due to their curious, loyal, protective, and obedient nature. These large, beautiful dogs were not bred for swimming, but with proper introduction, they are able to enjoy the water! Their muscular bodies, athleticism, and bravery make them especially keen on playing in the water.

The German shepherd loves water because it helps keep them cool during hot days. This means lots of pool parties for this breed, especially in the summer! The German shepherd is an extremely high-energy dog and needs a lot of exercise every day. Swimming helps the German shepherd burn off excess energy.

3. Newfoundland

The Newfoundland is a popular working dog that is giant, intelligent and excels at water rescue. These calm and loyal dogs have tremendous strength. Because they have webbed paws and a water-resistant coat, it seems they were made for water.

Newfoundlands love water for several reasons. Firstly, their muscular build gives them the strength to swim through rough waters. Secondly, their thick double coat prevents these dogs from being weighed down by excess water while protecting them from icy waters. Thirdly, their webbed paws give them maximum propulsion. Finally, they have a huge lung capacity, giving them the stamina to swim long distances! No wonder this breed is used for water rescue!

4. Spanish Water Dog

The Spanish water dog is a medium-sized, athletic, and hard-working dog. They have beautiful curly wooly fur and are loyal, intelligent, and diligent dogs with natural herding and guarding instincts. These dogs are also known for being extremely skilled at water retrieval.

As its name suggests, the Spanish water dog loves getting wet and is excellent at swimming. They are strong and muscular, making swimming a cinch for these dogs. The Spanish water dog is high-energy and requires at least an hour of exercise per day. Mental stimulation is also important. Swimming is the perfect exercise to meet this dog’s physical and mental needs.

5. Barbet

The barbet is a medium-sized French water dog. They have a beautiful curly coat that comes in a range of colors. These dogs are rare but are friendly, obedient, intelligent, and great with all sorts of people. They were bred to hunt waterfowl, so they naturally love the water!

Because of the barbet’s specific breeding, they have physical characteristics to help them perform well in the water. In particular, their webbed paws especially help them swim really well! Furthermore, their dense, water-repellent coat keeps them warm in icy climates. These dogs also have a powerful prey drive and will swim through all types of water to retrieve their prey.

6. American Water Spaniel

The American water spaniel is a medium-sized dog originally bred for hunting. These dogs make loving family dogs as they enjoy being the center of attention. They are extremely skilled at retrieval and love water.

Although not the fastest swimmers, American water spaniels have high levels of endurance in the water. Their coat is dense and waterproof, so it’s easy for these dogs to maneuver through the water. Like many water-loving dogs, their toes are webbed, which helps them swim efficiently. Because they are high-energy working dogs, swimming is a great activity to keep them happy and fulfilled.

7. Schipperke

The schipperke is a small dog breed known for its playful and mischievous personality. They were originally bred in Belgium as guard dogs to herd livestock and hunt small rodents. They are easily identified due to their small size, triangular ears, and black coats, which give them a unique appearance. Schipperkes are also known for their intelligence and trainability, making them a good choice for anyone looking for a smart and active companion.

Not only do schipperkes love the water, but they actually have a waterproof undercoat that provides them warmth and protection while in the water! They also have a strong swimmer’s build. These dogs can even be trained in various water-based activities, including dock diving and water retrieval. Schipperkes also enjoy swimming just for fun!

5 Dogs That Hate Water

Just as there are dogs that love the water, there are dogs that hate it. This can be due to several reasons, such as coat type, face shape, overall size, or even personality. But it is important to note that while there are breeds that naturally don’t like water, any dog can hate it due to bad past experiences. Here are five dogs whose genes don’t include a love for water!

Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are known for being feisty and independent but also loyal and affectionate toward their owners. They are one of the smallest dog breeds in the world and have a high-energy and entertaining personality, which can make them both fun and challenging to care for.

Chihuahuas tend to avoid water because they have a low tolerance for cold temperatures and can easily get chilled. In addition, their small size makes it difficult for them to stay afloat in the water, leading to stress and fear.

Pug

Pugs are small, friendly, and affectionate dogs that are widely known for their squished, wrinkly faces. They have a fun and goofy personality and can be a great addition to families with children or other pets.

Because they have short snouts and flat faces, they have trouble breathing while in and around water. They can also develop health problems and skin or ear infections if they get too wet. Pugs also tend to overheat when active, and intense water activities can make it hard for them to regulate their body temperature.

Boxer

Boxers are medium-sized dog breeds with confident and energetic personalities. Originally bred as hunting dogs and military dogs, they have settled more into the family lifestyle.

Despite their energetic nature, boxers are not typically fond of water. They have a short, smooth coat that does not provide much insulation or protection against cold water. Hence, this dog breed can easily become chilled or uncomfortable. Like pugs, they have a short snout, making it difficult to breathe while swimming.

Greyhound

Greyhounds are known for their incredible athletic ability, speed, and grace. Their slender and muscular build, combined with endurance, makes them one of the fastest dog breeds in the world. However, they are also calm and relaxed at home, leading to the common description of a “45-mile-an-hour couch potato”!

Although they are athletic and playful, greyhounds are not so happy in the water. Their very short and thin coats make it harder to stay warm in the water, and their thin skin also makes them more susceptible to sunburn, which is amplified when in and around water. As a result, water activities with these dogs are risky and can create health problems if not handled correctly.

Dachshund

Also known as the “Weiner Dog” or “Sausage Dog”, the dachshund is a small dog breed that is very easily identifiable by its elongated body shape and short legs. They are often described as big dogs in little packages because they have big personalities despite their small size.

Dachshunds do not usually enjoy the water. Their odd body shape makes it hard for them to keep afloat. Because they are so low to the ground, they cannot handle very deep waters. Their long bodies can also put them at risk of injury if they participate in water activities, so if you have a dachshund, it’s best to keep it clear of the water.

Summary of 7 Dog Breeds That Love Water