13 dogs that love water (and why!)

Dog Playing with BOB Floating Dummy.

Some dogs just LOVE water, but did you know your dog’s breed may play a big part in their deep desire to go for a paddle? Yup, it might be all in their DNA!

Key Takeaways
  • Most water dog breeds were dogs historically bred to work in or around water, from retrieving game and waterfowl, to helping fishermen heard their catch,
  • Water dog breeds include Retrievers, Poodles, Spaniels, and waterfowl retrievers like the Lagotto Romagnolo, with a love of water baked into their genes.
  • Water dog physical characteristics, like webbed toes and water-resistant coats, give these pooches a real advantage in the water, making them powerful swimmers.
  • Not every dog is comfortable swimming, playing together with floating toys, tug toys, and retrieval games are ideal for testing their ability in water.

Some dogs just can’t get enough of water, whether it’s splashing through puddles, swimming in the sea or making a beeline for the nearest pond or lake! 

But did you know your dog’s breed may play a big part in their deep desire to go for a paddle - and if your dog hates water, their heritage may influence that too… 

Water dog breeds like Retrievers, Poodles and some Spaniels are *almost* guaranteed to enjoy swimming.  But why is that?

Read on to learn more about the dogs that just go wild for water. 

Why do some breeds love water?

Many water-loving breeds were originally bred to work in and around water - whether that was retrieving game, helping fishermen, or even performing water rescues. This history not only makes them strong swimmers but also influences the way they love to play today.

If your dog is always first in the water, carrying a toy, chasing after balls, or shaking their tug in excitement, that’s no coincidence - it’s all in their DNA!

1. Labrador Retriever - The Water-Loving Fetch Fanatic

Bred for: Retrieving game and fishing nets from the water
Common play behaviours: Chasing, retrieving, carrying toys around
Toys they love: Fetch Toys, BOB 3-in-1 Dog Dummy, Tug toys

One of the most popular dog breeds, Labradors were originally bred to assist fishermen and retrieve ducks from lakes and rivers. This retrieving instinct is why many Labs are obsessed with balls! They love carrying things in their mouths and will happily chase a ball into water over and over again. Floating toys like BOB or interactive retrieval games are a great way to satisfy their natural instincts.

labrador swimming

2. Golden Retriever - The Joyful Water Chaser

Bred for: Retrieving waterfowl for hunters
Common play behaviours: Fetching, carrying, shaking toys
Toys they love: Squeaky Toys, Tug toys

Like Labradors, Golden Retrievers have a natural love for water and an inbuilt instinct to carry things in their mouths. Many Goldies love gentle tug-of-war games and will often parade around with their favourite toy a normal behaviour. Their love for shaking wet toys after retrieving them is a throwback to their working past

golden retriever emerging from water carrying a Tug-E-Nuff tug toy

3. Newfoundland - The Gentle Water Rescue Expert

Bred for: Water rescues and assisting fishermen
Common play behaviours: Swimming, carrying, problem-solving
Toys they love:  Large toys like Twizzler , Floating toys like BOB

These powerful swimmers were bred to rescue drowning sailors and pull fishing nets from the sea. Their love for water runs deep, and they enjoy swimming more than almost any other breed. Many Newfies also love problem-solving, so interactive toys and tugging games can be great fun for them.

Newfoundland dog swimming

4. Portuguese Water Dog - The Energetic Water Worker

Bred for: Herding fish and retrieving lost fishing gear
Common play behaviours: Swimming, problem-solving, carrying toys
Toys they love: Tug toys, fetch toys

Portuguese Water Dogs were bred to work in the sea, helping fishermen retrieve gear and herd fish into nets. They are energetic and love a challenge! Tug toys and interactive games that get them thinking will keep them entertained, and they’ll happily retrieve floating toys from water.

portugese water dog at the shore

5. Chesapeake Bay Retriever - The Determined Duck Dog

Bred for: Retrieving ducks in freezing water
Common play behaviours: Fetching, carrying, shaking toys
Toys they love: Fetch toys, water toys like BOB a floating toy, tug toys

Unlike other Retrievers, “Chessies” were bred to work in harsh, icy waters. They have an independent streak but still love retrieving and carrying things around. They’re big fans of fetch but often prefer toys that engage their strength, like tough tuggies that play as hard as they do! 

chesapeake bay retriever in water

6. Standard Poodle - The Clever Water Retriever

Bred for: Retrieving game from water
Common play behaviours: Fetching, scentwork, carrying toys
Toys they love: Treat toys, Squeaky toys, Fetch & Retrieval toys

Poodles were originally bred as hunting retrievers and even had a traditional “Poodle clip” to help them stay buoyant in water! Highly intelligent and playful, they love toys that challenge their brains - think brain games or retrieval games. They also have an excellent sense of smell and enjoy scent-based activities, making scentwork games and snuffle mats a great choice for them.

white standard poodle having fun at the beach

Remember, if you have a doodle breed, they’re part poodle - so a lot of the above may apply to your dog too!

7. Irish Water Spaniel - The Playful Puddle Lover

Bred for: Retrieving game from water
Common play behaviours: Splashing, carrying, shaking toys
Toys they love: Squeaky toys, BOB floating toy, tug toys

This rare breed is known for its curly coat and playful, clown-like personality. They love nothing more than splashing around in water and retrieving toys. Anything that squeaks, floats, or can be carried around in their mouth is a winner.

irish water spaniel in long grass

8. Spanish Water Dog - The Energetic Herder and Swimmer

Bred for: Herding livestock and retrieving from water
Common play behaviours: Herding, fetching, chasing
Toys they love: Chase toys, Sheepskin toys

Spanish Water Dogs were originally bred to herd sheep and work in the water. This means they love chasing and controlling moving objects - making chase-and-tug games an excellent way to engage them.

spanish water dog relaxing next to water

9. American Water Spaniel - The Eager Water Hunter

Bred for: Hunting and retrieving in lakes and rivers
Common play behaviours: Fetching, carrying, shaking toys
Toys they love: Floating toys like BOB, Fetch & Retrieval toys

This smaller but mighty breed was bred to retrieve birds from boats and is highly trainable. They love to carry things in their mouths and often enjoy interactive games like hide-and-seek with toys.

american water spaniel holding a fish

10. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever - The Clever Water Trickster

Bred for: Luring and retrieving waterfowl
Common play behaviours: Chasing, retrieving, problem-solving
Toys they love: Fetch ball toys, Treat toys

The Toller has a unique way of hunting - using playful movements to attract ducks before retrieving them. This means they love active, interactive play! Their natural enthusiasm makes them excellent fetch partners, and they enjoy toys that challenge their intelligence, so why not try the Tug-E-Nuff time trials game?  

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever shaking off water

11. Lagotto Romagnolo - The Water-Loving Truffle Hunter

Bred for: Retrieving waterfowl and truffle hunting
Common play behaviours: Digging, scent work, retrieving
Toys they love: Snuffle mats, treat toys like The Clam, floating toys like BOB

Originally bred as a water retriever in Italy, the Lagotto has since become famous for its truffle-hunting skills. Their natural love of digging and searching means they adore scent-based games and interactive toys that let them use their nose.

Lagotto Romagnolo standing in shallow water

12. German Longhaired Pointer – The Versatile Water Hunter

Bred for: Hunting and retrieving game from water
Common play behaviours: Tracking, retrieving, running
Toys they love: Chase toys, retrieval fetch toys, tug toys

The German Longhaired Pointer is a natural athlete with a love for both land and water. They enjoy active play and excel in games that tap into their hunting instincts, like fetch and chase games with a toy that mimics prey movement.

german longhaired pointer walking by water

13. English & Irish Setters – The Elegant Water Sprinters

Bred for: Hunting and retrieving game in fields and water
Common play behaviours: Sprinting, retrieving, chasing
Toys they love: Ball Fetch toys, Chaser lure toys

Setters are high-energy, athletic dogs that love to sprint through fields and splash in lakes. They thrive on fast-paced games, so they enjoy chasing after moving toys or games that let them run at full speed.

irish setter standing near water

How to make the most of water play for dogs

If you’re lucky enough to share your life with a water-loving breed, playtime near water can be incredibly enriching. Here are a few ways to make the most of their natural instincts:

  • Water-Friendly Fetch: BOB our floating toy and Fetch balls can make for a fun game of fetch in lakes, rivers, or even a paddling pool.

  • Hide-and-Seek with Toys: Engaging their retrieval instincts with hidden toys can be great mental enrichment.

  • Splash and Play: If your dog loves splashing, let them paddle in shallow water while playing fetch with their favourite toy!

If you’re lucky enough to share your life with a water-loving dog, swimming can be a fantastic way to exercise and bond with them. Whether it’s a game of fetch in the lake or a splash in the sea, these breeds were built for aquatic adventures!  The UK’s Royal Kennel Club, is also a great resource for more Water dogs, and water safety when they are out having fun.

Have you seen BOB?! He's our genius dog dummy that floats, tugs and fetches. Whether you’re hitting the beach, practising retrieves, or having a game of fetch in the mud, BOB’s ready for all your adventures, all year round. 

What if my dog hates water?

Not all dogs are natural swimmers! Breeds with short legs (like Dachshunds), flat faces (like Bulldogs), or very dense coats (like Huskies) may struggle in water or simply dislike getting wet. If your dog isn’t a fan of swimming, that’s okay - never force them, and always ensure their safety around water. 

Read Next:

Dogs & Swimming: 7 tips for staying safe

How to teach your dog to find your keys in 8 simple steps

Why your dog has a high prey drive (& what to do about it)

 

Frequently Asked Water Dog Questions

  • A water dog is officially classified as a canine breed to work in or around water. Although universally known for flushing out waterfowl from reeds or retrieving from lakes, each individual breed had different characteristics and jobs. For example, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever was bred to work in cold and icy waters.

    The unifying characteristics of naturally thicker and water-resistant coats, to webbed feet make them very powerful swimmers. These, fun, hardworking and adventurous water dogs make perfect pets, and their love for any water makes them an even better addition to a family who love the outdoors.

  • Did you know, all pooches have some webbing between their toes? But with water dogs the skin between their toes is more developed. The webbing helps water dogs when swimming, allowing them to push themselves through the water more easily. 

    To keep these superb swimming paws healthy, dry thoroughly after swims, check for anything stuck between the toes, and then keep up with normal paw maintenance, cutting nails and applying balm if they appear cracked.

  • Yep, water dogs do shed, but just how much depends on which breed of water dog you’ve got. On the furrier end of things dogs like the Labrador Retriever and Newfoundland have pretty thick, hairy coats that shed quite heavily all year round. So be prepared for some frequent brushing to keep their fur under control.

    Medium shedders, like the English and Irish Setters have longer, flowing coats that shed steadily, and regular brushing is helpful at removing knots and matted clumps. And, finally the low-shedders like the Portuguese Water Dog and Spanish Water Dog hardly lose any fur.

  • The UK has a huge number of dog-friendly swimming spots! So, to help the Tug-E-Nuff team have pulled together a list of our favourites. But please remember, always check you chosen spot is safe, so with a bit of online research to be sure you understand the conditions and depth. When it comes to our dogs, safety comes first!

    • England, London. Hampstead Heath's "the dog pond" is a favourite among dog walkers in London. It can get busy and a bit muddy, so bring some wellies if it's wet outside!
    • Scotland, Loch Lomond. If your dog loves a refreshing afternoon dip, or fun game of fetch with our new Aero-Tug, this Scottish fresh water loch is the perfect place! 
    • Wales, Ogmore-by-Sea. With so many amazing beaches in South Wales to choose from Ogmore-by-Sea just came out on top for us. The open beach, huge sand dunes and easy access means non stop..

  • Water dogs thrive on toys that tap into their strong prey drive, making tug and fetch toys a must-have. Tug-E-Nuff offers durable, fun and safe tug toys designed for dogs and water, including one of our newest additions, BOB the 3-in-1 dog training dummy. It's designed to be waterproof and an all-weather activity toy for water-loving dogs. Lightweight but strong, meaning it's easy to throw, drive, retrieve, carry and swim with. The perfect water toy for a water dog.

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