18 Dog Breeds Who Truly Love to Swim

Swimming can be great for dogs: strengthening their hearts, going easy on their joints, and stimulating their minds. But even though dogs are associated with a love for water, you’ll quickly learn that certain pups might not be fans of taking a dip. 

But the good news, especially for outdoorsy pet parents, is that there are plenty of dogs — including both purebreds and mixed breeds, waiting in shelters and rescues — who absolutely love water. From never-ending Poodle and Doodle mixes to the extremely popular Labrador Retriever (and their mixes), you will likely find a dog who will love to swim, splash on the beach, or jump in the pool.

Ready to find the perfect swimming buddy? One of these 15 dog breeds is probably right for you.

Types of dogs who like water

The typical “water dog” was bred for specific characteristics, such as waterproof or water-resistant coats of long, curly hair, webbed feet, and a love of swimming. These dogs were also bred for hunting, retrieving waterfowl, or other water-related jobs like assisting fishermen. Today, these often large dogs still love water, and having jobs or playtime where they can retrieve things. They’re great swimmers and much likelier to jump into a lake and play than other breeds with less water-friendly coats.

But there are also plenty of dogs who like water, regardless of breed or their physical characteristics. At shelters and rescues, there are tons of mixed-breed pups out there who’d love nothing more than a splashy adventure. And with a little training and slow, positive intros to water, you just might be surprised who is ready for a swim.

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1. Portuguese Water Dog

These working dogs are affectionate and playful, and known for their curly, waterproof,  black-and-white coats. Portuguese Water Dogs are natural swimmers who excel at water activities and make great familial companions. 

• Weight: 33 to 66 pounds

• Height: 17 to 22 inches

• Size: Medium

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2. Golden Retriever

The beloved Golden Retriever and their mixes, known for their intelligence, loyalty, and friendliness, also enjoy water. Originally bred as waterfowl retrievers, Golden Retrievers have webbed feet that make them excellent swimmers. 

• Weight: 46 to 80 pounds

• Height: 20 to 24 inches

• Size: Large

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3. Chesapeake Bay Retriever

This retriever, often known as the “Chessie,” is an athletic, smart, and loyal dog. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers and their mixes are natural-born swimmers and love retrieving things from water. They are hardworking, but also loving and devoted family pets. 

• Weight: 47 to 87 pounds

• Height: 21 to 26 inches

• Size: Large

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4. Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are known for their sweet temperaments and friendliness, making them one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. These pups (and their mixes) are also famous for being excellent swimmers, which makes sense because they were bred to be retrieving dogs and have water-resistant coats. 

• Weight: 49 to 77 pounds

• Height: 21 to 24 inches

• Size: Large

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5. Boykin Spaniel

These lovable sporting dogs and their cross-breeds have gorgeous wavy coats and come with boundless energy. They were bred as hunters for waterfowl and game, and make excellent swimmers and retrievers. Boykin Spaniels, also the state dog of South Carolina, boast a friendly nature and strong bonds with their families. 

• Weight: 25 to 40 pounds

• Height: 14 to 18 inches

• Size: Medium

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6. Newfoundland

These super-sized dogs are as friendly as they come. Newfoundlands are known for their thick, water-resistant coats, webbed feet, and strong swimming abilities. They were originally bred as working dogs for fishermen, and these dogs do love the water. Nicknamed the “Newfie,” this breed is also known for their patience and love of children.

• Weight: 86 to 163 pounds

• Height: 26 to 28 inches

• Size: Extra large

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7. Small Münsterländer

The Small Münsterländer is a fun-loving pup with a black, white, or liver-and-white coat and is bred to be an all-around hunting dog. They are super athletic and cuddly, and they also like to swim. Their webbed feet, a common trait among hunting dogs, make it easy to swim and retrieve waterfowl and other creatures. 

• Weight: 40 to 60 pounds

• Height: 20.5 to 21 inches

• Size: Medium

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8. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

These dogs, known as “Tollers,” are energetic, playful, and sweet. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are great problem-solvers and super athletic, and were bred as hunting dogs who play near the shoreline to lure ducks closer to hunters. They have webbed feet and a water-repellent double coat, which makes them ready for a swim. 

• Weight: 37 to 50 pounds

• Height: 17 to 21 inches

• Size: Medium

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9. Poodle

Tall and elegant, Standard Poodles are known for being show dogs, but are also great at hunting, running, and swimming. They are loyal, playful, and love to be with their humans. Originally bred as water retrievers, this pup has a curly, non-shedding coat, webbed feet, and a love for water.

• Weight: 47 to 75 pounds

• Height: 14 to 24  inches

• Size: Large

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10. Irish Setter

These beautiful red dogs are friendly, playful, and outgoing. Irish Setters and their mixes have great hunting instincts. Bred to hunt waterfowl, they enjoy having a job to do — so don’t leave them alone for a long time. Most Irish Setters love water and are ideal swimmers.

• Weight: 48 to 88 pounds

• Height: 25 to 26 inches

• Size: Medium to large

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11. Curly-Coated Retriever

The Curly-Coated Retriever is a skilled gundog and swimmer. They have tight curls, usually in black or brown, and a water- and thorn-proof coat. These dogs definitely need lots of exercise and won’t hesitate to jump into a lake to go swimming. 

• Weight: 60 to 95 pounds

• Height: 23 to 27 inches

• Size: Large to extra large

12. English Setter

English Setters and their mixes have “feathered” coats in various patterns and natural hunting abilities. They love to chase, swim, and splash around in water. English Setters are also gentle with, and kind towards, children, making them great for active families.

• Weight: 49 to 77 pounds

• Height: 23 to 27 inches

• Size: Large

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13. Flat-Coated Retriever

The Flat-Coated Retriever is smart, quick, and bred to retrieve game on both land and sea (so to speak). These dogs and their mixes have water-resistant fur, webbed feet, and a deep love of water. These dogs are spirited, affectionate, and love cuddling — after they dry off from jumping in a lake.

• Weight: 60 to 70 pounds

• Height: 22 to 25 inches

• Size: Large

14. Irish Water Spaniel

These liver-colored dogs are known for their glossy, curly, and water-resistant coats. Irish Water Spaniels were bred as hunters, and their love for both water and goofing off runs deep. These pups shed lightly, so they’re a good choice for allergy sufferers. 

• Weight: 44 to 70 pounds

• Height: 20 to 23 inches

• Size: Large

15. Otterhound

These dogs have shaggy coats (often in black and tan), sweet eyes, and a friendly disposition. Otterhounds make great companions and love being outdoors. Originally bred for hunting otters, their webbed feet and water-resistant coats make them resilient swimmers.

• Weight: 58 to 118 pounds

• Height: 24 to 27 inches

• Size: Large to extra large

16. Spanish Water Dog

The affectionate Spanish Water Dog has a coat of dark curls and was bred as a herder and waterfowl retriever. They’re athletic, extremely hard-working, and thrive when they have something to do, whether it’s work or play. They like to swim and play fetch in the water, where their webbed feet help them swim. 

• Weight: 31 to 49 pounds

• Height: 16 to 20 inches

• Size: Medium

17. Barbet

The Barbet was originally a water dog used in France for hunting, and is sometimes described as “looking like a Muppet.” They’re pretty rare but make wonderful companions. They are smart and have a great affinity for water, often characterized as tireless swimmers. 

• Weight: 35 to 65 pounds

• Height: 19 to 25 inches

• Size: Medium

18. American Water Spaniel

The American Water Spaniel is native to the Midwest and also happens to be the state dog of Wisconsin. These dogs and their mixes have curly coats that repel water and a sweet, sensitive personality. It’s no surprise this Water Spaniel loves hunting and swimming, and they’ll spend hours happily retrieving things from a shoreline. 

• Weight: 25 to 45 pounds

• Height: 15 to 18 inches

• Size: Small

Commonly asked questions 

Can dogs swim underwater? 

Dogs can hold their breath, swim underwater, and be trained to dive. But not all do. According to the National Canine Research Association of America, not all dogs can swim well underwater, and some could drown if left in water for too long. 

Which small breed dogs like water? 

Of the dog breeds who love water, many popular choices are quite large, but the smaller ones include Spaniels such as the American Water Spaniel or the Spanish Water Dog. But there are plenty of small dogs at shelters and rescues who can learn to love water, with slow introductions.

Do terriers like water? 

Terriers aren’t known to be water-loving dogs. Some terriers may like water, but this depends on your dog’s personality. Terriers who enjoy water may include Boston Terriers, Scottish Terriers, and Jack Russell Terriers. It’s important to practice water safety with all dogs, but especially dogs who were not bred for water sports. Be sure to put a lifejacket on your dog to keep them safe.

Are there hypoallergenic water dogs? 

Few dogs are truly hypoallergenic, but some water-loving dogs are better suited for allergy sufferers, such as Poodles. Portuguese Water Dogs, Curly-Coated Retrievers, and Barbets also have curly, low-shedding coats. 

References 

Cosgrove, Nicole. “Do Boston Terriers Like to Swim? How to Help Them Enjoy the Water.” 19 September 2024. https://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/do-boston-terriers-like-to-swim. 

The National Canine Research Association of America. 2 May 2022. https://ncraoa.com/can-dogs-hold-their-breath.