Top 10 Dog Who Love To Swim & Play In The Water
Dogs have been selectively bred for thousands of years to hone in their skills for one task or another. In fact, The American Kennel Club recognizes 164 different kinds of dog breeds all bred for one reason or another. This list highlights the worlds best water dogs who have been bred for their aquatic abilities. Here is our unofficial list of the top 10 dogs who love to swim and play in the water.
#1. American Water Spaniel
It is believed that American Water Spaniel were first breed during the 19th century in the state of Wisconsin. Although a very rare breed, the American Water Spaniel has its own state-wide fan club as the State Dog of Wisconsin! A truly dual-purpose dog, bred for companionship and top-notch retrieval ability, the AWS is active, muscular and medium in size. This breed’s unique coat can be solid liver, brown or dark chocolate and ranges from marcel (uniform waves) to closely curled.
#2. Spanish Water Dog
From herding to hunting, Spanish Water Dogs are versatile working canines. They are extremely active, unusually agile, highly intelligent and easy to train. Their love of the ocean can be best shown through their participation in water sports.
#3. Portuguese Water Hound
The Portuguese Water Dog were originally from the Portuguese region of Algarve. These water dogs were put to work herding fish into nets and acting as couriers from ship to shore. Portuguese Water Dogs pop up on most americans radar when Bo Obama became the nations first dog.
#4. Labrador Retriever
The founding breed of the Labrador was St. John’s Water Dog, a random-bred mix of English, Irish and Portuguese working breeds. As a working dog, the Labrador’s ancestors helped carry ropes between boats, tow dories and retrieve fishnets. Labradors are famous for being able to retrieve anything in the water and on the shore. These days, Labrador Retrievers are often used in water rescue.
#5. Golden Retriever
When picturing dogs in water, most people think of Golden Retrievers. Long ago, Golden Retrievers first developed when early retrievers were crossed with the best water spaniels, explaining their adoration for and agility in aquatic environments. They even have naturally water-repellant outer coats!
#6. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
They may be the smallest of the retrievers, but Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers can outswim the biggest of water dogs. These playful and highly intelligent dogs have water-repellant double coats. The breed was developed in the early 19th century to toll, lure and retrieve waterfowl.
#7. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers aren’t considered the toughest water retrievers for nothing. These dogs love water so much that they even were named after the coast where the breed was developed. They can work on both water and land, and can tolerate harsh weather conditions if necessary. Owners of Chesapeake Bay Retrievers should know that their dogs’ exercise regimen ought to include water activities.
#8. Irish Water Spaniel
The tallest of spaniels, these active and energetic dogs are one of the most clever and intelligent breeds around. Their distinct, curly coats made of dense, tight ringlets and curls are water-repellant, making these dogs expert water-fowl hunters. That said, they’re more popular as pets or show dogs these days.
#9. English Setter
Once you bring an English Setter into the water, it’s difficult to bring it out again! English Setters need plenty of exercise, and of the breed’s most recommended activities, swimming is one of its favorites. This is an intelligent breed that is easy to train.
If a Newfoundland had to participate in one Olympic event, it would definitely take first place in long-distance swimming. These dogs were born to swim. Their heavy coats protect them from icy waters, and their webbed feet help them to be excellent swimmers. Back in the day, Newfoundlands were used as working dogs to pull nets for fishermen. Today they’re the perfect family dogs, with their sweet character and gentle demeanor