18 Dog Breeds Who Truly Love to Swim
If you’re looking for a pup who’s a fan of the doggy paddle, you’ve come to the right place.
Swimming can be great for dogs: strengthening their hearts, going easy on their joints, and stimulating their minds. But even though dogs are often associated with a love for water, you’ll quickly learn that not all pups are fans of taking a dip.
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 spirited Poodle and Doodle mixes to the ever-popular Labrador Retriever (and their mixes), you’ll likely find a canine companion who’ll leap into lakes, splash along the beach, or eagerly jump into the pool. Ready to find your 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 traits: waterproof or water-resistant coats—often long and curly—webbed feet, and an innate enthusiasm for swimming. These dogs were originally developed for hunting, retrieving waterfowl, or assisting fishermen. Today, many of these typically large breeds still thrive in aquatic environments—and love having jobs or playtime that involve retrieving objects from the water. They’re strong swimmers and far more likely to dive headfirst into a lake than breeds with less water-friendly coats.
That said, plenty of dogs enjoy water regardless of breed or physical traits. Shelters and rescues are full of mixed-breed pups who’d love nothing more than a splashy adventure. With patient, positive training and gentle introductions to water, you might be pleasantly surprised by who takes to swimming naturally.
Dog Breeds Who Excel in the Water
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Portuguese Water Dog
These affectionate, playful working dogs boast curly, waterproof black-and-white coats. Portuguese Water Dogs are natural swimmers who excel at water-based activities and make loyal, joyful companions for active families.
- Weight: 33–66 pounds
- Height: 17–22 inches
- Size: Medium
- Search for Portuguese Water Dogs (and their mixes) for adoption on furpetvo.com
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Golden Retriever
Beloved for their intelligence, loyalty, and friendliness, Golden Retrievers—and their mixes—also adore water. Bred as waterfowl retrievers, they have webbed feet and a dense, water-resistant coat that makes them exceptional swimmers.
- Weight: 46–80 pounds
- Height: 20–24 inches
- Size: Large
- Search for Golden Retrievers (and their mixes) for adoption on furpetvo.com
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Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Often called the “Chessie,” this athletic, smart, and devoted breed is a natural-born swimmer. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers—and their mixes—love retrieving from water and balance hardworking stamina with deep affection for their families.
- Weight: 47–87 pounds
- Height: 21–26 inches
- Size: Large
- Search for Chesapeake Bay Retrievers (and their mixes) for adoption on furpetvo.com
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Labrador Retriever
Known worldwide for their sweet temperaments and unwavering friendliness, Labradors—and their mixes—are also outstanding swimmers. Bred to retrieve game from water, they possess water-resistant coats and powerful, efficient strokes.
- Weight: 49–77 pounds
- Height: 21–24 inches
- Size: Large
- Search for Labrador Retrievers (and their mixes) for adoption on furpetvo.com
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Boykin Spaniel
This energetic, lovable sporting dog has a gorgeous wavy coat and boundless enthusiasm. Bred to hunt waterfowl and upland game, Boykin Spaniels—and their crossbreeds—are excellent swimmers and retrievers. As South Carolina’s official state dog, they’re known for their friendly nature and deep family bonds.
- Weight: 25–40 pounds
- Height: 14–18 inches
- Size: Medium
- Search for Boykin Spaniels (and their mixes) for adoption on furpetvo.com
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Newfoundland
Massive yet gentle, Newfoundlands are famously patient, especially with children. Their thick, water-resistant double coat and webbed feet make them powerful, confident swimmers—traits honed over centuries as working partners to fishermen. Affectionately nicknamed “Newfies,” they truly come alive in the water.
- Weight: 86–163 pounds
- Height: 26–28 inches
- Size: Extra large
- Search for Newfoundlands (and their mixes) for adoption on furpetvo.com
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Small Münsterländer
This versatile, fun-loving hunting dog comes in black, white, or liver-and-white patterns. Athletic and affectionate, Small Münsterländers enjoy swimming thanks to their webbed feet—a trait shared by many water-oriented gundogs—and their instinct to retrieve waterfowl.
- Weight: 40–60 pounds
- Height: 20.5–21 inches
- Size: Medium
- Search for Munsterlanders (and their mixes) for adoption on furpetvo.com
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Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Playful, energetic, and clever, “Tollers” were bred to lure ducks within range by frolicking along shorelines. Their water-repellent double coat and webbed feet equip them perfectly for swimming—and they approach every dip with joyful enthusiasm.
- Weight: 37–50 pounds
- Height: 17–21 inches
- Size: Medium
- Search for Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers (and their mixes) for adoption on furpetvo.com
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Poodle
Standard Poodles are elegant, intelligent, and endlessly adaptable—equally at home in the show ring, on agility courses, or in the water. Originally bred as water retrievers, they have tightly curled, non-shedding coats, webbed feet, and a genuine love of swimming.
- Weight: 47–75 pounds
- Height: 14–24 inches
- Size: Large
- Search for Poodles (and their mixes) for adoption on furpetvo.com
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Irish Setter
Striking in rich red, Irish Setters are outgoing, playful, and highly driven by instinct. Bred to hunt waterfowl, they thrive when given purpose—including retrieving from water—and most enthusiastically embrace swimming as part of their daily exercise.
- Weight: 48–88 pounds
- Height: 25–26 inches
- Size: Medium to large
- Browse for Irish Setters (and their mixes) for adoption on furpetvo.com
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Curly-Coated Retriever
A skilled gundog with tight black or brown curls, the Curly-Coated Retriever boasts a water- and thorn-proof coat built for endurance. Energetic and eager to work, these dogs rarely hesitate before diving into a lake or river.
- Weight: 60–95 pounds
- Height: 23–27 inches
- Size: Large to extra large
- Search for Curly-Coated Retrievers (and their mixes) for adoption on furpetvo.com
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English Setter
With graceful “feathered” coats and strong hunting instincts, English Setters love chasing, splashing, and swimming. Gentle and kind with children, they’re ideal companions for families who enjoy outdoor water adventures.
- Weight: 49–77 pounds
- Height: 23–27 inches
- Size: Large
- Search for English Setters (and their mixes) for adoption on furpetvo.com
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Flat-Coated Retriever
Smart, quick, and bred to retrieve game on land *and* sea, Flat-Coated Retrievers have water-resistant fur, webbed feet, and an unmistakable passion for water. Spirited and deeply affectionate, they’ll happily swim for hours—then snuggle up once dried off.
- Weight: 60–70 pounds
- Height: 22–25 inches
- Size: Large
- Browse for Flat-Coated Retrievers (and their mixes) for adoption on furpetvo.com
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Irish Water Spaniel
Distinctive in glossy, liver-colored curls, Irish Water Spaniels were bred for waterfowl hunting. Their water-resistant coat, webbed feet, and cheerful, goofy personalities make them enthusiastic, reliable swimmers—and low-shedding companions.
- Weight: 55–65 pounds
- Height: 21–24 inches
- Size: Medium to large
- Search for Irish Water Spaniels (and their mixes) for adoption on furpetvo.com
Whether you’re drawn to a classic water-loving purebred or open to welcoming a shelter-mix with untapped aquatic potential, the joy of shared water time is unmatched. With patience, safety awareness, and encouragement, many dogs—even those without “water dog” lineage—can discover the fun and fitness benefits of swimming. Start small, keep it positive, and let FurPetVo help you find your next loyal, splash-happy companion.
