Dog Breeds That Love Water: Water Safety Tips for This Summer - Bully Sticks Direct

Dog breeds that love the water

Some dog breeds are naturally more inclined to swim than others. These breeds often have physical characteristics and genetics that make them well-suited for swimming, such as a large body mass or an affinity for hunting and retrieving.

However, not all dogs are natural swimmers, so it's important to choose a breed that matches your lifestyle if you want a water-loving companion. Many breeds truly love water and have a natural affinity for swimming, water sports, and beach outings. Some of these breeds are also perfect for an active family, enjoying outdoor adventures and plenty of exercise. Here, we’ve rounded up the best dogs for swimming and water activities—ideal companions for water-loving owners:

Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, and for good reason. They are intelligent, friendly, and very good swimmers. Labrador Retrievers have an almost water-repellent short-hair coat and a well-known “otter tail,” which makes for fast and effortless swimming. Historically, Labradors were bred to retrieve fish and assist fishermen by hauling nets and working in cold waters.

Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are another popular breed that loves to swim. They are similar to Labrador Retrievers in many ways, including their intelligence, friendliness, and swimming ability. Golden Retrievers were originally bred to retrieve waterfowl, making them strong swimmers in especially cold temps. They are skilled at retrieving ducks and have a long history in hunting waterfowl. This breed is famously known for being a great family dog breed, as well, and will be sure to keep an eye on the little ones while they’re in the water.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are a large breed of dog that is known for their swimming ability. They have a thick double coat that helps to keep them warm in cold water, and their webbed feet help them to paddle through the water. Their wind-resistant outer coat and water-repellent double coat allow them to work in icy waters and chilly water, making them exceptionally durable for waterfowl retrieval in harsh conditions.

Portuguese Water Dog

Portuguese Water Dogs are a medium-sized breed known for their intelligence, loyalty, and swimming ability. They have a thick, water-resistant coat that helps to keep them warm in cold water, and their webbed feet help them to paddle through the water. Portuguese Water Dogs were originally bred to work alongside fishermen in Portugal, where they would herd fish into nets, retrieve lost equipment, and even perform water rescues.

American Water Spaniel

American Water Spaniels are a versatile breed with a strong affinity for water. Their curly coat repels water, making them well-suited for swimming and retrieving in lakes and rivers.

Newfoundland

Newfoundlands are a large breed of dog known for their gentle nature, love of children, and swimming ability. They have a thick, double coat that helps to keep them warm in cold water, and their webbed feet help them to paddle through the water. What’s more, Newfoundlands have a large lung capacity and natural life-saving instincts, making them excellent swimmers and renowned for their role in water rescues.

Standard Poodle

The name Poodle comes from the German word "Pudelin," meaning "to splash," reflecting their origins as water dogs. Historically, Poodles were used as waterfowl retrievers and water retrievers, and their unique poodle clip was designed to enhance swimming efficiency while keeping vital areas warm. Poodles are among the best dogs for swimming and are still considered waterfowl retrievers in Europe.

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

This breed is similar to other retrievers in its love for water and retrieving skills, but is unique in its ability to lure ducks by playing along the shoreline before retrieving them.

Irish Setter

Irish Setters are energetic and affectionate, enjoying swimming and outdoor activities, including playing in a backyard pool. They are a great fit for an active family that loves spending time outdoors.

English Setter

English Setters are skilled bird dogs, historically bred for pointing and retrieving game during hunting, and they also enjoy water-based activities.

Boykin Spaniel

Boykin Spaniels are known for their history in retrieving wild turkey and waterfowl in the swampy terrains of the American South.

Spanish Water Dog

The Spanish Water Dog is a versatile, water-loving breed with a history in herding and waterfowl retrieval. Athletic and intelligent, this breed excels at swimming, water sports, and herding tasks, making it a great choice for active owners who love water activities.

Water dog breeds as a group were traditionally bred for water-related work, such as retrieving game from water, assisting fishermen, and performing water rescues. These breeds are characterized by their waterproof or water-repellent coats, webbed feet, and strong swimming abilities, making them ideal companions for aquatic adventures.

The list goes on and on when it comes to dogs that are natural-born swimmers. Most dog breeds thrive in physical and outdoor activities. Many of these breeds still enjoy a good swim today. Finding the best breed for you is about your lifestyle, needs, preferences, and desires. Before instinctively adopting, consider these important factors and make an educated decision. Before heading outside, be sure to pack a baggie of all-natural and preservative-free dog treats like those from Bully Sticks Direct!

Benefits of Swimming for Dogs

Swimming is a great way to keep your dog healthy and happy. It is a low-impact activity that is easy on the joints, making it a good option for dogs with arthritis or other joint problems. Swimming can also help to improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles, and reduce stress. As the weather heats up this summer, swimming is a great activity to get you and your dog outside!

Here are a few of the many benefits of swimming for dogs:

Improved cardiovascular health: Swimming is a great way to get your dog's heart rate up and improve their cardiovascular health. Just like in humans, swimming helps strengthen the heart and lungs and can reduce the risk of heart disease and other health problems.

Strengthened muscles: Swimming is a great way to strengthen your dog's muscles. The resistance of the water helps to build muscle mass and improve overall strength. This can be especially beneficial for older dogs or dogs with joint problems, as it allows them to exercise without putting too much stress on their joints.

Reducing stress in your dog: Swimming can help to reduce stress in dogs. The calming effects of the water can help to relax your dog and relieve anxiety. This can be especially beneficial for dogs who are stressed or anxious about travel, thunderstorms, or other stressful situations.

Weight loss and weight management for your dog: Swimming is a great way for dogs to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. Swimming burns calories and can help to improve your dog's metabolism. This can be especially beneficial for overweight or obese dogs.

Improved body condition and physical performance: Swimming can help to improve your dog's overall body condition and physical performance. Swimming can help to improve muscle tone, flexibility, and range of motion. This can make your dog more agile and athletic.

If you are lucky enough to live near a body of water, take advantage of this great form of exercise and fun with your dog!

If you anticipate taking your dog into the water, there are a few standard safety tips to keep in mind. Even great swimmers can be at risk of external forces such as deep water, waves and rapids, other animals, and harsh weather. Before jumping in, it's best to take note of your surroundings and make an educated decision that the coast is clear.

1. Check your surroundings for hazards. Logs or fallen trees in the water, high tide, high winds, freezing water temps, nearby fishermen, and nearby boats.

2. Know your dog's swimming skill level. It is not safe to assume that your dog is a strong swimmer. Ease them into the water before letting them roam free. It never hurts to put a life jacket on your dog just to be safe. If they appear timid near the water, bringing along a pack of all-natural dog treats may help to address their anxiety.

3. Know your dog breed. Not all breeds are born swimmers, as we discussed above. Smaller dogs with smaller legs will become exhausted more easily. Dogs with flatter faces and smaller snouts may have trouble breathing underwater. Some breeds, like a Basset Hound or Corgi, may sink immediately. Know your dog's breed and its capabilities before entering any body of water, no matter the depth.

4. Never leave your dog unattended. No matter their skill level, it is never wise to leave your dog unattended near water.

Beach Etiquette for Dog Owners

Planning to hit the beach this summer? With the above tips in your back pocket, it's also important to consider common beach etiquette to ensure your dog is welcome and you are not causing any problems for other beachgoers. Whether a public beach, private beach, or small group by the water, it is best practice to be respectful of the adults, children, and pets accompanying you.

• Keep your dog leashed unless you receive consent from nearby beachgoers.

• Clean up your dog's waste.

• Avoid tossing your dog's toys, balls, and frisbees in the direction of other beachgoers.

• Restrain your dog from approaching other beachgoers without consent.

• Attempt to keep your dog from barking and alarming other beachgoers.

The beach is an exciting environment! It is smart to bring along a bag of dog treats to ensure your dog is cooperative, engaged, and energized. Bully Sticks Direct offers a large selection of treats in various sizes, flavors, and protein levels.

A few of our awesome items include:

Braided Bully Sticks, 5 to 12 inches

Beef Collagen Sticks, Braided and Normal

Turkey Tendon Strips and Sticks

“They (Turkey Tendon Strips) are lightweight and simple. I carry a couple of them in my pocket wherever we go with our GSD. Some treats are too small, and she's always looking for more, and others are just the opposite. Gobbles are the perfect size and taste, and are great for distracting her when necessary.”

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Fun in the Sun with Your Dog

The summer provides pet owners with a wonderful excuse to get outside. Whether you're hiking, running, or swimming with your dog, make sure you know your dog's breed and their strengths and weaknesses. By following these water safety tips and tips for taking your dog to the public beach, your pup can have its fun in the sun!

For the healthiest dog treats on the market, browse Bully Stick's Direct's large catalog of single-ingredient, 100% protein, and preservative-free treats. You can browse by protein and by size (3 to 12 inches) to ensure the healthiest and safest treats for your dog! Bully Sticks Direct is a family-owned company here in the USA. Support a small business today! 

Dog-Friendly Destinations

Planning a getaway with your four-legged companion? Choosing the right dog-friendly destination can make all the difference in creating a memorable adventure for both you and your pup. If you share your home with a Portuguese Water Dog, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, or Labrador Retriever, you already know these dog breeds have a natural love for water and will happily spend hours swimming, splashing, and playing fetch by the shore.

Many dog-friendly destinations across the country cater to water-loving breeds and energetic dogs. For example, the sandy beaches and shallow water along the South Carolina coast are perfect for breeds like the American Water Spaniel and Boykin Spaniel, which thrive in gentle surf and love retrieving game. Lakeside parks and nature reserves also offer plenty of opportunities for swimming, playing fetch, and even retrieving waterfowl—activities that breeds such as the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever and Irish Water Spaniel were originally bred for. These athletic dogs, with their webbed feet and water-resistant coats, are well-suited for a day of swimming and adventure.

When planning your trip, it’s important to consider your dog’s physical traits and breed characteristics. Athletic dogs like the Curly-Coated Retriever and Flat-Coated Retriever are powerful swimmers, thanks to their strong builds and water-repellent coats. On the other hand, dogs with short legs or flat faces—such as some German Shepherds or brachycephalic breeds—may need extra supervision and should stick to shallow water or calmer environments. Always keep your dog’s comfort and safety in mind, especially if you’re exploring new lakes or chilly waters.

The American Kennel Club highlights several popular breeds well-suited for water activities, including the Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Standard Poodle. These breeds are known for their high energy, love of swimming, and physical traits like webbed paws and a waterproof coat, making them excellent companions for any water-based adventure.

Don’t forget to look for destinations that offer dog-friendly amenities, such as off-leash parks, hiking trails, and pet-friendly accommodations. High-energy breeds like the French Water Dog and Irish Setter will appreciate plenty of space to run, swim, and explore. With a little research and planning, you can find the perfect spot—whether it’s a lake, beach, or riverside park—where your dog can enjoy swimming, playing fetch, and making the most of the great outdoors.

No matter where your travels take you, remember to pack plenty of healthy, protein-rich treats from Bully Sticks Direct to keep your pup fueled and happy on your adventures. With the right destination and a little preparation, you and your dog can enjoy a summer full of fun, exercise, and unforgettable memories by the water.