Water dogs are breeds that have been historically bred to work in or around water. They have been trained to retrieve game from the water, deliver messages between boats, and retrieve things that fell overboard from ships.
Nowadays, many of these dogs have retained their love of water and enjoy having jobs where they retrieve objects. Water dogs have waterproof coats, webbed feet, and a love of swimming. They are often thought to be predecessors to modern retrievers, who always have a love of water.
You are reading: 17 Types Of Water Dogs
In this article, we will explore some of the types of water dogs that exist, including breeds such as the American Water Spaniel, Barbet, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, and Portuguese Water Dog. We will also discuss why dogs love water and how to introduce your dog to water work.
17 Types Of Water Dogs
American Water Spaniel
The American Water Spaniel is a breed of spaniel that originated in the United States, specifically in the state of Wisconsin during the 19th century. The breed was developed from a number of other breeds, including the Irish and English Water Spaniels, Curly Coated Retriever, native Indian Dogs, the Poodle, and either the Sussex Spaniel or another type of field spaniel.
The American Water Spaniel is a medium-sized, muscular dog that stands from about 15 to 18 inches tall and weighs from 25 to 45 pounds. They have a dense, water-repellent coat, webbed toes, and a strong water retrieval skill.
The breed is known for being smart, obedient, affectionate, and getting along with other animals and children. They are used primarily for hunting quail, pheasant, duck, grouse, and rabbit.
The American Water Spaniel is an excellent family pet, but they are prone to wander due to their hunting instincts, so they should be contained in a fenced yard or taken out on a leash.
Barbet
The Barbet is a medium-sized French water dog that is believed to be one of the oldest water dog breeds in Europe, with roots tracing back to the medieval period.
The breed was primarily bred as a water dog, excelling in various water-related tasks such as retrieving waterfowl for hunters. Its name “Barbet” is derived from the French word “barbe,” which means “beard,” likely referring to the breed’s distinctive facial hair.
The Barbet is a prototypic water dog, with a long, woolly, and curly coat. They are listed in Group 8 (retrievers, flushing dogs, water dogs) by the Société Centrale Canine.
The breed stands 58–65 cm (23–26 in) for the males, 53–61 cm (21–24 in) for females with a tolerance of 1 cm +/- 1 cm (0.39 in), and weighs 17–28 kg (37–62 lb). Barbets are best known for being a waterfowl retriever in the marshes, wetlands, and estuaries of France.
Today, the Barbet is recognized as a distinct breed by major kennel clubs, including the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and The Kennel Club (UK). They are still relatively rare but have gained a following among dog enthusiasts who appreciate their friendly nature, intelligence, and versatility as a water dog and companion.
Boykin Spaniel
The Boykin Spaniel is a medium-sized breed of dog that was originally bred for hunting wild turkeys and ducks in the Wateree River Swamp of South Carolina, in the United States. It is the state dog of South Carolina and is known for its versatility as a hunter, working as a retriever and upland hunter, flushing birds into flight.
The breed is only slightly larger than the English Cocker Spaniel but much heavier through the body width. Males stand from 15.5–17 in (39–43 cm) tall and weigh 30–40 lb (14–18 kg), while females are smaller, standing 14–16.5 in (36–42 cm) tall and weighing 25–35 lb (11–16 kg).
The Boykin Spaniel is a friendly, social dog that is considered a good family pet. They are easily trained and eager to work, and are good with, and extremely stable around children and other dogs.
The breed is affectionate and fiercely loyal, making them a great choice for active families with children.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a large breed of dog that belongs to the retriever, gundog, and sporting breed groups. The breed was developed in the United States Chesapeake Bay area during the 19th century.
Here are some characteristics and information about the Chesapeake Bay Retriever:
Characteristics:
– Loyal and upbeat
– Cheerful and courageous disposition
– Intelligent and strong work ethic
– Vigilant nature
– Large breed, weighing between 55-80 pounds and standing 21-26 inches tall at the shoulder
– Distinctive coat that is wavy and oily, providing protection from cold water
Uses:
– Originally bred to retrieve waterfowl for hunters
– Versatile breed that competes in field trials, hunt tests, conformation, obedience, agility, and tracking
– Remains true to its roots as a hunting dog of great stamina and ability
Temperament:
– Historically considered stubborn and difficult to train, but intelligent and learns at a high speed
– Many trainers thought this breed required more physical discipline than other retriever breeds
– Loyal, upbeat, and affectionate with their family
– Good with children and other dogs
– Needs early socialization and training to prevent aggression towards strangers
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is the official state dog of Maryland, earning the designation in 1964. They are a great choice for active families who enjoy outdoor activities and have experience with training dogs.
Curly-Coated Retriever
The Curly-Coated Retriever is a breed of dog that was originally bred in England for upland bird and waterfowl hunting. Here are some characteristics and information about the Curly-Coated Retriever:
Characteristics:
– Large-sized, sturdy, and elegant member of the Sporting Group
– Tallest of the retrievers and is easily distinguishable by the mass of tight curls covering its body
– Distinctive curly coat that is wavy and oily, providing protection from cold water
– Even-tempered, intelligent, affectionate, and highly energetic
Uses:
– Originally bred for hunting wildfowl and upland game birds
– Versatile breed that excels in various activities such as hunting, retrieving, and swimming
– Competes in field trials, hunt tests, conformation, obedience, agility, and tracking
Temperament:
– Calm and steady disposition, not as overly-energetic as some other retrievers
– Highly intelligent and eager to learn
– Good with children and other dogs
– Needs plenty of activity and mental stimulation to be its best
The Curly-Coated Retriever is one of the oldest retriever breeds, likely being the first breed used for serious retrieving work in England. They are a rare breed when compared to other common types of retrievers like the Labrador or Golden Retriever.
The breed is known for being even-tempered, intelligent, affectionate, and highly energetic. They are a great choice for active families who enjoy outdoor activities and have experience with training dogs.
English Setter
The English Setter is a medium-sized breed of dog that belongs to the setter group, which includes the red Irish Setters, Irish Red and White Setters, and black-and-tan Gordon Setters. Here are some characteristics and information about the English Setter:
Characteristics:
– Medium-sized dog with an elegant overall appearance
– Size can range from 24 inches (61 cm) for females up to 27 inches (69 cm) for males
– Distinctive coat that is mainly white with long silky hair
– Field or hunting type can be finer in build and construction than those from bench or show lines
Uses:
– Originally bred to hunt game such as quail, pheasant, and grouse
– Versatile breed that excels in various activities such as hunting, retrieving, and swimming
– Competes in field trials, hunt tests, conformation, obedience, agility, and tracking
Temperament:
– Gentleman by nature, but can also be strong-willed and mischievous, especially if coming from working/field breeding lines
– Energetic, people-oriented dogs that are well suited to families who can give them attention and activity, or to working with a hunter, where they have a job to do
– Active dogs that need plenty of exercise and up to two hours a day of exercise is recommended
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The English Setter is a gentle, friendly, placid dog that is especially good with children. They are mild-mannered and sensitive and love to both give and receive affection. They are known to enjoy roaming, digging, and jumping, and are very active as puppies but are known to mellow out considerably when they fully mature.
The breed is an intensely friendly dog and does not do well banished to the backyard or to a doghouse. They need to be with people and included in their daily lives. The English Setter is an elegant and well-proportioned breed that offers companionship, beauty, and versatility.
Flat-Coated Retriever
The Flat-Coated Retriever is a breed of gun dog that originated in England and was developed as a retriever both on land and in the water. Here are some characteristics and information about the Flat-Coated Retriever:
Characteristics:
– Active, multitalented bird dog with a strong desire to please people
– Exuberant, confident, and outgoing, making them a loving family pet and companion to small children
– Usually very good with other dogs and even cats
– Large breed, weighing between 55-80 pounds and standing 21-26 inches tall at the shoulder
– Distinctive curly coat that is wavy and oily, providing protection from cold water
Uses:
– Originally bred for hunting wildfowl and upland game birds
– Versatile breed that excels in various activities such as hunting, retrieving, and swimming
– Competes in field trials, hunt tests, conformation, obedience, agility, and tracking
Temperament:
– Sweet, exuberant, lively dog that loves to play and retrieve
– On the go outdoors, but quiet indoors
– Among the most devoted and companionable of dogs, a true family dog
– Sensitive breed and very responsive to training
The Flat-Coated Retriever is a medium-size sporting dog breed from England with a medium-length flat coat from which it derives its name. They are a distinctive breed, originally developed as a dual-purpose retriever of game on land and from water.
The breed is known for being exuberant, confident, and outgoing, making them a loving family pet and companion to small children. They are usually very good with other dogs and even cats.
The Flat-Coated Retriever is a versatile breed that excels in various activities such as hunting, retrieving, and swimming. They are a great choice for active families who enjoy outdoor activities and have experience with training dogs.
Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel is a breed of dog that is the tallest of the spaniels. Here are some characteristics and information about the Irish Water Spaniel:
Characteristics:
– Sturdy, cobby dog native to Ireland
– The coat, consisting of dense curls, sheds very little
– The color is liver/puce and has a very definite purple hue unlike the color of any other known breed
– The non-shedding characteristic of the coat means that people usually allergic to dogs might have less of an allergic reaction to Irish Water Spaniels
Uses:
– Originally bred for hunting wildfowl and upland game birds
– Versatile breed that excels in various activities such as hunting, retrieving, and swimming
– Competes in field trials, hunt tests, conformation, obedience, agility, and tracking
Temperament:
– Highly intelligent, active, willing, and energetic
– The centuries of breeding that have contributed to their retrieving skills have also made them highly trainable
– Can be the perfect companion for an active family with the time to socialize, train, and exercise them
– They are devoted, loving members of the family and will entertain all with their clownish and mischievous attitude toward life
The Irish Water Spaniel is a versatile breed that excels in various activities such as hunting, retrieving, and swimming. They are highly intelligent, active, willing, and energetic.
The breed is known for being devoted, loving members of the family and will entertain all with their clownish and mischievous attitude toward life. They are a great choice for active families who enjoy outdoor activities and have experience with training dogs.
Lagotto Romagnolo
The Lagotto Romagnolo is an Italian breed of dog that originates in the marshlands of the Delta del Po in the eastern part of the Romagna sub-region of Italy. The breed is known for its curly coat, which is wooly in texture and sheds very little.
The Lagotto Romagnolo is a small to medium-sized dog, well proportioned, squarely built, and hardy muscled. The breed is highly intelligent, active, willing, and energetic. They are a versatile breed that excels in various activities such as hunting, retrieving, and swimming.
The Lagotto Romagnolo is a mid-sized breed developed in medieval Italy as a water retriever. They are lively, athletic, agile, fast, enthusiastic, smart, sensitive, quick learners, fond of water, mud, and digging, and love to run, jump, swim, and fetch.
The breed is a great choice for active families who enjoy outdoor activities and have experience with training dogs.
Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a large breed of dog that is known for its sweet and gentle disposition. They are affectionate, intelligent, hardworking, friendly, adaptable, and versatile.
The breed is considered a giant breed, with males standing 28 inches tall and weighing from 130 to 150 pounds, while females are slightly smaller.
One of the defining characteristics of Newfoundlands is their webbed feet, which combined with their powerful swimming strokes, make them excellent swimmers. They possess a natural instinct and ability to rescue people in water, making them a popular choice for lifeguarding and water rescue operations.
The Newfoundland is a versatile breed that excels in various activities such as hunting, retrieving, and swimming. They are a great choice for families who enjoy outdoor activities and have experience with training dogs.
Daily human contact is essential for any Newfoundland puppy, as they are outgoing, intelligent, and curious.
Otterhound
The Otterhound is a large breed of dog that was developed in England to hunt otters. The breed is known for its sweet, affectionate, fun-loving personality. Here are some characteristics and information about the Otterhound:
Characteristics:
– Large, rough-coated hound with an imposing head
– Combination of characteristics unique among hounds; most notably an oily, rough, double coat and substantial webbed feet
– Nose that can track in the mud and water for over 72 hours
– Built for work, with great strength and a strong body with long striding steps
Uses:
– Originally bred for hunting otters in England
– Versatile breed that excels in various activities such as hunting, retrieving, and swimming
– Competes in field trials, hunt tests, conformation, obedience, agility, and tracking
Temperament:
– Sweet, affectionate, fun-loving personality
– Independent and not demanding a lot of attention
– Amiable and easygoing
– Rugged dog that belongs in a rural area with plenty of space to roam
The Otterhound is a rare breed, with fewer than 1,000 Otterhounds worldwide. They are a great choice for active families who enjoy outdoor activities and have experience with training dogs.
The breed is known for being sweet, affectionate, and fun-loving, with an independent personality that is not demanding a lot of attention. They are rugged dogs that belong in a rural area with plenty of space to roam.
Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized breed of dog that originated from the Algarve region of Portugal. Here are some characteristics and information about the Portuguese Water Dog:
Characteristics:
– Medium-sized working breed from Portugal with floppy ears, facial hair, and wavy or curly hypoallergenic fur
– Built of strong substantial bone; well developed, neither refined nor coarse, and a solidly built, muscular body
– Off-square, slightly longer than tall when measured from prosternum to rearmost point of the buttocks, and from withers to ground
– Loving, independent, and intelligent
Uses:
– Originally bred to herd fish into fishermen’s nets, retrieve lost tackle or broken nets, and act as a messenger between ships
– Versatile breed that excels in various activities such as hunting, retrieving, and swimming
– Competes in field trials, hunt tests, conformation, obedience, agility, and tracking
Temperament:
– Super-smart and very ‘biddable’, meaning they are easy to train and eager to please
– Highly intelligent and love learning new things, but can become bored easily, so make training challenging and fun
– Loving, independent, and intelligent
– Spirited and athletic
The Portuguese Water Dog is a versatile breed that excels in various activities such as hunting, retrieving, and swimming. They are highly intelligent, loving, independent, and athletic.
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The breed is known for being super-smart and very ‘biddable’, meaning they are easy to train and eager to please. They are a great choice for active families who enjoy outdoor activities and have experience with training dogs.
The Portuguese Water Dog is a hypoallergenic breed, which means that people usually allergic to dogs might have less of an allergic reaction to them.
Spanish Water Dog
The Spanish Water Dog is a breed of dog that originated from the Algarve region of Portugal. The breed is used in Spain as a general-purpose sheepdog and guard, and is also used sometimes as a gundog, and is skilled at retrieval from water.
Here are some characteristics and information about the Spanish Water Dog:
Characteristics:
– Medium-sized working breed from Portugal with floppy ears, facial hair, and wavy or curly hypoallergenic fur
– Built of strong substantial bone; well developed, neither refined nor coarse, and a solidly built, muscular body
– Off-square, slightly longer than tall when measured from prosternum to rearmost point of the buttocks, and from withers to ground
– Loving, independent, and intelligent
Uses:
– Originally bred to herd fish into fishermen’s nets, retrieve lost tackle or broken nets, and act as a messenger between ships
– Versatile breed that excels in various activities such as hunting, retrieving, and swimming
– Competes in field trials, hunt tests, conformation, obedience, agility, and tracking
Temperament:
– Sweet, affectionate, fun-loving personality
– Independent and not demanding a lot of attention
– Amiable and easygoing
– Spirited and athletic
The Spanish Water Dog is a versatile breed that excels in various activities such as hunting, retrieving, and swimming. They are highly intelligent, loving, independent, and athletic.
The breed is known for being sweet, affectionate, and fun-loving, with an independent personality that is not demanding a lot of attention. They are a great choice for active families who enjoy outdoor activities and have experience with training dogs.
Standard Poodle
The Standard Poodle is a breed of dog that is known for its intelligence, trainability, and athleticism. Here are some key characteristics and information about the Standard Poodle:
Characteristics:
– Medium to large-sized breed, measuring 18-24 inches at the shoulder and weighing 40-70 pounds
– Comes in a variety of colors, including black, white, red, silver, brown, and parti-color
– Proud, graceful, noble, good-natured, enjoyable, and cheerful
– Highly intelligent, trainable, and energetic
Uses:
– Originally bred as a water retriever
– Versatile breed that excels in various activities such as hunting, retrieving, and swimming
– Competes in field trials, hunt tests, conformation, obedience, agility, and tracking
Temperament:
– Friendly, outgoing, and eager to please
– Needs regular exercise and mental stimulation to be happy
– Highly trainable and excels in advanced obedience and agility competitions
– Requires regular grooming to maintain their distinctive curly coat
The Standard Poodle is a highly intelligent and trainable breed that excels in various activities such as hunting, retrieving, and swimming. They are friendly, outgoing, and eager to please, making them a great choice for families who enjoy outdoor activities and have experience with training dogs.
The breed requires regular exercise and mental stimulation to be happy, and they excel in advanced obedience and agility competitions. They also require regular grooming to maintain their distinctive curly coat.
Wetterhoun
The Wetterhoun is a medium-sized dog breed that originated in the Netherlands. Here are some characteristics and information about the Wetterhoun:
Characteristics:
– Medium-sized dog, measuring at 55-59 centimeters (21.6-23 inches) at the withers and weighing between 25 and 35 kilos (55 and 77 pounds) at maturity
– Coat is thick and curly except for the head, ears, and legs, where it is smoother in texture; the water-repellent coat is described as feeling oily to the touch
– Coat color may be solid black or brown, black and white, or brown and white, with or without ticking or roaning
– Reserved towards strangers, but friendly and reliable towards its own people
Uses:
– Excellent gun dog, effectively retrieving across both land and water
– Strong will and natural guarding abilities make early training imperative
– Competes in field trials, hunt tests, conformation, obedience, agility, and tracking
Temperament:
– Intelligent and somewhat independent, often with a mind of its own
– Brave, reliable, and very watchful
– Demonstrates tenacity and a desire to complete tasks, no matter the challenge
The Wetterhoun is an intelligent and independent breed that is known for its strong will and natural guarding abilities. They are an excellent gun dog, effectively retrieving across both land and water.
The breed is reserved towards strangers, but friendly and reliable towards its own people. The Wetterhoun is intelligent and somewhat independent, often with a mind of its own, but they are brave, reliable, and very watchful.
They demonstrate tenacity and a desire to complete tasks, no matter the challenge. Early training is imperative due to their strong will and natural guarding abilities.
Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is a medium to large-sized breed of dog that is known for its intelligence, trainability, and athleticism. Here are some key characteristics and information about the Golden Retriever:
Characteristics:
– Medium to large-sized breed, measuring 18-24 inches at the shoulder and weighing 40-70 pounds
– Comes in a variety of colors, including black, white, red, silver, brown, and parti-color
– Proud, graceful, noble, good-natured, enjoyable, and cheerful
– Highly intelligent, trainable, and energetic
– Dense, water-repellent double coat that is usually golden in color
Uses:
– Originally bred as a water retriever
– Versatile breed that excels in various activities such as hunting, retrieving, and swimming
– Competes in field trials, hunt tests, conformation, obedience, agility, and tracking
Temperament:
– Friendly, intelligent, and devoted
– Known for their gentle and patient nature, making them excellent family pets
– Highly capable working dogs, including as therapy and service dogs
– Outgoing and eager to please
The Golden Retriever is a highly intelligent and trainable breed that excels in various activities such as hunting, retrieving, and swimming. They are friendly, outgoing, and eager to please, making them a great choice for families who enjoy outdoor activities and have experience with training dogs.
The breed is known for being gentle and patient, making them excellent family pets and service dogs. They are highly capable working dogs, including as therapy and service dogs. The Golden Retriever has a dense, water-repellent double coat that is usually golden in color.
Schipperke
The Schipperke is a small breed of dog that is believed to have originated in the 1600s in Belgium. Here are some characteristics and information about the Schipperke:
Characteristics:
– Small, sturdy dog in the Spitz family, usually black in color
– Pointed ears are erect atop the head
– Double coated with a soft, fluffy undercoat that is covered by a somewhat harsher-feeling and longer outer coat
– One of the breed’s characteristics is a long ruff that surrounds the neck and then a strip trails down towards the rear of the dog
– They also have longer fur on their hind legs, called culottes
Uses:
– Created as ratters and watchdogs
– Curious, lively, and intense but mischievous, this little black dog is a robust, long-lived companion for whom there is never a dull moment
– Competes in conformation, obedience, agility, and tracking
Temperament:
– Very intelligent, easy to train, and very loyal
– High-spirited, alert, and self-confident
– Very devoted and loyal, especially with children
– Can be mischievous and stubborn
The Schipperke is a small, sturdy dog in the Spitz family that is usually black in color. They are very intelligent, easy to train, and very loyal. The breed is high-spirited, alert, and self-confident. They are very devoted and loyal, especially with children. However, they can be mischievous and stubborn.
The Schipperke was created as ratters and watchdogs and is a curious, lively, and intense but mischievous, robust, long-lived companion for whom there is never a dull moment. The breed competes in conformation, obedience, agility, and tracking.
FAQS
1. What are water dogs?
Water dogs are dog breeds that have historically been bred to bring back water-bound game, such as ducks and geese. Nowadays, the term can also refer to any dog breeds that are known to love water.
2. Why do dogs like the water?
Dogs like the water for various reasons, including cooling off on hot days, exercising, and playing. Some breeds have a natural affinity for water due to their history of being bred for water-related tasks.
3. What are some dog breeds that love water?
Some dog breeds that love water include the American Water Spaniel, Barbet, Boykin Spaniel, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Curly-coated Retriever, English Setter, Flat-coated Retriever, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, Labrador Retriever, Lagotto Romagnolo, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Otterhound, Portuguese Water Dog, Schipperke, and Spanish Water Dog.
4. What are some dog breeds that don’t like water?
While most dogs enjoy water to some extent, some breeds are not known for their love of water. These breeds include the Bulldog, Basset Hound, Greyhound, and Dachshund.
5. How can I introduce my dog to the water?
When introducing your dog to the water, it’s important to start slowly and make sure your dog feels comfortable. Use positive reinforcement and treats to encourage your dog to enter the water, and never force your dog to swim if they are not ready.
6. What are some water safety tips for dogs?
When spending time in or around water with your dog, it’s important to always supervise them and make sure they are wearing a life jacket if necessary. Avoid areas with strong currents or dangerous wildlife, and make sure your dog has access to fresh water and shade to prevent dehydration.
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Category: DOGS
