12 Most Popular Water Dog Breeds

When you do a quick internet search of water dog breeds, you may find the same breeds crop including the Poodle, the Portuguese Water Dog, and even the Lagotto Romagnolo. But did you know that there are a vast number of breeds that are regarded as water dogs?

Below you can find out more about what traits make up a water dog and what breeds fall under this category. We’ve also included some useful information about each breed should one catch your eye.

What is a Water Breed?

In this day and age, water breeds are dogs that like water and are talented and strong swimmers. However, throughout history, these dog breeds were specifically bred in order to flush out game, herd fish, retrieve ducks, retrieve broken nets, and so much more.

Generally, like most other dog breeds bred for working purposes, water dogs are extremely smart as well as incredibly active. As such, they are not made for the laid-back lifestyle and will crave the hustle and bustle of an active family to fulfill their mental and physical needs.

The 12 Best Water Dogs

Without further delay, below you can find our list of the top 15 water dog breeds. As you delve in, you will find that we have organized them into useful categories according to their size for easy reading.

Small Water Dogs

Despite what some may believe, not all dogs are built for swimming. Most small dogs must be supervised and only allowed to paddle in small bodies of water. Short-nosed and legged dogs such as the pug and bulldog will tire easily and put themselves in danger if they attempt to swim.

Medium Water Dogs

1. American Water Spaniel

Breed Overview

• Height: 15-18 inches
• Weight: 30-45 pounds (M). 25-40 pounds (F)
• Personality: Endearing and enthusiastic
• Activity Level: Moderate
• Life Expectancy: 10-14 years

Native to the lake country of the upper Midwest and part of the Spaniel family, the American Brown Water Spaniel was originally bred to swim and hunt waterfowl. However, due to the breed’s versatility, they can do much more than hunt in bodies of water. Since they are incredibly intelligent dogs with a flare for athleticism, they can compete in various dog sports.

Typically, the American Water Spaniel is muscular and strong with brown-toned coats. This rare breed is known to be enthusiastic in personality but also stubborn, meaning that training may sometimes be a rocky road – but one worth traveling, that’s for sure.

2. Boykin Spaniel

Breed Overview

• Height: 15-18 inches (M). 14-17 inches (F)
• Weight: 30-40 pounds (M). 25-35 pounds (F)
• Personality: Amiable and sweet-natured
• Activity Level: Moderate-High
• Life Expectancy: 10-15 years

According to the American Kennel Club breed standard, the Boykin has a significant and luscious solid brown coat and webbed feet to make swimming easier. Like the American Water Spaniel, the Boykin Spaniel is also a highly intelligent breed, developed specifically for flushing and retrieving. However, the Boykin is a little more trainable than the former due to their eager nature that lacks any hint of stubbornness.

3. French Water Dog (Barbet)

Breed Overview

• Height: 19-25 inches
• Weight: 35-65 pounds
• Personality: Lovable and perceptive
• Activity Level: Moderate
• Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

This water dog breed is known for its unusually dense, curly coat and bushy beard. The popular French Water dog has a rectangular, sturdy build with sweeping hair down its legs and tails. However, as they have unique coats, you may find yourself grooming them more frequently.

The Barbet is a strong, clever dog and is also known to be very gentle and calm, given the appropriate training. Although these dogs were utilized as working dogs, they are now commonly found in homes across the US as they have proven to be incredibly family pets.

4. Lagotto Romagnolo

Breed Overview

• Height: 17-19 inches (M). 16-18 inches (F)
• Weight: 28-35 pounds (M). 24-31 pounds (F)
• Personality: Eager and laid back
• Activity Level: Moderate-High
• Life Expectancy: 15-17 years

The Lagotto Romagnolo is another breed with a water-resistant coat primarily made of rough, tight-curled fur. Adorably, this ancient breed is also known as a ‘truffle dog’, which suits their teddy bear-like appearance.

If trained and socialized early, these dogs can make great family pets. Generally, they are quick to train and come complete with a gentle and caring nature. However, since their heritage involved them retrieving games, you may find their instincts are still intact and that you will have to watch them carefully when out and about.

5. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Breed Overview

• Height: 18-21 inches (M). 17-20 inches (F)
• Weight: 35-50 pounds
• Personality: Intelligent and loving
• Activity Level: High
• Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is an incredibly intelligent breed known to be very affectionate and playful. With a strong willingness to please, they can be very easy to train and somewhat stubborn, so the appropriate training methods must be implemented.

Thanks to their working background and genetics, this breed can withstand cold water and is considered a natural swimmer. Overall, this water retrieving breed is a joy to have in your home, but you must always invest in the best training to reduce the chances of bad behaviors seeping in.

6. Portuguese Water Dog

Breed Overview

• Height: 20-23 inches (M). 17-21 inches (F)
• Weight: 42-60 pounds (M). 35-50 pounds (F)
• Personality: Friendly and outgoing
• Activity Level: High
• Life Expectancy: 11-13 years

This particular water dog was once regarded as the “fisherman’ helper” as they would frequently and efficiently herd fish into nets. Like the many dogs featured here, the Portuguese Water dog was built to swim and can be trained easily due to its high intelligence.

7. Spanish Water Dog

Breed Overview

• Height: 17-20 inches (M). 15-18 inches (F)
• Weight: 40-49 pounds (M). 31-40 pounds (F)
• Personality: Strong work ethic and happy
• Activity Level: Moderate-High
• Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

The Spanish Water dog is coated head to toe in a curly-haired coat. Like most other dogs from a working background, the Spanish Water dog requires a lot of physical and mental stimulation to keep it happy and healthy. This breed can be a great working pal or at-home furry friend with great dedication and training.

Large/Big Water Dogs

8. Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Breed Overview

• Height: 23-26 inches (M). 21-24 inches (F)
• Weight: 65-80 pounds (M). 55-70 pounds (F)
• Personality: Loving and loyal
• Activity Level: Moderate-High
• Life Expectancy: 10-13 years

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers have all the endearing qualities of the retriever dogs we’re all familiar with. They are exceedingly clever, loyal, affectionate, and observant, making them well suited for working or active families. However, despite being very close to their family, they can be somewhat watchful of strangers.

9. Curly Coated Retriever

Breed Overview

• Height: 25-27 inches (M). 23-25 inches (F)
• Weight: 60-95 pounds
• Personality: Self-assured and smart
• Activity Level: Moderate-High
• Life Expectancy: 10-12 years

Part of the retriever family, the Curly Coated Retriever is a brave, clever, and hard-working dog breed. Not to mention it is one of the best dog swimmers. With time and dedication, Curly Coated Retrievers can make the perfect family pet or companion for those with active lifestyles.

10. English Setter

Breed Overview

• Height: 25-27 inches (M). 23-25 inches (F)
• Weight: 65-80 pounds (M). 45-55 pounds (F)
• Personality: Gentle and friendly
• Activity Level: Moderate-High
• Life Expectancy: 12 years

This breed is known for being one of the best English Water dogs and one of the best looking. They are charming in appearance and have a sweet temperament, making them an overall appealing dog for pet owners. They love to play, work, and get along well with children, other dogs, and animals.

11. Irish Water Spaniel

Breed Overview

• Height: 22-24 inches (M). 21-23 inches (F)
• Weight: 55-68 pounds (M). 45-58 pounds (F)
• Personality: Courageous and spirited
• Activity Level: Moderate
• Life Expectancy: 12-13 years

It’s argued that no one wears a mullet as well as the Irish Water Spaniel, thanks to its luscious curly coat. This breed is considered one of, if not the best, water hounds in the dog world and has been known to withstand the cold waters of the North Sea throughout its history.

Irish Water Spaniels have an incredible work ethic and were used frequently by sportsmen. They have now favored family pets due to their playful and affectionate natures. To add, an interesting fun fact about the Irish Water Spaniel is that they are the tallest spaniel.

12. Otterhound

Breed Overview

• Height: 27 inches (M). 24 inches (F)
• Weight: 115 pounds (M). 80 pounds (F)
• Personality: Friendly and enthusiastic
• Activity Level: Moderate
• Life Expectancy: 10-13 years

These even-tempered dogs were originally bred in Medieval England and were put to work hunting otters. Today, the Otterhound is a top pick for dog parents due to their adorable looks and affectionate personalities.

Like other dogs featured here, the Otterhound will require daily exercise to keep it content and in shape. To add, their water-repellent coats will need frequent attention to avoid the deterioration of their fur and skin.

Other Popular Water Dog Breeds

• Standard Poodle
• Labrador Retriever
• Frisian Water dog/Dutch Spaniel
• Newfoundland
• German Longhaired Pointer
• Cantabrian Water dog
• Pudelpointer
• Flat-Coated Retriever