Some dogs just can’t get enough of water, whether it’s splashing through puddles, swimming in the ocean or making a straight shot for the nearest pond or lake!
But did you know your dog’s breed may play a big part in their deep desire to take a dip - and if your dog hates water, their heritage may influence that too…
Water dog breeds like Retrievers, Poodles and some Spaniels are *almost* guaranteed to enjoy swimming. But why is that?
Read on to learn more about the dogs that can't get enough of the water, and how investing a few dollars in a high quality water toy can bring hours of fun.
Why do some breeds love water?
Many water-loving breeds were originally bred to work in and around water - whether that was retrieving game, helping fishermen, or even performing water rescues. This history not only makes them strong swimmers but also influences the way they love to play today.
If your dog is always first in the water, carrying a toy, chasing after balls, or shaking their tug in excitement, that’s no coincidence - it’s all in their DNA!
1. Labrador Retriever - The Water-Loving Fetch Fanatic
Bred for: Retrieving game and fishing nets from the water
Common play behaviors: Chasing, retrieving, carrying toys around
Toys they love: Fetch Toys, BOB 3-in-1 Dog Bumper, Tug toys
One of the most popular dog breeds, Labradors were originally bred to assist fishermen and retrieve ducks from lakes and rivers. This retrieving instinct is why many Labs are obsessed with balls! They love carrying things in their mouths and will happily chase a ball into water over and over again. Floating toys like BOB from just $32 or interactive retrieval games are a great way to satisfy their natural instincts.
2. Golden Retriever - The Joyful Water Chaser
Bred for: Retrieving waterfowl for hunters
Common play behaviors: Fetching, carrying, shaking toys
Toys they love: Squeaky Toys, Tug toys
Like Labradors, Golden Retrievers have a natural love for water and a natural instinct to carry things in their mouths. Many Goldies love gentle tug-of-war games and will often around with their favorite toy a normal behavior. Their love for shaking wet toys after retrieving them is a throwback to their working past
3. Newfoundland - The Gentle Water Rescue Expert
Bred for: Water rescues and assisting fishermen
Common play behaviors: Swimming, carrying, problem-solving
Toys they love: Large toys like Twizzler , Floating toys like BOB
These powerful swimmers were bred to rescue drowning sailors and pull fishing nets from the ocean. Their love for water runs deep, and they enjoy swimming more than almost any other breed. Many Newfies also love problem-solving, so interactive toys and tugging games can be great fun for them.
4. Portuguese Water Dog - The Energetic Water Worker
Bred for: Herding fish and retrieving lost fishing gear
Common play behaviors: Swimming, problem-solving, carrying toys
Toys they love: Tug toys, fetch toys
Portuguese Water Dogs were bred to work in the ocean, helping fishermen retrieve gear and herd fish into nets. They are energetic and love a challenge! Tug toys and interactive games that get them thinking will keep them entertained, and they’ll happily retrieve floating toys from water.
5. Chesapeake Bay Retriever - The Determined Duck Dog
Bred for: Retrieving ducks in freezing water
Common play behaviors: Fetching, carrying, shaking toys
Toys they love: Fetch toys, water toys like BOB a floating toy, tug toys
Unlike other Retrievers, “Chessies” were bred to work in harsh, icy waters. They have an independent streak but still love retrieving and carrying things around. They’re big fans of fetch but often prefer toys that engage their strength, like tough tug toys that play as hard as they do!
6. Standard Poodle - The Clever Water Retriever
Bred for: Retrieving game from water
Common play behaviors: Fetching, scentwork, carrying toys
Toys they love: Treat toys, Squeaky toys, Fetch & Retrieval toys
Poodles were originally bred as hunting retrievers and even had a traditional “Poodle clip” to help them stay buoyant in water! Highly intelligent and playful, they love toys that challenge their brains - think brain games or retrieval games. They also have an excellent sense of smell and enjoy scent-based activities, making scentwork games and snuffle mats a great choice for them.
Remember, if you have a doodle breed, they’re part poodle - so a lot of the above may apply to your dog too!
7. Irish Water Spaniel - The Playful Puddle Lover
Bred for: Retrieving game from water
Common play behaviors: Splashing, carrying, shaking toys
Toys they love: Squeaky toys, BOB floating toy, tug toys
This rare breed is known for its curly coat and playful, goofy personality. They love nothing more than splashing around in water and retrieving toys. Anything that squeaks, floats, or can be carried around in their mouth is a winner.
8. Spanish Water Dog - The Energetic Herder and Swimmer
Bred for: Herding livestock and retrieving from water
Common play behaviors: Herding, fetching, chasing
Toys they love: Chase toys, Sheepskin toys
Spanish Water Dogs were originally bred to herd sheep and work in the water. This means they love chasing and controlling moving objects - making chase-and-tug games an excellent way to engage them.
9. American Water Spaniel - The Eager Water Hunter
Bred for: Hunting and retrieving in lakes and rivers
Common play behaviors: Fetching, carrying, shaking toys
Toys they love: Floating toys like BOB, Fetch & Retrieval toys
This smaller but mighty breed was bred to retrieve birds from boats and is highly trainable. They love to carry things in their mouths and often enjoy interactive games like hide-and-seek with toys.
10. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever - The Clever Water Trickster
Bred for: Luring and retrieving waterfowl
Common play behaviors: Chasing, retrieving, problem-solving
Toys they love: Fetch ball toys, Treat toys
The Toller has a unique way of hunting - using playful movements to attract ducks before retrieving them. This means they love active, interactive play! Their natural enthusiasm makes them excellent fetch partners, and they enjoy toys that challenge their intelligence, so why not try the Tug-E-Nuff time trials game?
11. Lagotto Romagnolo - The Water-Loving Truffle Hunter
Bred for: Retrieving waterfowl and truffle hunting
Common play behaviors: Digging, scent work, retrieving
Toys they love: Snuffle mats, treat toys like The Clam, floating toys like BOB
Originally bred as a water retriever in Italy, the Lagotto has since become famous for its truffle-hunting skills. Their natural love of digging and searching means they adore scent-based games and interactive toys that let them use their nose.
12. German Longhaired Pointer – The Versatile Water Hunter
Bred for: Hunting and retrieving game from water
Common play behaviors: Tracking, retrieving, running
Toys they love: Chase toys, retrieval fetch toys, tug toys
The German Longhaired Pointer is a natural athlete with a love for both land and water. They enjoy active play and excel in games that tap into their hunting instincts, like fetch and chase games with a toy that mimics prey movement.
13. English & Irish Setters – The Elegant Water Sprinters
Bred for: Hunting and retrieving game in fields and water
Common play behaviors: Sprinting, retrieving, chasing
Toys they love: Ball Fetch toys, Chaser lure toys
Setters are high-energy, athletic dogs that love to sprint through fields and splash in lakes. They thrive on fast-paced games, so they enjoy chasing after moving toys or games that let them run at full speed.
How to make the most of water play for dogs
If you’re lucky enough to share your life with a water-loving breed, playtime near water can be incredibly enriching. Here are a few ways to make the most of their natural instincts:
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Water-Friendly Fetch: BOB our floating toy and Fetch balls can make for a fun game of fetch in lakes, rivers, or even a kiddie pool.
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Hide-and-Seek with Toys: Engaging their retrieval instincts with hidden toys can be great mental enrichment.
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Splash and Play: If your dog loves splashing, let them wade in shallow water while playing fetch with their favorite toy!
If you’re lucky enough to share your life with a water-loving dog, swimming can be a fantastic way to exercise and bond with them. Whether it’s a game of fetch in the lake or a splash in the ocean, these breeds were built for aquatic adventures!
Have you seen BOB?! He's our genius dog bumper that floats, tugs and fetches. Whether you’re hitting the beach, practicing retrieves, or having a game of fetch in the mud, BOB’s ready for all your adventures, all year round.
What if my dog hates water?
Not all dogs are natural swimmers! Breeds with short legs (like Dachshunds), flat faces (like Bulldogs), or very dense coats (like Huskies) may struggle in water or simply dislike getting wet. If your dog isn’t a fan of swimming, that’s okay - never force them, and always ensure their safety around water.
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