Some dogs just love the water - whereas others would rather stay on land.Some dogs just love the water - whereas others would rather stay on land.
Some dogs just love the water - whereas others would rather stay on land.

Swimming Dogs: These are the 10 breeds of adorable dog that are good and bad swimmers - from Bulldog to Labrador 🐶

If you are looking for a new puppy and want a four-legged friend that will be comfortable in water then there are certain breeds that you should avoid – and others that should top your wishlist.

By David Hepburn
Published 20th Apr 2022, 12:04 BST
Updated 12th Apr 2024, 15:26 BST

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

Plenty of us decided to welcome new four-legged friends into our homes in the last couple of years – according to Kennel Club figures dog ownership soared by nearly eight percent – and post-lockdown demand for puppies remains high.

There are a whopping 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, alongside numerous crossbreeds, so there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest addition.

For all the latest dog news, chat, advice and information, join our Scotsdog Facebook group here

There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt.

One thing to consider is that some dogs just don’t get on well with water due to a range of physical attributes which mean they are not designed for swimming.

Meanwhile others love the water – with some even having webbed feet to help them power through seas, lakes and rivers.

Here are the 10 breeds of dog make the best and worst swimmers.

Read more

Dog treats UK 2021: treats to entertain your puppy or dog, including food and fun toys to play with

These are the 10 most popular puppy names chosen by new dog owners in the UK over lockdown

Best dog beds 2021: stylish, comfortable dog beds for all kinds of dogs, and every owner’s budget

Here are the 13 most popular breeds of cute and adorable dog in the UK

Another breed that has webbed feet perfect for swimming, the Portuguese Water Dog was used by fishermen to herd fish into nets and collect lost equipment from the sea.

1. Portuguese Water Dog

Another breed that has webbed feet perfect for swimming, the Portuguese Water Dog was used by fishermen to herd fish into nets and collect lost equipment from the sea. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

Photo Sales
Starting with the breeds of dog that are completely at home in the water and the Otterhound. A very rare breed, as its name suggests it was used to hunt otters in Britain until the practice was outlawed in 1978. An exceptionally strong swimmer, they even have webbed feet for extra speed in the water.

2. Otterhound

Starting with the breeds of dog that are completely at home in the water and the Otterhound. A very rare breed, as its name suggests it was used to hunt otters in Britain until the practice was outlawed in 1978. An exceptionally strong swimmer, they even have webbed feet for extra speed in the water. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

Photo Sales
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, often known as 'Chessies', have an oily double-coat that retains heat and is water-resistant - perfect for long swims in cold water. They can happily spend hours in the sea, a lake or a river.

3. Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, often known as 'Chessies', have an oily double-coat that retains heat and is water-resistant - perfect for long swims in cold water. They can happily spend hours in the sea, a lake or a river. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

Photo Sales
The UK's most popular dog breed, the Labrador Retriever was bred to collect shot wildfowl that often landed in the water, so being a good swimmer was crucial. Today Labs are happy to fetch sticks and balls from water for hours on end.

4. Labrador Retriever

The UK's most popular dog breed, the Labrador Retriever was bred to collect shot wildfowl that often landed in the water, so being a good swimmer was crucial. Today Labs are happy to fetch sticks and balls from water for hours on end. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

Photo Sales
Previous
1 / 3
Next Page
Related topics:PuppiesDogs