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We’re a nation of dog lovers, with around one-in-three households including at least one four-legged friend.
By far the most popular pet in the UK, they make for wonderful companions, all the while improving both our mental and physical health - and that’s a scientific fact.
The army of dog owners continues to grow, with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, alongside numerous crossbreeds.
Choosing the right breed is absolutely essential – for example opting for a small dog if you don’t have much room at home, or a hypoallergenic dog if you suffer from allergies.
There’s also always the option of adopting a dog from a dog shelter for a minimal fee - for example from the Dogs Trust.
But if you want a pup that is equally at home in the water as on land, then there are certain dogs that should top your wish list
Here are 10 of the breeds that are born to swim.
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1. Labrador Retriever
The UK's most popular dog breed, the C 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. | Canva/Getty Images
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2. Otterhound
An incredibly rare breed, the Otterhound was, as its name suggests, 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. | Canva/Getty Images
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3. 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. | Canva/Getty Images
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4. Barbet
A rare French breed, the Barbet is a natural swimmer with a dense, curly coat and webbed feet. They’re playful, energetic, and happiest when jumping into lakes or ponds. | Canva/Getty Images