Some dogs aren't huge fans of the sea, while others will happily chase balls into the water for hours on end.
Many of these dog breeds have been developed for spending time in water, thanks to their water-resistant coats, webbed paws and natural ability for swimming endurance.
Best swimming dog breeds
Some dogs carry the name 'water dog', which refers to the breeds which have been naturally adapted and bred for swimming and working (and retrieving game) in water. Usually, this means they have water-resistant coats and webbed paws, to help with swimming.
Barbet
The barbet is a French water dog, bred as a game retriever in marshes and swamps. With a solid build for hunting and swimming, it also has webbed paws.
The barbet is included in our round-up of hypoallergenic dogs, as it doesn't shed so is well suited to dog owners with allergies.
Irish water spaniel
This curly-coated spaniel was bred as a water retriever, with a recognisable tapering "rat tail" and liver-coloured coat. Despite being a very popular dog during the Victorian era, the Irish water spaniel is now one of the rarest dog breeds in the UK.
Lagotto Romagnolo
The Lagotto Romagnolo is thought to be the original breed from which all water dogs are descended, and has captured the public's attention since King Charles III welcomed a Lagotto Romagnolo called Snuff into his family in early 2025. A Lagotto Romagnolo was crowned Best in Show at Crufts in 2023.
Otterhound
The otterhound was bred for hunting otters, with a rough double coat and webbed feet which makes them ideally suited to spending time in the water. This breed is at risk of disappearing, because the disbanding of otterhound packs led to a sharp decline in their UK population.
We included the otterhound in our round-up of the weirdest (yet wonderful)-looking dog breeds.
Portuguese water dog
Portuguese water dogs were bred as fisherman's companions on long expeditions around the coast of Portugal and even into Iceland. With webbed feet, the Portuguese water dog was used to "herd" fish into fishermen's nets.
Spanish water dog
The energetic Spanish water dog has a woolly, curly coat and was historically used as both a herder and waterfowl retriever.
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Top image: Labrador jumping in Lake of St Moritz, Switzerland (credit: Getty Images)
