48 water-loving breeds
Best Dog Breeds for Swimming
Sporting breeds, retrievers, and water dogs that were born to swim. These breeds have water-resistant coats, webbed feet, and an irresistible love for water.
Vizsla
Medium-Large · Sporting
Energy
Good with Kids
18-29 kg · 12-14 years
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Small · Toy
Energy
Good with Kids
5-8 kg · 12-15 years
Labrador Retriever
Large · Sporting
Energy
Good with Kids
25-36 kg · 11-13 years
Brittany
Medium · Sporting
Energy
Good with Kids
14-18 kg · 12-14 years
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Medium · Sporting
Energy
Good with Kids
17-23 kg · 12-14 years
Tibetan Spaniel
Small · Non-Sporting
Energy
Good with Kids
4-7 kg · 12-15 years
Golden Retriever
Large · Sporting
Energy
Good with Kids
25-34 kg · 10-12 years
English Springer Spaniel
Medium · Sporting
Energy
Good with Kids
18-25 kg · 12-14 years
Pointer
Large · Sporting
Energy
Good with Kids
20-34 kg · 12-17 years
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Medium-Large · Sporting
Energy
Good with Kids
18-27 kg · 12-15 years
Wirehaired Vizsla
Large · Sporting
Energy
Good with Kids
20-29 kg · 12-14 years
Stabyhoun
Medium · Sporting
Energy
Good with Kids
18-25 kg · 13-15 years
Portuguese Water Dog
Medium · Working
Energy
Good with Kids
16-27 kg · 11-13 years
German Shorthaired Pointer
Large · Sporting
Energy
Good with Kids
20-32 kg · 12-14 years
Cocker Spaniel
Medium · Sporting
Energy
Good with Kids
11-14 kg · 10-14 years
Weimaraner
Large · Sporting
Energy
Good with Kids
25-40 kg · 10-13 years
English Cocker Spaniel
Medium · Sporting
Energy
Good with Kids
12-15 kg · 12-14 years
Bracco Italiano
Large · Sporting
Energy
Good with Kids
25-40 kg · 10-14 years
Welsh Springer Spaniel
Medium · Sporting
Energy
Good with Kids
16-20 kg · 12-15 years
Pudelpointer
Large · Sporting
Energy
Good with Kids
20-32 kg · 14-16 years
Small Munsterlander
Medium · Sporting
Energy
Good with Kids
18-27 kg · 12-14 years
Picardy Spaniel
Large · Sporting
Energy
Good with Kids
20-25 kg · 12-14 years
Poodle
Varies · Non-Sporting
Energy
Good with Kids
3-32 kg · 10-18 years
English Toy Spaniel
Small · Toy
Energy
Good with Kids
4-6 kg · 10-12 years
Portuguese Podengo
Varies · Hound
Energy
Good with Kids
4-30 kg · 12-15 years
Irish Setter
Large · Sporting
Energy
Good with Kids
27-32 kg · 12-15 years
Flat-Coated Retriever
Large · Sporting
Energy
Good with Kids
25-36 kg · 8-10 years
American Water Spaniel
Medium · Sporting
Energy
Good with Kids
11-20 kg · 10-14 years
Boykin Spaniel
Medium · Sporting
Energy
Good with Kids
11-18 kg · 10-15 years
Field Spaniel
Medium · Sporting
Energy
Good with Kids
16-23 kg · 12-13 years
German Wirehaired Pointer
Large · Sporting
Energy
Good with Kids
27-32 kg · 14-16 years
Irish Red and White Setter
Large · Sporting
Energy
Good with Kids
25-34 kg · 11-15 years
Spinone Italiano
Large · Sporting
Energy
Good with Kids
29-39 kg · 10-12 years
Large Munsterlander
Large · Sporting
Energy
Good with Kids
23-32 kg · 11-13 years
Wetterhoun
Medium-Large · Sporting
Energy
Good with Kids
25-35 kg · 12-14 years
Spanish Water Dog
Medium · Herding
Energy
Good with Kids
14-22 kg · 12-14 years
Portuguese Shepherd Dog
Medium · Herding
Energy
Good with Kids
17-27 kg · 12-13 years
Barbet
Medium · Sporting
Energy
Good with Kids
17-28 kg · 12-14 years
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Large · Sporting
Energy
Good with Kids
25-36 kg · 10-13 years
Curly-Coated Retriever
Large · Sporting
Energy
Good with Kids
27-41 kg · 10-12 years
English Setter
Large · Sporting
Energy
Good with Kids
20-36 kg · 12-14 years
Irish Water Spaniel
Large · Sporting
Energy
Good with Kids
20-29 kg · 12-13 years
Lagotto Romagnolo
Medium · Sporting
Energy
Good with Kids
11-16 kg · 15-17 years
Sussex Spaniel
Medium · Sporting
Energy
Good with Kids
16-20 kg · 13-15 years
German Longhaired Pointer
Large · Sporting
Energy
Good with Kids
27-32 kg · 12-14 years
Newfoundland
Giant · Working
Energy
Good with Kids
45-68 kg · 9-10 years
Clumber Spaniel
Large · Sporting
Energy
Good with Kids
25-39 kg · 10-12 years
Gordon Setter
Large · Sporting
Energy
Good with Kids
20-36 kg · 12-13 years
Frequently Asked Questions
What dog breeds are the best swimmers?
Sporting breeds and water dogs are natural swimmers. Top picks include Vizsla, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Labrador Retriever, Brittany. These breeds were originally bred to work in water and have physical traits like webbed feet and water-resistant coats.
Can all dogs swim?
No, not all dogs are natural swimmers. Brachycephalic breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs) and dogs with heavy bodies and short legs can struggle in water. Always introduce dogs to water gradually and never leave any dog unsupervised near water.
How do I teach my dog to swim?
Start in shallow, calm water with a doggy life vest. Let your dog wade in gradually at their own pace. Use treats and toys for positive reinforcement. Never throw a dog into water. Most sporting and retriever breeds take to water naturally.