Water dogs are a type of hunting dog, only they have to go swimming for long periods of time. They may have to go into the water to retrieve shot game or they may have to go into the water to help fishermen pull in their nets. These water dog breeds are intelligent, athletic and usually have water-resistant coats. Some have webbing in between the digits of their paws in order to better paddle.
Some purists may argue that retrievers do not belong in the water dog category, but since many retriever breeds have been specifically bred for swimming, it seems a shame not to include mention of them.
Poodle Types
Although thought of as the supreme show dog, poodles were originally bred to retrieve game from the water. Their name was originally the German “puddeln”, similar to “puddle” as well as “poodle”, which meant jumping about in water. Poodle type dogs possess long, athletic, hound-like bodies under their outrageous curls. Why those curls? In order to better protect the skin from water.
Other athletic water-loving dogs with tight curls include the Irish water spaniel (or “whiptail”); the Spanish water dog or Perro de Aqua Espanol, the Barbet or French water dog and the curly coated retriever. Although these curls require more trips to the groomer, they usually do not shed as often as short or medium-haired dog coats.
Wavy Coats
In between the poodle-type curls and the smooth retriever coats are wavy-coated water dogs. They tend to be about the size of a Labrador retriever but are also athletic, intelligent and affectionate. Perhaps the most famous wavy-coated water do is Portuguese water dog Bo Obama, the First Dog of the United States. However, there are also Portuguese water dogs with much curlier coats.
Other breeds with wavy coats and strong swimming abilities are the American Water Dog, the Boykin spaniel and the Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever. These breeds were not just dogs sent out to accompany the higher classes on their sport shooting parties. Breeds like the Portuguese water dog are strong enough to rescue drowning people and can herd schools of fish directly into his master’s net. The Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever was bred and trained specifically to scamper and play enchantingly by a shoreline. The curious ducks would do over to see what all the fuss was about and then got shot.
Straight Coats
Perhaps the most beloved dog breed in the world is the Labrador retriever, known for swimming skills on the hunting field as well as amazing acts of heroism as search and rescue dogs. They were not bred to kill game, only to bring dead game back to their masters. These dogs also excel in swimming and tend to love to get dirty. Those with short coats tend to shed.
Retrievers are some of the most intelligent dog breeds in the world, however they are also the most over-bred. They can be prone to health problems due to indiscriminate breeding. Other water dogs with straight coats include the golden retriever, the Newfoundland and the appropriately named flat coated retriever.
Additional References
- ASPCA Complete Guide to Dogs.” Sheldon L. Gerstenfeld, VMD. Chronicle Books; 1999.
- “Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds.” D. Caroline Coile, Ph.D. Barron’s; 2005.
- “The Howell Book of Dogs.” Liz Palika. Howell Book House; 2007.
- DogBreedInfo.com
