11 Dog Breeds That Are Natural Swimmers (and 11 That Are More Comfortable On Land)

Some dogs dive into the water like they were born in it—because, well, they practically were. Others? Let’s just say they’d rather keep their paws dry and stay comfortably planted on solid ground.

While some pups take to swimming like furry little torpedoes, others treat a puddle like it’s the end of the world.

It’s not just about preference—it’s often about build, history, and good ol’ doggy DNA. Over the years, certain breeds were developed for retrieving waterfowl, herding near lakes, or even rescuing sailors from stormy seas.

These natural-born swimmers have the webbed feet, water-resistant coats, and drive that make them naturals in the deep end.

If you’re someone who loves days at the lake, beach, or backyard pool, these breeds will be right there with you—wet fur, wagging tails, and all.

But swimming isn’t for every dog, and that’s totally okay. Some breeds just weren’t made to paddle. Flat faces, short legs, or heavy builds can turn a dip in the water into a dangerous experience.

These dogs would much rather lounge in the sun, chase a ball on dry land, or supervise your swim session from a safe, splash-free distance.

Whether you’re a dog owner looking for a four-legged swimming buddy or you’re wondering why your pup treats the bathtub like a crime scene, this list is for you.

We’re diving into 11 dog breeds that absolutely love the water—and 11 that are likely to skip the pool party altogether. So grab your towel, your favorite floater, and maybe a treat or two.

Let’s see which breeds are making waves—and which ones are staying high and dry.

1. Labrador Retriever

There’s a reason this breed is the poster dog for lakeside adventures. Labs were originally bred to retrieve fishing nets and game from the water, so swimming comes naturally to them.

They’ve got the build for it too—with a thick, water-resistant coat and powerful, webbed paws.

Whether they’re chasing a ball in the pool or diving into a river, they’re at their happiest when they’re soaked and splashing. Their stamina is off the charts, and their love of play makes swim time feel like an endless party.

Just be prepared for the post-swim shake—a Lab knows how to drench everything in sight. But with a grin on their face and their tail wagging like mad, you probably won’t mind.

2. Portuguese Water Dog

Not just a clever name, this breed has a long history of helping Portuguese fishermen at sea. They’d herd fish into nets, retrieve lost tackle, and even carry messages between boats. Swimming was quite literally their job.

With a curly, water-repellent coat and webbed feet, they’re designed to glide through the water with ease. Their high energy and eagerness to please mean they’ll jump into any body of water—no coaxing needed.

Even today, they carry that aquatic enthusiasm into family life. Whether it’s the beach or a backyard kiddie pool, these dogs are always ready to dive in.

Bonus: they’re hypoallergenic, so you can enjoy the wet-dog experience without the sneezes.

3. Golden Retriever

Playful and people-loving, these dogs often treat swimming like a team sport. They’ll fetch sticks, leap off docks, and swim alongside their humans with pure golden joy. There’s a reason they’re always in those idyllic family-lake-day commercials.

Their thick, double-layered coat is built to keep them warm and buoyant in the water. Combine that with boundless energy and a love for adventure, and you’ve got a swimming companion that never tires.

Goldens are naturals when it comes to water games, especially if there’s a toy or treat involved. Just don’t be surprised if they try to share the pool with you—whether you’re ready or not.

4. Newfoundland

Don’t let the lumbering size fool you—this gentle giant is one of the strongest swimmers in the dog world. Newfoundlands were bred to rescue people from icy Atlantic waters.

They have massive lungs, incredible strength, and a calm temperament in emergencies.

It’s not uncommon for them to instinctively paddle out and try to “save” people, even if you’re just casually floating. Their thick, water-resistant coats and webbed paws make them remarkably efficient in the water.

While they move slowly on land, they become surprisingly graceful when submerged. Plus, their nurturing instincts make them excellent with kids.

Just make sure your towel’s big enough—they bring a lot of water back with them.

5. Chesapeake Bay Retriever

These rugged retrievers were bred for hunting waterfowl in frigid Maryland waters, so their swimming skills are second nature. They’re known for their determination, endurance, and ability to plunge into ice-cold lakes without hesitation.

Their oily, wavy coat acts like a wetsuit, keeping them insulated and dry underneath. And those muscular legs? Perfect for powering through strong currents.

They tend to be more independent than other retrievers, but when there’s water involved, their enthusiasm shines. They’ll fetch just about anything—ducks, sticks, tennis balls—as long as it involves a swim.

Give them a challenge, and they’ll dive in headfirst. Literally.

6. Irish Water Spaniel

There’s a reason “water” is in the name. These shaggy-coated athletes were bred to retrieve game from marshes and rivers across Ireland. Their tight curls keep them warm and dry, even in chilly weather.

They’re smart, playful, and a little mischievous—traits that make swim sessions entertaining (and unpredictable). While some dogs need encouragement to enter water, these guys usually beat you to it.

Don’t expect a lazy lap dog. These spaniels crave activity, and swimming is their favorite outlet. Whether it’s dock diving or splashing in shallow streams, they’re up for it.

A bonus: their coat sheds very little, though it does require regular grooming after all that watery fun.

7. American Water Spaniel

Small but mighty, this lesser-known breed was developed in the Great Lakes region of the U.S. to hunt and retrieve from boats. Their compact size made them perfect for working in tight spaces, but their love of water is anything but small.

With a thick, waterproof coat and a tireless spirit, they’ll happily swim for hours. They’re especially fond of games like fetch that involve jumping in and out of the water.

Though less flashy than other swimming breeds, American Water Spaniels are hardworking, loyal, and full of heart. They bond closely with their humans and thrive when they’re part of the action.

And yes—they’ll splash through puddles with just as much enthusiasm.

8. Barbet

This rare, curly-coated French breed was once a favorite among hunters navigating soggy marshes. With a mop of fur and a heart full of curiosity, the Barbet is built for wet and wild terrain.

Their wooly, water-resistant coat and webbed feet help them move through water like it’s second nature. And while they’re not yet a household name, their swimming ability is right up there with the more famous water dogs.

They’re gentle, eager to please, and happiest when they’re splashing through lakes or diving after floating toys. Barbets bring both charm and athleticism to any aquatic adventure.

Just be warned: drying that coat afterward is a whole routine in itself.

9. Flat-Coated Retriever

Bubbly, bouncy, and built for the water—these dogs were made for outdoor adventures. Originally bred to retrieve game on both land and in water, their enthusiasm for swimming is undeniable.

Their sleek, shiny coat may not look water-resistant, but it does the trick. Combined with their streamlined frame, they glide through the water with joyful ease.

Flat-Coats are known for their eternal puppy-like attitude, and that playfulness comes out in every splash and dive. They’ll chase a stick for miles—or at least across the pond.

With boundless energy and endless love for movement, they make terrific swim buddies.

10. Boykin Spaniel

South Carolina’s pride and joy, the Boykin Spaniel was bred specifically for swampy, watery terrain. Hunters needed a dog that could hop into a canoe and retrieve waterfowl with ease—and Boykins delivered.

Despite their medium size, they pack plenty of strength and stamina. Their slightly curly, water-resistant coats and webbed feet help them power through ponds, lakes, and even choppy water.

Boykins are incredibly people-oriented, which makes swim time even more fun. They want to be wherever you are—and if that’s waist-deep in water, even better.

They’re charming, smart, and a little bit scrappy—a perfect blend for the great outdoors.

11. Standard Poodle

You might think of fashion shows and fancy trims, but behind the pom-poms lies a true athlete. Poodles were originally bred as water retrievers in Germany, and they still have that swimming instinct today.

Their dense, curly coat insulates them in the water, and their athletic build gives them surprising agility in a swim. They’re also highly intelligent, so water games quickly become a fun challenge rather than just fetch.

Poodles thrive on mental and physical stimulation, and swimming gives them both. Plus, they’re graceful enough to look elegant even when they’re soaked.

So don’t let the stylish haircut fool you—they’re born for the water.

Now, let’s take a look at the dog breeds that would rather cheer you on from the shore than join you in the deep end.

1. Bulldog

Short legs, a flat face, and a barrel chest make this breed one of the worst swimmers around. Bulldogs have trouble staying afloat and can tire out alarmingly fast in the water.

Their brachycephalic (short-nosed) features also limit their ability to breathe efficiently, especially when stressed or wet. Add their naturally laid-back personality, and you’ve got a dog who’d much rather sunbathe than paddle.

Even shallow pools can pose a risk, so if you’re a water-loving household, make sure this pup stays safe on dry land—or wears a doggy life vest for supervised splashes.

2. Pug

That sweet little face isn’t built for swimming marathons. Pugs are another brachycephalic breed, and their compact body combined with short legs makes swimming a challenge.

They can overheat easily and may struggle to keep their head above water, even in shallow areas. Most Pugs prefer lounging in the shade or curling up in your lap over any kind of aquatic adventure.

If you do introduce them to water, keep it brief, supervised, and extra safe. Their cuteness might be off the charts, but their swim skills are definitely not.

3. Dachshund

Long body, tiny legs—this breed’s proportions are adorable but not exactly water-friendly. Dachshunds can manage a paddle here and there, but staying afloat takes a lot of effort.

Their short limbs limit their stroke power, and they often fatigue quickly. Plus, many of them are pretty vocal about their distaste for getting wet, whether it’s a rainy sidewalk or a swimming pool.

You might spot a brave one taking a dip, but more often, they’re running the perimeter of the pool like it’s a racetrack. Water play? Not high on their to-do list.

4. Basset Hound

They might be scent-tracking pros, but they’re hopeless when it comes to swimming. Bassets are dense, heavy-boned dogs with short legs and long ears—none of which scream “strong swimmer.”

Their body structure makes it tough for them to stay buoyant or coordinate a good swim rhythm. Most of them avoid water entirely, preferring slow, steady strolls on land.

And those long ears? They’re magnets for moisture and bacteria, making water exposure more of a health risk than a recreational treat. Keep this hound dry and happy.

5. Shih Tzu

Bred to be lapdogs for Chinese royalty, Shih Tzus were never meant to make waves. Their luxurious coats get heavy when wet, and their short snouts make breathing in water more difficult.

They may paddle a bit if necessary, but most of them steer clear of swimming with confidence (or grace). Often, they treat bath time like a betrayal, let alone a dip in a pool.

This doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy summer fun—but they’re usually doing it from a shaded lounge chair or a cool patch of grass. Royalty doesn’t do doggy paddle.

6. Chow Chow

Stubborn, independent, and not a fan of getting their paws dirty—or wet. Chow Chows are one of the most water-averse breeds, and they often resist any attempts to introduce them to aquatic activities.

Their dense, double coat soaks up water like a sponge, making it harder for them to dry off or cool down. And they’re not exactly lightweight swimmers, either.

These regal floofs would rather strut the shoreline than dive into it. A puddle may earn a dramatic side-eye, while a lake gets a full-on refusal.

7. Boxer

Always up for a game of fetch, but toss that ball in water and things get complicated. Boxers are muscular and top-heavy, which makes them prone to sinking if they’re not careful.

Their short snouts also make breathing during swimming more difficult. While some Boxers might enjoy wading or splashing around in the shallows, deep water is usually outside their comfort zone.

They’re not totally hopeless swimmers, but it takes effort, training, and close supervision. Still, they’re usually happier running across dry grass than gliding through waves.

8. Maltese

Elegant and dainty, the Maltese isn’t itching to dive into the pool anytime soon. Their silky white coat becomes a soggy mess when wet, and their tiny size puts them at risk in deeper waters.

Swimming tires them out fast, and they’re usually not fond of the chilly sensation either. Add in their low body fat and delicate bone structure, and you’ve got a pup that belongs in your lap, not your kayak.

If they do venture near water, it’s usually with careful steps—and a look that says, “Is this really necessary?”

9. Pekingese

Confident and dignified, these little lions of the dog world aren’t interested in water sports. Pekingese have flat faces, short legs, and long coats that all work against them in the water.

They’re prone to overheating and struggle with breathing when exerted, especially in a wet environment. Swimming just isn’t part of their royal itinerary.

Instead, they prefer being pampered on dry land, supervising your pool day from a throne-like cushion—or your lap. Just try to keep the splash zone clear of their mane.

10. Greyhound

Speed demons on land, but don’t expect them to be Michael Phelps in the pool. Greyhounds are built for sprinting, not swimming. Their lean bodies and low body fat make buoyancy a challenge.

While they’re not completely incapable of swimming, many are hesitant to go in, and others just don’t enjoy the sensation. They also get cold quickly, even in warm water.

Most Greyhounds will tiptoe around puddles and make a wide arc around sprinklers. Their idea of a workout? A lightning-fast dash across a field—not laps in a pool.

11. Corgi

They’ll try—and you’ll love them for it—but those little legs just aren’t cut out for confident swimming. Corgis have long torsos, short limbs, and a dense body structure that makes it tough to stay afloat for long.

Some Corgis enjoy water play in small doses, especially if they’re introduced to it early. But they can quickly become exhausted and may panic if they lose footing.

Their charming determination sometimes gets them into trouble around water, so it’s important to supervise them closely. They may look like they’re paddling for gold, but they’re struggling more than they let on.