If you’ve been thinking about welcoming a new dog into your home then you’re in good company – Royal Kennel Club (the new name for the UK Kennel Club) stats show that the number of people looking for puppies has surged to record levels.
Dogs come in all shapes, colours and sizes - there are 221 different pedigree dogs recognised by breeders in the UK, from Affenpinscher to Yorkshire Terrier (there are sadly no dog breeds starting with the letter ‘z’!).
So there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest four-legged addition – whether you want a large dog, family-friendly dog, or an easy to train dog.
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There is even scientific research to guide you, in particular psychologist Stanley Coren’s groundbreaking book The Intelligence of Dogs.
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.
These are the breeds that have been developed to carry out various water-based tasks, from collecting fishing nets at sea to scampering into lochs to collect felled game birds.
Even if they are now kept as family pets, the love of water is in their very DNA - some even have webbed feet to allow them to swim better.
Here are 14 breeds of dog that make the best swimmers.
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5. Boykin Spaniel
Boykin Spaniels are compact, energetic hunting dogs who are brilliant at retrieving waterfowl. Their webbed feet, water-resistant coats and enthusiastic temperament make them capable swimmers in lakes, ponds and rivers. | AFP via Getty Images
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6. Portuguese Water Dog
Another breed that has webbed feet perfect for swimming, the Portuguese Water Dog is well named - these dogs were used by fishermen to herd fish into nets and collect lost equipment from the sea. | Getty Images
7. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
A popular breed in its native Canada, the water-loving Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever has a unique ability to lure ducks into the sights of a hunter. They'll then happily jump into the lake to retrieve the doomed waterfowl. | Getty Images
8. Curly-Coated Retriever
The cute hair which gives the Curly-Coated Retriever its name is ideal for maintaining body temperature on long swims. Like other retrievers they were used to collect felled birds from water. | Getty Images for Westminster Ken