12 Best Boat Dogs: Water-Loving Breeds That Rule the Waves

You’re cruising perfect waters with your best friend by your side – and they’ve got four legs and a tail that won’t quit wagging. Choosing the right boat dog isn’t just about finding a pup who won’t get seasick. You need a furry crew member who’ll love every minute on the water, from sunrise fishing trips to sunset anchorages.

The best boat dogs are natural-born sailors with webbed feet and waterproof coats, while others bring that perfect chill energy for lazy deck days. Whether you’re rocking a small sailboat or a luxury yacht, a perfect canine companion is waiting to make your floating adventures even better.

Table of Contents

• Labrador Retriever
• Portuguese Water Dog
• Golden Retriever
• Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
• American Water Spaniel
• Standard Poodle
• Chesapeake Bay Retriever
• Irish Setter
• Jack Russell Terrier
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Australian Shepherd
• Mixed Breeds / Rescues
• Your Perfect Boat Buddy is Out There
• FAQs

Labrador Retriever

There’s a reason Labs top every “best boat dog” list – they’re four-legged sailors wrapped in fur. Originally called St. John’s Water Dogs, these natural-born water lovers helped fishermen long before they became America’s favorite family pet. Their webbed feet and water-resistant double coat aren’t just show features; they’re the real deal for serious water work. What makes Labs the ultimate cruising companion? Those thick, oily coats that shed water like a duck’s back and muscular builds that power through waves like furry torpedoes. Recognition from the American Kennel Club as a sporting breed speaks to their working heritage, but it’s their eagerness to please that makes them shine on deck.

• Natural swimmers with webbed feet and water-resistant coats built for retrieving waterfowl
• Highly trainable and eager to please, making them perfect for learning boat safety protocols
• Family-friendly temperament that’s gentle with children and adaptable to various boat sizes

Portuguese Water Dog

These dogs worked on Portuguese fishing boats for centuries, serving as fishermen’s helpers and even herding fish into nets. Former BoatUS member Carole Prangley-McIvor lived aboard a 43-foot Shannon ketch with as many as three Portuguese Water Dogs at a time while cruising the Caribbean. These aren’t just weekend warriors – they’re serious cruising dogs. Their waterproof coats don’t just repel water; they don’t smell like wet dogs when they’re wet, and they dry quickly. Weighing in around 35-60 pounds, they’re big enough to handle rough conditions but compact enough for smaller vessels. They can easily climb companionway ladders – something that’ll save your back during shore trips.

• Waterproof coat that doesn’t develop wet dog odor and dries quickly after swimming
• Perfect boat size at 35-60 pounds with agility to navigate companionway ladders easily
• A non-shedding breed that keeps your vessel clean during extended cruising

Related: 6 Tips for Sailing with Your Dog

Golden Retriever

Goldens bring that perfect “family boat dog” energy that makes every trip feel like a floating vacation. Originally bred to hunt and retrieve waterfowl, goldens are comfortable around water and love swimming. They might not be the fastest swimmers, but they swim with enthusiasm and love to participate in watersports. Your biggest challenge won’t be getting them in the water – it’ll be keeping them out when you need to get underway. They love to please their owners and won’t give you problems learning commands with positive reinforcement. This makes them incredible for learning boat safety rules and proper deck behavior. Their calm temperament makes them excellent therapy dogs on deck during stressful situations.

• Enthusiastic swimmers who love water activities and won’t hesitate to retrieve overboard items
• Gentle, calm temperament perfect for families and well-suited as therapy dogs
• Highly intelligent and responds well to positive reinforcement training for boat protocols

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

The smallest of the retrievers, most tollers weigh between 30 and 50 pounds. Don’t let their compact size fool you – these are serious water dogs bred for “tolling” (splashing around to attract waterfowl). “The problem is not getting them in the water, it’s getting them out,” says Christie Canfield from the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Club. These dogs live for water and fetch games. They have a double coat designed to keep them warm even in cold water. Tollers aren’t for everyone – they are high-energy dogs that require lots of exercise and need a job to keep them occupied. If you spend full days on the water with swimming, fishing, and water sports, a Toller will be your perfect adventure buddy.

• Compact size at 30-50 pounds makes them ideal for smaller boats and tight spaces
• High energy, perfect for active boaters who enjoy swimming, fishing, and water sports
• Cold-water tolerance with a double coat designed to keep them warm in challenging conditions

American Water Spaniel

This pooch is the state dog of Wisconsin and was developed primarily as a water retriever. This charming little water dog is just the right size to hunt from a canoe or skiff, combining traits of a retriever and spaniel. They’re known for their ability to jump in and out of small boats without even rocking them, and they’ll even help you catch fish. That kind of boat sense is pure gold for tight marina situations. They have a gorgeous brown coat that doesn’t require much grooming, even after a long day in the water. At 25-45 pounds, they’re the perfect size for most cruising boats. Their curly brown coat repels water naturally, and they’re particularly well-suited for freshwater boating adventures.

• Perfect small boat size at 25-45 pounds with the ability to board without rocking the vessel
• Water-resistant curly coat that requires minimal grooming even after water activities
• Versatile water retriever equally comfortable in freshwater lakes and coastal environments

Standard Poodle

Forget the fancy haircuts and poofy stereotypes – Poodles were originally water dogs used in hunting before they discovered their other talents. Famed for their intelligence, friendliness, and love of swimming, the Standard Poodle is calm, dependable, responsive to orders, and built for the water. Standard Poodles have a history as water retrievers and are excellent swimmers, and their hypoallergenic coat is a plus for boat dwellers. If anyone in your crew has allergies, this is your answer. They enjoy being wherever their humans are, get along with everyone, and they’re smarter than most other dogs. They’re the kind of dogs that seem to anticipate your next move and position themselves to help rather than getting in the way.

• Hypoallergenic coat is perfect for crew members with allergies and minimal shedding on board
• Exceptional intelligence makes them excellent problem-solvers and quick to learn boat routines
• Strong swimming ability with athletic build designed for water retrieval work

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever’s name says it all – with their oily, waterproof coat, strength, and endurance, this rugged gundog was born to work the rough, often icy waters of the Chesapeake Bay. These are the tough guys of the retriever world. Chessies are bred for water and love water, following everywhere you go. They’re also very patient dogs, and if you stop for hours in one spot, they’re happy to sit and observe without a sound. Their thick double coat has a layer of oil that helps repel water and provides insulation to keep them warm while swimming, even in frigid temperatures. They’re natural guard dogs, so solo duck hunting trips feel safer with a Chessie watching your back.

• Cold-water specialists with oily, waterproof coats designed for frigid water conditions
• Patient temperament is perfect for long fishing sessions and quiet observation periods
• Natural guard dog instincts provide security during solo trips and remote anchorages

Irish Setter

Anyone who takes an Irish Setter on a boat is in for exciting times, but don’t let that scare you off. For such an amiable, sweet, and well-mannered dog, the Irish Setter is also an energetic athlete, originally bred as a bird dog. These redheads are stunning on deck – there’s something magical about watching their flowing coats catch the wind. One sailor shared how his Setter “Ross” would stand at the bow like an official lookout with his toes against the rail as the yacht heeled. Irish Setters thrive with boaters who maintain active routines. They’re perfect for sailors who love long passages with plenty of shore time for exploring. Their bird dog heritage means they’re always alert and engaged.

• Elegant appearance with a flowing red coat that creates a stunning presence on deck
• Alert watchdog nature from bird dog heritage, excellent for security during passages
• High energy, perfect for active sailors who enjoy long shore excursions and water sports

Jack Russell Terrier

Tough and feisty, Russell Terriers are known for their brave nature. Big dog in a small package (lighter than a 12-pack) – now that’s boat-friendly sizing! These little powerhouses pack enormous personality into a compact, manageable frame. Lady Pitkeathly, a beloved Jack Russell terrier, spent hours searching for fish and crabs in the shallows and kept a watchful eye on the water whenever in the dinghy. They have a can-do attitude that sees them hop on and off boats with ease. For smaller boats where space is premium, nothing beats a JRT’s adaptability. The Russell Terrier’s short coat makes it easy to clean, and they dry off quickly. Just remember – they need firm training from the start.

• Ultra-compact size under 20 pounds, perfect for small boats and easy lifting on/off the vessel
• Quick-drying coat that’s easy to maintain and clean after water activities
• Fearless personality brings huge dog energy in a small package with natural boat agility

Related: Finding the Best Family Boat for Getting Out There

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

For those who prefer a more relaxed pace on the water, Cavaliers bring that perfect “lap dog meets adventure buddy” energy. These very affectionate dogs are energetic companions that thrive when given tasks, but they’re equally happy just being your constant deck companion. Cavaliers excel on boats where the journey is more important than high-energy water sports. They’re content to lounge in the cockpit during long passages, providing companionship without demanding constant activity. Their sweet temperament makes them excellent with visiting family and friends abroad. At 12-18 pounds, they’re easily manageable in all boat situations. They adapt well to cabin life and don’t require extensive exercise. Part of the toy group, they’re bred for companionship rather than work.

• Calm, gentle temperament perfect for relaxed cruising and peaceful anchorages
• Small, manageable size at 12-18 pounds, ideal for compact cabin living
• Low exercise requirements are satisfied with deck lounging and short shore walks

Australian Shepherd

Border Collies need a farm and don’t seem to do well on boats, but Aussies bring that same intelligence with better water adaptability. They’re the thinking person’s high-energy boat dog. Australian Shepherds thrive with active sailing routines and complex tasks. They excel at learning boat systems and can even help with simple tasks like coiling lines or alerting to weather changes. Their herding instincts translate well to keeping the crew organized and watching for safety issues. These dogs need jobs to stay happy, making them perfect for serious sailors who appreciate having an engaged, working crew member. They’re ideal for boats where there’s always something happening – passage making, racing, or extensive cruising. From the herding group, they’re naturally inclined to work and problem-solve.

• Exceptional intelligence capable of learning boat systems and helping with simple sailing tasks
• High energy and work drive are perfect for active sailors with demanding sailing schedules
• Natural problem-solving ability from herding background translates well to boat troubleshooting

Mixed Breeds / Rescues

Just about any adventurous dog, whether full-bred or mixed, can become a great boat dog. Some of the best boat dogs I’ve encountered were rescues who seemed to know they’d found their forever adventure home. It isn’t BREED so much as DOG. Some dogs love boats and some don’t. When choosing a rescue, look for water-loving temperament, medium size, and calm confidence around new situations. Ana is a Schipperke/Lab mix of 40 pounds, very comfortable on a 41-foot boat, and perceptive about staying out of the way when those moments of panic occur. Mixed breeds often have fewer health issues than purebreds and come with the incredible satisfaction of giving a deserving dog their dream life. Visit local shelters and organizations like Petfinder and the SPCA.

• Fewer health issues than purebreds, with often better genetic diversity and hardiness
• Temperament over pedigree allows you to select based on actual boat-friendly personality traits
• Rescue satisfaction of giving a deserving dog their dream adventure lifestyle while saving a life

Your Perfect Boat Buddy is Out There

Finding your ideal boat dog isn’t about breed – it’s about personality and your boating style.

Love active water sports? Go for a high-energy Toller or Aussie. Prefer chill cruising? A Cavalier King Charles is your perfect deck companion. Size matters for your boat, but don’t overlook the little powerhouses like Jack Russells or the compact intelligence of Portuguese Water Dogs. Here’s the real deal: some of the best boat dogs are rescues who just get it.

Your floating adventure buddy is waiting – whether it’s a webbed-footed Lab or a mixed breed at the local shelter ready to become your most loyal first mate.

FAQs