The Canine Life Aquatic

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Co-Written By Michael Faulkner

Unlike their feline counterparts, most dogs woof with excitement for a little recreation in the water. However, some dogs not only enjoy their water fun, they are uniquely suited to the aquatic life, whether it’s to swim and splash or go to work. Typically, when folks from the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula think of “water dogs” they’re envisioning a type of gundog bred to retrieve game from water, and more specifically to retrieve waterfowl. The Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever and Chesapeake Bay Retriever are the most common breeds around the region, and for that matter, in the country.

Long ago, Golden Retrievers first emerged when early retrievers were crossed with the best water spaniels, thus explaining their adoration for, and agility in, aquatic environments. A favorite family dog breed, Goldens are steadfast “gentlemen’s gundogs,” reliable on the hunt yet loving, loyal companions. They are also proficient as service dogs and as search and rescue workers. Labradors, in addition to being faithful companions and dependable gundogs, were also used to carry ropes between boats, tow dories and retrieve fishnets. The Chessie originated in Maryland and is known for its courage, toughness and prowess in the rough, icy waters of the Chesapeake Bay.

Less known, but certainly remarkable, is the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, a very long name for the smallest of the retrievers. Tollers get their name because of their unique ability to lure waterfowl within gunshot range. To accomplish the task, the hunter stays hidden in a blind and sends the dog out to romp and play near the water, usually by tossing a ball or stick to be retrieved. The dog’s appearance is similar to that of a fox, and its unusual activity and white markings pique the curiosity of ducks and geese, who swim over to investigate. When the birds are close, the hunter calls the dog back to the blind, then rises, putting the birds to flight, allowing a shot. The Toller then retrieves any downed birds.

There are several other noteworthy retrieving breeds who love the water. These can include: American Water Spaniel, Boykin Spaniel, Flat Coated Retriever, Curly Coated Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, Field Spaniel, English Springer Spaniel, American Cocker Spaniel, English Cocker Spaniel, and Welsh Springer Spaniel. Comfortable on both land and water, the spaniels are skillful at getting the gundog task completed and then coming home to make wonderful companions.

Also, it is important to mention that the glamorous Standard Poodle is actually a water dog — that’s right, a purposeful working retriever. Make no bones about it, the Standard Poodle is both a gundog and a water dog, particularly for duck hunting and sometimes upland bird hunting. The signature “poodle cut” may seem more fashion statement than necessity; however, it evolved to assist the dog both in and out of the water. Since a poodle’s thick coat can get heavy when wet, the bottom half of the body was shorn to help keep the dog afloat. To keep its organs warm in cold weather and water, the hair was kept long over the chest and head. Bracelets of hair were left to protect the joints and tail, and a topknot was used to keep long hair out of the eyes when swimming.

Water dogs are not exclusively bred for hunting; they have a variety of talents for which teamwork between man and canine is essential. The Newfoundland is a water dog serving mankind through water rescue. The Portuguese Water Dog is a working breed, assisting watermen by retrieving overboard objects, carrying messages, guarding boats, and pulling fishing floats and nets. The Leonberger is a large German breed used on farms for draft work pulling carts, and like the Newfoundland, works well as a lifeguard. The Lagotto Romagnolo, meaning “lake dog from Romagna,” is traditionally a gundog used for water retrieving in Italy, but its present-day job includes hunting for gourmet truffles used in fine dining. The Otterhound is an English hound bred for hunting otters both on land in the water. There are approximately 600 Otterhounds in existence and, unlike other hounds, they have a thick, rough double coat and webbed feet. The Spanish Water Dog, primarily used for herding sheep and goats, is a multi-talented canine, often used by fisherman and hunters for retrieving.

While every breed of dog has its own unique traits, there are some characteristics that distinguish water dogs from their land-loving brethren. All water dogs have webbed feet to propel them through the water, and to help them work on wet terrain. Water dogs also have some form of insulating or water-resistant coat, whether it’s the thick hair of the poodle, or the oily coat of a retriever. A Chesapeake Bay Retriever, with its nearly waterproof coat, can emerge from a river or marsh with only a few drops of water remaining on its fur, and those are quickly eliminated with a good shake. Water rolls off this dog like a duck. A double coat is also a distinctive attribute of water dogs. Double coats have a top layer, made of tougher fur to help repel water and shield the dog from dirt, and a soft undercoat to serve as insulation. Sound temperament is essential across the breeds; no water dog should ever show aggressive tendencies.

The various water dogs have rich historical origins, and it is not by mere coincidence that they are able to hunt, herd, track, and rescue. It is through the efforts of dedicated breeders that water dogs continue to serve mankind — not only because of their aquatic abilities, but also through their service as therapy dogs, guiding eye dogs, and for drug search. So when you take up the search for a perfect companion to share your water-loving lifestyle, look beyond the familiar to the rich variety of water dogs who would thrive while living life on the river.