Best Dogs for Swimming
Our expert-curated list of the best dogs for swimming in 2026, ranked by suitability and temperament.
Overview
Finding the right dog breed is one of the most important decisions a prospective owner can make. This 2026 guide to the best dogs for swimming evaluates breeds across multiple factors to help you make an informed choice.
We considered temperament ratings, health profiles, grooming requirements, exercise needs, and real-world owner experiences to compile this definitive list.
How We Chose
Our ranking criteria include:
- Temperament match: How well the breed's personality fits the intended purpose
- Health profile: Overall breed health and common conditions
- Adaptability: How well the breed adjusts to different environments and lifestyles
- Owner satisfaction: Real-world feedback from breed owners in 2026
- Availability: How accessible the breed is through reputable breeders and rescue organizations
The Rankings
Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 2/5, energy 4/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 5/5). Originally from Canada, this large-sized breed from the Sporting group weighs 55–80 lbs and lives 11–13 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 2/5
- Family-friendly (5/5)
- Lifespan of 11–13 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 4/5
- Exercise needs rated 3/5
- Price range $800–$1500
Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 2/5, energy 1/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 3/5). Originally from Scotland, this large-sized breed from the Sporting group weighs 55–75 lbs and lives 10–12 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 2/5
- Family-friendly (3/5)
- Lifespan of 10–12 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 5/5
- Exercise needs rated 2/5
- Price range $1000–$2000
Papillon
The Papillon earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 5/5, energy 4/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 4/5). Originally from France, this small-sized breed from the Toy group weighs 5–10 lbs and lives 14–16 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 5/5
- Family-friendly (4/5)
- Lifespan of 14–16 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 1/5
- Exercise needs rated 4/5
- Price range $800–$2000
Collie
The Collie earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 4/5, energy 3/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 5/5). Originally from Scotland, this large-sized breed from the Herding group weighs 50–75 lbs and lives 12–14 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 4/5
- Family-friendly (5/5)
- Lifespan of 12–14 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 5/5
- Exercise needs rated 3/5
- Price range $800–$1500
English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 4/5, energy 3/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 2/5). Originally from England, this medium-sized breed from the Sporting group weighs 40–50 lbs and lives 12–14 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 4/5
- Family-friendly (2/5)
- Lifespan of 12–14 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 5/5
- Exercise needs rated 4/5
- Price range $800–$1500
Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 4/5, energy 5/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 4/5). Originally from Ireland, this medium-sized breed from the Sporting group weighs 45–68 lbs and lives 12–13 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 4/5
- Hypoallergenic coat
- Lifespan of 12–13 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 4/5
- Exercise needs rated 3/5
- Price range $1000–$2000
Cocker Spaniel
The Cocker Spaniel earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 3/5, energy 2/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 3/5). Originally from United States, this medium-sized breed from the Sporting group weighs 20–30 lbs and lives 10–14 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 3/5
- Family-friendly (3/5)
- Lifespan of 10–14 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 2/5
- Exercise needs rated 3/5
- Price range $800–$1500
Bloodhound
The Bloodhound earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 3/5, energy 3/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 5/5). Originally from Belgium, this large-sized breed from the Hound group weighs 80–110 lbs and lives 10–12 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 3/5
- Family-friendly (5/5)
- Lifespan of 10–12 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 3/5
- Exercise needs rated 2/5
- Price range $800–$1500
Smooth Fox Terrier
The Smooth Fox Terrier earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 5/5, energy 2/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 3/5). Originally from England, this small-sized breed from the Terrier group weighs 15–18 lbs and lives 12–15 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 5/5
- Family-friendly (3/5)
- Lifespan of 12–15 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 2/5
- Exercise needs rated 2/5
- Price range $800–$1500
Kuvasz
The Kuvasz earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 2/5, energy 3/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 4/5). Originally from Hungary, this giant-sized breed from the Working group weighs 70–115 lbs and lives 10–12 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 2/5
- Family-friendly (4/5)
- Lifespan of 10–12 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 1/5
- Exercise needs rated 2/5
- Price range $1500–$2500