Water Dogs?

Question

Okay, the question is a little more complex than it sounds. Our family (well, my 12 year old daughter) is looking into buying a dog. She has proved she resonsible and we already own one so there is no problem there. But does anyone know any dog breeds (besides Golden retriver, Portugese Water dog, Labrador, etc etc etc.) That are friendly, good with kids, don't shd to much, Itelligent, and love the water and travel, like, can handle being on a sail boat. We looked into a Miniture Australian Sheperd, but I don't know if they like water. Thats the big thing. Anyway, we live on a an island, so plenty of fresh and space, but there is no fence around our yard, even though it's quite big. So a dog that is, well, all of the above. I know I'm asking for a bit of a miracle here, please don't say poodle btw, and, thanks so much for reading this all the way to the bottom

To Nekkid Dogg:
Yeah, for some reason I have to...total hate to poddles. I don't know. Maybe it's the hair.
I'm sorry I didn't add this before, But a cute, medium sized dog fits the bill. I not basing anything on looks, but It would be nice:)
I mean, would you rather have a golden retriver or a bulldog?
But Medium is probaly my main thing here.

Thanks to the person who metioned a fence, I think that would really help. It's Kinda funny because I have a Newie/Lab cross (I don't know if that was mentioned before) So what i'm looking for is a breed that is not very common but likes water, I'm just just looking for an extic dog breed to show off, It's just that I already have the two most popular water breeds.

Answer 1

Honestly, a Pit Bull or Staffie matches all of your criteria.

They travel well, mine likes water, friendly, good with kids, and don't shed too much, very smart.

That's a Pittie in a nut shell!

Answer 2

lol I was going to suggest a poodle.. they were originally bred as a water sport dog! A standard size poodle fits exactly what you want.

I would think that any dog would be ok with travelling and boating if its trained from a young age.

Newfoundlands love the water.. they are gentle giants. They are used for water rescue.

They googling "dog breed selector".. there are many available. Have your daughter sit down with you to answer some of the questions that the selector asks.. it can help come up with some breeds that would be a good match.

Answer 3

several good answers with some omissions. German shorthair pointers are bred to do any kind of bird hunting including waterfowl and Chesapeake Bay retrievers are well known for their abilities in the water. Both of these breeds are intelligent and easy to train and good with children. The GSP is medium size while the chessy is a large dog. One other water dog is the Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever. I don't know much about them except that they are medium sized dogs

Answer 4

Individuals of most breeds like water. Springer Spaniels tend to be great with kids and like water. However, most responsible breeders are not going to place a dog with you since you don't have a fence so if your are serious about getting a dog you really need to look into getting a fence installed.

Answer 5

I would get a Newfoundland if children and water are the biggest concern. The breed has not been so popular that it's been a focus of puppy mills. It's inherent good points have not been bred out of it, replaced by looks alone. They are devoted family dogs and easily trained.

Answer 6

well... before u got to the water part i had Stafforshire vull terrier in my head. If a staffi is not abused it is the most friendly and loving dog. Ours is only 1 and cleans us, he sleeps in our room, and has recently gotten into water. The problem is you hav to watch them as they are muscly they can get a stitch or something and drowwn.,.
other wize a Kelpy.. but they have alot of energy!

Answer 7

I totally agree with Nekid. What your saying fits a poodle. Other breeds to consider would be Irish water spaniel and Otter hounds.

But Poodles seem to be a better fit.

Answer 8

One breed is the best. The grey hounds. AKA weimaraner. They are water dogs, fun to play with, loyal till the end, and don't need much. They are number 1. Not one dog can beat him.