Sailing is a wonderful way to enjoy the beauty of nature, the thrill of adventure, and the joy of freedom. But do you know what can make sailing even more fun? Having a furry companion by your side!
Dogs are not only man’s best friend, but also great boat buddies. They can keep you company, entertain you, protect you, and make you laugh. However, not all dogs are suited for life on the water. Some may get seasick, scared, or bored easily. Others may be too big, too hairy, or too energetic for a small space.
That’s why we have compiled a list of 15 best boat dogs that will make you fall in love with sailing. These dogs are chosen based on their size, temperament, coat, trainability, and adaptability. They are also ranked according to their popularity among sailors and boaters.
So without further ado, let’s meet the 15 best boat dogs that will make you want to sail away with them!
15. Poodle
Poodles are one of the most intelligent and versatile dog breeds in the world. They come in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. They also have a curly coat that is hypoallergenic and sheds very little.
Poodles are excellent boat dogs because they are easy to train, obedient, and eager to please. They can learn commands quickly and follow them well. They are also very friendly and sociable with people and other animals.
Poodles love water and swimming. They were originally bred as water retrievers in Germany and France. They have webbed feet that help them paddle efficiently. They also have a natural instinct to fetch things from the water.
Poodles are adaptable and can adjust to different environments and situations. They can be calm and relaxed on a sailboat or active and playful on a speedboat. They can also tolerate hot and cold weather well.
The only downside of having a poodle as a boat dog is that they require regular grooming to keep their coat clean and healthy. They also need mental stimulation and exercise to prevent boredom and anxiety.
14. Portuguese Water Dog
Portuguese water dogs are another breed that was developed for water work. They were used by fishermen in Portugal to herd fish into nets, retrieve lost gear, and deliver messages between boats.
Portuguese water dogs are medium-sized dogs with a thick coat that can be curly or wavy. They have webbed feet, a strong tail, and a muscular body that make them excellent swimmers.
Portuguese water dogs are loyal, affectionate, and energetic dogs that love being around their owners. They are also very smart and trainable. They can learn new tricks easily and perform them with enthusiasm.
Portuguese water dogs are adventurous and curious dogs that enjoy exploring new places and things. They are not afraid of water or waves. They can jump off the boat and swim back with ease.
Portuguese water dogs need regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their coat. They also need a lot of exercise and attention to keep them happy and healthy.
13. Labrador Retriever
Labrador retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. They are known for their friendly, outgoing, and loyal personality. They are also very gentle and patient with children and other pets.
Labrador retrievers are large dogs with a short coat that comes in three colors: black, yellow, and chocolate. They have webbed feet, a thick tail, and a waterproof undercoat that help them swim well.
Labrador retrievers are natural-born water lovers. They were originally bred as hunting dogs in Newfoundland, Canada. They helped fishermen retrieve fish from the icy waters.
Labrador retrievers are easy to train and eager to please their owners. They can learn commands quickly and obey them faithfully. They are also very adaptable and can cope with different situations and environments.
Labrador retrievers need minimal grooming to keep their coat clean and shiny. However, they do shed a lot throughout the year. They also need a lot of exercise and stimulation to burn off their energy and prevent boredom.
12. Schipperke
Schipperkes are small dogs with a black coat that is thick around the neck, chest, and legs. They have pointed ears, a fox-like face, and a curled tail.
Schipperkes are lively, alert, and curious dogs that love to explore and investigate. They are also very loyal and devoted to their owners. They are always ready to follow them wherever they go.
Schipperkes are excellent boat dogs because they have a strong affinity for water. They were originally bred as watchdogs and ratters on barges in Belgium. They earned the nickname “little captain” for their ability to guard and control the boat.
Schipperkes are easy to groom and shed very little. They are also very intelligent and trainable. They can learn commands quickly and perform them well.
Schipperkes need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. They also have a strong prey drive and may chase after small animals or objects. They may also bark a lot if they are bored or excited.
11. Boston Terrier
Boston terriers are small dogs with a short coat that is black, brindle, or seal with white markings. They have a flat face, large ears, and a short tail.
Boston terriers are affectionate, playful, and gentle dogs that love being around their owners. They are also very smart and trainable. They can learn commands quickly and obey them well.
Boston terriers are good boat dogs because they are adaptable and easy-going. They can adjust to different environments and situations. They can also tolerate hot and cold weather well.
Boston terriers need minimal grooming to keep their coat clean and shiny. However, they do shed moderately throughout the year. They also need moderate exercise and stimulation to keep them fit and healthy.
Boston terriers may have some health issues related to their flat face, such as breathing problems, eye problems, and overheating. They may also not be very good swimmers due to their short legs and body.
10. Golden Retriever
Golden retrievers are another popular dog breed in the world. They are known for their friendly, cheerful, and loving personality. They are also very gentle and patient with children and other pets.
Golden retrievers are large dogs with a long coat that is golden in color. They have webbed feet, a thick tail, and a water-repellent undercoat that help them swim well.
Golden retrievers are natural-born water lovers. They were originally bred as hunting dogs in Scotland. They helped hunters retrieve game from the water.
Golden retrievers are easy to train and eager to please their owners. They can learn commands quickly and obey them faithfully. They are also very adaptable and can cope with different situations and environments.
Golden retrievers need regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their coat. They also shed a lot throughout the year. They also need a lot of exercise and stimulation to burn off their energy and prevent boredom.
9. French Bulldog
French bulldogs are small dogs with a short coat that is brindle, fawn, or white in color. They have a flat face, large ears, and a short tail.
French bulldogs are affectionate, playful, and funny dogs that love being around their owners. They are also very smart and trainable. They can learn commands quickly and obey them well.
French bulldogs are good boat dogs because they are adaptable and easy-going. They can adjust to different environments and situations. They can also tolerate hot and cold weather well.
French bulldogs need minimal grooming to keep their coat clean and shiny. However, they do shed moderately throughout the year. They also need moderate exercise and stimulation to keep them fit and healthy.
French bulldogs may have some health issues related to their flat face, such as breathing problems, eye problems, and overheating. They may also not be very good swimmers due to their short legs and body.
8. Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are giant dogs with a long coat that is black, brown, gray, or white with black markings. They have webbed feet, a thick tail, and a water-resistant undercoat that help them swim well.
Newfoundlands are gentle, calm, and loyal dogs that love being around their owners. They are also very smart and trainable. They can learn commands quickly and obey them well.
Newfoundlands are natural-born water lovers. They were originally bred as working dogs in Newfoundland, Canada. They helped fishermen pull nets, haul wood, rescue drowning people, and perform water rescue missions.
Newfoundlands are excellent boat dogs because they are adaptable and easy-going. They can adjust to different environments and situations. They can also tolerate cold weather well.
Newfoundlands need regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their coat. They also shed a lot throughout the year. They also need a lot of exercise and stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.
7. Dachshund
Dachshunds are small dogs with a long body, short legs, and a long tail. They come in three coat types: smooth, wirehaired, and longhaired. They also come in two sizes: standard and miniature.
Dachshunds are brave, curious, and independent dogs that love to dig and chase. They are also very loyal and devoted to their owners. They are always ready to join them in their adventures.
Dachshunds are good boat dogs because they are adaptable and easy-going. They can adjust to different environments and situations. They can also tolerate hot and cold weather well.
Dachshunds need minimal grooming to keep their coat clean and shiny. However, they do shed moderately throughout the year. They also need moderate exercise and stimulation to keep them fit and healthy.
Dachshunds may have some health issues related to their long body, such as back problems, spinal cord injuries, and obesity. They may also not be very good swimmers due to their short legs and long body.
6. Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell terriers are small dogs with a short coat that is white with black or tan markings. They have pointed ears, a fox-like face, and a long tail.
Jack Russell terriers are energetic, lively, and fearless dogs that love to run, jump, and play. They are also very smart and trainable. They can learn commands quickly and perform them well.
Jack Russell terriers are great boat dogs because they are adventurous and curious. They enjoy exploring new places and things. They are not afraid of water or waves. They can jump off the boat and swim back with ease.
Jack Russell terriers need minimal grooming to keep their coat clean and shiny. However, they do shed moderately throughout the year. They also need a lot of exercise and stimulation to burn off their energy and prevent boredom.
Jack Russell terriers have a strong prey drive and may chase after small animals or objects. They may also bark a lot if they are bored or excited. They may also be stubborn and independent at times.
5. American Water Spaniel
American water spaniels are medium-sized dogs with a curly coat that is brown or liver in color. They have long ears, a round head, and a feathered tail.
American water spaniels are friendly, cheerful, and obedient dogs that love being around their owners. They are also very smart and trainable. They can learn commands quickly and obey them well.
American water spaniels are natural-born water lovers. They were originally bred as hunting dogs in Wisconsin, USA. They helped hunters retrieve game from the water.
American water spaniels are excellent boat dogs because they are adaptable and easy-going. They can adjust to different environments and situations. They can also tolerate hot and cold weather well.
American water spaniels need regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their coat. They also shed moderately throughout the year. They also need a lot of exercise and stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.
4. Pug
Pugs are small dogs with a short coat that is fawn or black in color. They have a flat face, large eyes, and a curled tail.
Pugs are affectionate, playful, and funny dogs that love being around their owners. They are also very smart and trainable. They can learn commands quickly and obey them well.
Pugs are good boat dogs because they are adaptable and easy-going. They can adjust to different environments and situations. They can also tolerate hot and cold weather well.
Pugs need minimal grooming to keep their coat clean and shiny. However, they do shed moderately throughout the year. They also need moderate exercise and stimulation to keep them fit and healthy.
Pugs may have some health issues related to their flat face, such as breathing problems, eye problems, overheating, snoring, etc.
3. Beagle
Beagles are small dogs with a short coat that is tricolor or lemon and white. They have long ears, a round head, and a white-tipped tail.
Beagles are friendly, cheerful, and curious dogs that love to explore and sniff. They are also very loyal and devoted to their owners. They are always ready to join them in their adventures.
Beagles are good boat dogs because they are adaptable and easy-going. They can adjust to different environments and situations. They can also tolerate hot and cold weather well.
Beagles need minimal grooming to keep their coat clean and shiny. However, they do shed moderately throughout the year. They also need moderate exercise and stimulation to keep them fit and healthy.
Beagles may have some health issues related to their long ears, such as ear infections, ear mites, etc. They may also have a strong prey drive and may chase after small animals or objects. They may also bark or howl a lot if they are bored or excited.
2. Irish Water Spaniel
These are large dogs with a curly coat that is liver in color. They have a long muzzle, a topknot, a rat tail, and webbed feet.
They are lively, friendly, and obedient dogs that love being around their owners. They are also very smart and trainable.
They can learn commands quickly and obey them well. They are natural-born water lovers. They were originally bred as hunting dogs in Ireland. They helped hunters retrieve game from the water.
They are excellent boat dogs because they are adaptable and easy-going. They can adjust to different environments and situations.
They can also tolerate cold weather well. They need regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their coat.
They also need a lot of exercise and stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.
1. Australian Shepherd
These are medium-sized dogs with a long coat that is blue merle, red merle, black, or red with white or tan markings.
They have a bobtail, a triangular head, and a piercing gaze. They are energetic, intelligent, and loyal dogs that love to work and play.
They are easy to train and eager to please their owners. They are also very adaptable and can cope with different situations and environments.
They need regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their coat. They also need a lot of exercise and stimulation to burn off their energy and prevent boredom.
So there you have it! The 15 best boat dogs that will make you fall in love with sailing. Whether you prefer a small or large dog, a curly or smooth coat, a calm or energetic temperament, there is a dog for you on this list.
Of course, these are not the only dog breeds that can enjoy sailing with you. There are many other dogs that can be great boat buddies as well. The most important thing is to find a dog that matches your personality, lifestyle, and preferences.
If you already have a dog that is not on this list, don’t worry! You can still train your dog to be comfortable on the water. You just need to be patient, positive, and consistent. You also need to provide your dog with proper safety equipment, such as a life jacket, a leash, and an ID tag.
Remember, sailing with your dog can be an amazing experience for both of you. It can strengthen your bond, enrich your life, and make sailing more fun!
We hope you enjoyed this blog post about the 15 best boat dogs that will make you fall in love with sailing. If you did, please share it with your friends who love sailing or dogs or both!
