Sea Dogs: The Best Boat Breeds

In sailor slang, a salty dog is a person with years of experience and proven seamanship skills. Now, a salty dog can refer to a canine with a sixth sense of the sea.

The times, they are a-changing. Dogs are more welcome on boats than ever before. Some boat shows even feature dog competitions to see which pooch shows the best form. The annual Seattle Boat Show, for instance, puts dogs through the paces to see who wins the title "Super Boat Dog."

These competitions test crucial water skills: fetching a personal flotation device from a jumbled stack of boating equipment; swimming out to dinghies and dragging them back to a boat; and hauling a bucket of nautical supplies to the owner. (Some dogs were also trained to bring a beer to the owner and their spouse across a heaving boat, without spilling a drop.)

But which breeds are the best for boats? Naturally, breeds specifically bred for the water work best. These breeds are generally medium-sized, have water-resistant coats and webbing between their toes. Breeds such as these include Labrador and golden retrievers. These dogs are excellent swimmers, having been bred to retrieve prey from the water. However, they are susceptible to hip dysplasia, which could make swimming difficult, if not impossible.

Newfoundlands are also great water dogs. They often accompany fishermen and are very popular with search and rescue teams. They have shown extraordinary courage during trying times.

And, of course, there is the famous Portuguese water dog. For centuries, this dog was a constant companion of Portuguese fishermen. Very athletic and active, the dog is definitely designed for the outdoor-type. In fact, the Portuguese Navy routinely employs the breed on its ships.

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Don't discount the traditional "landlubber" breeds; many individual dogs are intrepid enough to learn the ways of the sea. There are some things to consider, however, before you bring any dog out on the boat:

Always keep food and fresh water for your dog on the boat, and don't forget that a dog needs the opportunity to relieve himself. One last point: it is a good idea to practice dog drills to familiarize your canine and your human shipmates on what to do in an emergency.