Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Dogs

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Have dog, will sail: Top dog breeds for boating

Vera Lawlor
By

For boating enthusiasts, a day spent on the water is a great escape from life’s stresses. There’s nothing like the feeling of a cool breeze on your face as you skim across the water on a wide-open lake. Boating is a wonderful activity that can be enjoyed by all of the family and that often includes the dog. Many dogs were bred to be on or around water and are happy to spend hours cruising with their families.

What is the best dog to have on a boat?

There are many things you need to take into consideration when choosing a boating dog. For example, if space is limited, it makes sense to choose a small dog as a cruising companion. However, on bigger boats, it can be so much fun to watch a powerful dog such as a golden retriever leap into a lake to cool off on a summer day. No matter your fur baby’s size, be sure he can swim before you venture out together aboard a boat.

Recommended Videos

A dog’s temperament also plays an important role when choosing a boating buddy. The happiest dogs will be calm and obedient ones who enjoy the water, love being with the family, and adapt easily to different situations.

Related
Golden retriever on a boat with a woman.

What are the best sea dogs?

Whether boating on a lake or sailing on the ocean, the best canine companions are those who are comfortable in and around the water. The breeds that typically enjoy boating adventures most include:

Large dogs

1. Golden retrievers

  • Originally bred to hunt and retrieve waterfowl, goldens are comfortable around water.
  • Goldens love swimming and the challenge may be keeping them out of the water.

2. Labrador retriever

  • Labradors are friendly, outgoing dogs who don’t like to be left out of family adventures.
  • Bred to hunt waterfowl, Labs are natural swimmers.

Medium-sized dogs

1. American water spaniel

  • The AKC refers to this breed as outdoorsy athletes who love to swim.
  • Spaniels were bred to retrieve on land or in water, making them fun boating companions.

2. Schipperke

  • These dogs were bred to hunt rats on canal barges so they are at home on a boat.
  • Schipperkes are adaptable, curious, and confident.

Small dogs

1. Parson Russell terrier

  • These terriers are feisty and fearless and adapt well to different environments.
  • Parson Russells are energetic and can easily hop on and off a boat.

2. Yorkshire terrier

  • Feisty and adventurous, most Yorkies love to swim.
  • Yorkies are loyal and loving, making them great sailing companions.

Do dogs like being on boats?

Dogs who love the water and spending time with their families are usually excited to be included on boating adventures. Following are tips to help keep your dog safe and comfortable when out on the water.

  • Dogs should always wear a properly fitted and brightly colored canine life jacket on boating trips.
  • Invest in a dog-friendly boat ramp to make it easier for large dogs getting on and off the boat.
  • Pack a pet first-aid kit and include ointment for scrapes or cuts and dog-safe sunscreen.
  • Be sure your dog has access to a shaded area on the boat.
  • Bring along fresh water and a collapsible bowl to keep your dog hydrated.
  • Consider a cooling vest to help keep your dog comfortable on sunny days.
  • Don’t forget to bring extra towels for drying off the dog after swimming.
  • Schedule shore stops for bathroom breaks. When this isn’t possible, use pee pads or potty grass for onboard potty time.
  • Provide an anti-slip mat in a designated area of the boat where your dog can lie down. Teach a dog to go to his place when launching the boat or speeding across the water says, dog trainer Cathy Madson in a Preventive Vet article.
  • Madson also recommends having a plan in case your dog falls off the boat. It should include cutting off the engine, calling the dog from a designated spot on the boat, and lifting him to safety. The routine should be practiced often.
Jack russell terrier enjoying a boat ride.

Finally, if your dog is new to boating, acclimate your pup slowly to the experience. Introduce your dog to the boat on land if possible. Small dogs can be carried onto the boat while it’s easier for larger dogs to learn to use a ramp when boarding. The first boating trip should be short and confined to calm waters. Some dogs may experience motion sickness early on; symptoms can be relieved with medication. Once your dog is comfortable with short trips you can head out on longer boating adventures confident that you and your buddy will both enjoy the experience.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Vera Lawlor
Vera Lawlor
Contributor
Vera was the pet columnist for 201 Family magazine and has contributed pet and animal welfare articles to Bone-A-Fide Mutts…
Looking for a fluffy and affectionate pup? Give the American Eskimo dog a try
Considering a spitz? Take a look at the American Eskimo dog
American Eskimo dog smiling at the camera

At first glance, you might confuse an American Eskimo dog with a shih tzu or even a Pomeranian. Or you might mix them up with the Canadian Eskimo dog, a 4,000-year-old animal that's native to America and was bred by the Inuit to pull sleds. But the American Eskimo dog (or Eskie) is a totally separate breed that's both beautiful and family-friendly. While no dog is right for everyone, you should consider this beastie if you want a unique and lovable pup. They might be exactly what your home needs to become complete.
Where does the American Eskimo dog come from?
Don't be fooled by the name, this pup came about in the 1800s and was bred by German immigrants as a farm dog. That means it's one of many spitz dogs, which also includes the malamute, Icelandic sheepdog, and Samoyed. The name was changed because of anti-German sentiments around World War I. Interestingly, this was a very popular show dog, and many performed in the circus and on stage! If you do wind up adopting an Eskie, you could get a regular old diva.
What is this breed like?
These fluffy friends can stay as small as 6 pounds in the toy size or up to 35 pounds, which can be standard, but they all have huge personalities regardless of stature. Because the American Eskimo dog was a working breed, they need a lot more exercise than you'd think just by looking. But they're highly trainable, loving toward people, and very energetic, so you should have no problem taking them on walks and to outdoor gatherings. If your routine already includes hikes or even strolls, the American Eskimo dog might be your perfect companion.

Who should get an Eskie?
This is a family dog through and through. Eskies require a lot of interaction and love — they sometimes misbehave if not given enough attention, which could include chewing up your favorite furniture or barking incessantly at seemingly nothing. That means you want to think carefully before committing to them, as you would with any pup.

Read more
How to teach your dog burrito, the most adorable dog trick
Here are the 4 steps to learn the dog burrito
A frenchie makes himself into a dog burrito by wrapping himself in a blanket

What's the cutest trick you've ever seen your dog do? We bet this will top it. Plus, many well-trained dogs will probably pick it up pretty quickly. If you haven't seen this trend yet, check out the adorable and hilarious dog burrito. It's exactly like it sounds, meaning your pooch wraps himself up in a blanket and turns himself into a lunch lookalike. The video breaks it down into exactly what steps you need to take to teach your pup this move.

There are a number of tricks to teach your dog, and you probably started out with sit. In order to get to dog burrito level, he needs to have some of that baseline already down. Set to Meghan Trainor's "Made You Look," the video starts out with a very sweet Maltipoo named Bingo standing on a rug.

Read more
Can dogs have strawberries? Benefits, risks, and how to feed them safely
Are strawberries safe for dogs to eat? Here's the full scoop
A brown and white dog eats a strawberry off a fork

Your dog is a member of your family, and you treat them that way. You take your on trips, buy them gifts, and share the occasional snack together. But that doesn't mean your pooch can share all of your favorite snacks. Certain fruits, like grapes, are toxic to dogs, and you should avoid giving them these foods at all costs. Others, like blueberries, are perfectly safe for your pooch. You've come to the right place if you've ever wondered, "Can dogs have strawberries?" Here's what you should know.
The benefits of feeding your dog strawberries
Low-calorie and nutrient-dense, strawberries are a fruit rich in immune-boosting vitamin C and antioxidants. Strawberries are also high in fiber, making them an ideal choice for pups that struggle with occasional constipation. With minerals like potassium, which is necessary for muscle function and may help regulate blood pressure, strawberries can provide wonderful, nutritional benefits for dogs. Strawberries also contain magnesium and manganese, which improve your pup's bone health and metabolism.
The potential risks of strawberries for dogs
While strawberries can provide health benefits for dogs, it’s important to keep in mind that you should only give them to your furry friend in moderation. Adding new foods to your dog's diet can cause stomach upset, and feeding your pup too many strawberries can lead to gastrointestinal distress and symptoms like upset stomach, diarrhea, or vomiting.

Additionally, the leaves, stems, and green tops of strawberries can be toxic to dogs if ingested in large quantities, so their removal is extremely important. These parts of the plant contain a compound called oxalic acid, which can cause digestive problems, kidney damage, or in extremely severe cases, can even lead to death.

Read more