Ok, so here is the situation, right now we live in an apartment that does not allow dogs. But we are currently looking for a house, and when we do get a house I am going to focus on getting one with a backyard.
I was talking to my mom about dogs, and if we want to get one or not, and she said she isn't ready for one right now but will be after a while.
I asked her what she wants when it comes to a dog, and she said she wants a dog that can swim, since we live somewhat near a dog beach and would really love to take a dog there, but would like one to play in the water and enjoy it. But we would also like a dog with short hair, since we do not have the time to brush the dog daily or weekly. I personally would love to get a Brittany Spaniel, because we have had one in the past and it was a great dog, but 2 problems with that breed, they are hyper and when they see a bird they take off, we want a dog to have fun at the dog beach but we want to be able to catch it when we are ready to go.
So what we want is a dog that likes water, short haired, and isn't too hyper.

Any suggestions?

You could try a Chesapeake Bay Retriever, or a Labrador Retriever. Most dogs, as puppies, are hyper to some extent, as they are "children", as they mature, these breeds can mellow a bit, but a dogs temperament depends on a lot of factors, not just breed type. Yes, there are breeds that tend to be more "energetic" than others, but depending on how you raise them, and what their parents are like, etc. are also major factors to consider. "Water dogs" tend to be very driven, as they were bred to hunt, but you could end up with a very calm and quiet dog who doesn't like the water,(had a Golden as a child who was "pick of the litter" for field trial, co-owned with a breeder, who didn't like the water...go figure) but "toy" dogs were bred to be "lap" dogs, however you could end up with one who is "wound for sound", so to speak. (very hyper) There are dogs who, by breed alone, enjoy the water immensely, but there are also dogs who, due to their breed, shouldn't enjoy the water, but love it. I would advise looking at, and researching breeds AND breeders in your area. Some breeders will breed for specific traits that they feel are positive traits, such as lots of energy, if the breeder is involved in field trials, or looks, if the breeder is involved in showing dogs. You could also pick up a pup at the shelter, non-breed specific (a mutt) and find exactly what you are looking for. Sorry if this complicates your decisions, but my personal opinion is that anytime you get a dog, research, research, research! I am not an "impulse" buyer...which drives my husband crazy..(smile) Good luck!

i would prefer lab.. they are really great swimmer... and thanks for some info LadyA

[lil mutt]

Lab seems to be a good choice for you...

Anything else specifically, like traits and temperament type? There are many short haired breeds out there who can all pretty much swim.

I think Lab as others have mentioned might fit your needs, but there are so many other breeds to check out.

Are you planning to rescue/adopt or go to a breeder?

Many of my dogs enjoy the water.

Well personally I like small dogs but if you want one that you can play with in the water and have fun with thats not to hyper my suggestion would be a Portuguese Water Dog but it has I would say medium hair. Oh, and dont forget that you can get his/her hair cut if its a medium haired dog.

If you dont like that breed I would probably say a Doberman Pincser because is a short haired dog small, and I think thats it likes the water.Its hyper but if you get on a strict scheduel of walking and playing around then he/she wont be so hyper all of the time.

Good luck with the dog and I hope it works out great!

[wishbone]

Try JRT or Doxie, they are love and lively one, but you need more to train them much cause the love to chase and run around. Over all they are friendly, love to run and play around and also loves water.

Your best bet might be to adopt an adult dog who already has the traits you're looking for. If you have your heart set on a purebred puppy, I would personally focus on breeds with short hair and moderate energy levels. Swimming is nice, but even a dog who isn't big on swimming will probably still love walks on the beach with his people. Having a dog who sheds more than you would like or who is more hyper than you would like to deal with would be a lot harder to live with.

HTH!
Amy
canineconnection.today.com