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Supporting working water dog owners
Search and rescue do on long lead with handler
Rio, a Spanish Water Dog certified as a Search And Rescue dog, working with his handler Laura Plantell

Water dogs are specialized breeds of dog that historically have been trained to work in and around water. Their intelligence, loyalty, and natural swimming ability make them ideal for a variety of jobs. From hunting to search and rescue, water dogs have a wide range of skills that make them valuable working dogs.

Hunting

One of the most well-known jobs of water dogs is hunting. They are used to retrieve waterfowl and upland game birds for their human hunting partners. These dogs have a natural instinct to retrieve and are excellent swimmers, making them perfect for retrieving birds that have fallen in the water or have landed on the other side of a river or lake.

Water dogs are often used in duck hunting, where they retrieve ducks that have been shot by the hunter. They are also used in upland hunting, where they help flush birds and retrieve them after they have been shot. In both cases, the water dog is an essential part of the hunting team, helping to ensure that no bird is lost or wasted.

Fisher's Assistant

Historically water dogs have been valuable to fishers. They can assist in a variety of ways, from retrieving fishing gear that has fallen into the water to helping guard the catch after returning to the dock. Water dogs can also be trained to detect and retrieve fish that have been caught but have slipped off the hook.

In addition to their practical use, water dogs can also provide companionship for fishermen. These dogs are often trained to be calm and obedient, making them excellent companions for long days on the water.

Search and Rescue (SAR) Dogs

Water dogs are also used as search and rescue dogs. Their swimming ability and sense of smell make them valuable in a variety of search and rescue situations, including water rescues.

Water dogs can be trained to search for people who have fallen into the water or who are lost in the wilderness. They can also be trained to detect and retrieve objects from the water, such as weapons or evidence.

Service Dogs

Water dogs can also be trained as service dogs. They can assist people in a variety of situations, including people who have mobility issues, visual impairments, or seizures. Water dogs can help their owners navigate through water, retrieve objects, and provide emotional support.

Service dogs can also be trained to assist with therapy, providing comfort and companionship to those in need. Water dogs, in particular, can be especially helpful in this regard, as their calm and affectionate nature make them excellent companions.

Other Jobs for Water Dogs

Since they are so intelligent and easily trainable, water dogs have been used for many other jobs that don't necessarily involve water. For example, Spanish Water Dogs were historically often used to herd goats and sheep, especially in the southern part of Spain. The Lagotto Romagnolo (an Italian water dog breed from the Romagna region of Italy) is often used to search for truffles. 

Water dogs are highly versatile and valuable working dogs. From hunting and fishing to search and rescue and service work, these dogs are essential to a variety of jobs. Their natural abilities, intelligence, and loyalty make them ideal companions and partners for humans in a wide range of situations.