Labrador Retriever

Labradors descend from the St John's water dogs that worked with Newfoundland's fishermen, and they kept the kit: fully webbed paws, a thick otter tail that steers like a rudder and a short waterproof coat that sheds most of the lake with one good shake. That makes the Lab the easiest all-rounder here for a family that swims, paddles and visits the beach. Drop ears trap moisture, so dry the canals after each swim, and keep an eye on the waistline, because Labs put on weight easily and carry a known risk of hip and elbow dysplasia.