Cross Breeds - What types of dogs are good on boats?

What types of dogs are good on boats?

I plan to eventually sail through the Caribbean to the equator. Would any breeds of dogs be able to make a journey such as this?

Public Comments

protuguese water spaniels. they are pretty good on water and wknt get sea sick
labrador retrievers love water but I don't know what to tell you about the poop
st bernard
A Yellow LAB! Great companion an Great in the water....And VERY SMART!
If you train them, Labs. Labs are water dogs, but always love to be with you
I was raised on a boat and the guy in the slip next to us had a miniature poodle. That thing went down to Mexico and back every year with no problem. There was also a family with two mutts, one with a golden retriever, and one with two black labs. Personally we had some spaniel mutt. They all lived on the boats quite fine, but not all of them liked the water. Some hated it. They will need help getting back aboard or on the dock if they fall in, it's too steep for them to do it themselves. It's a bit dangerous living on a boat, especially with the hatches. One of our neighbors lost a small dog when he fell down into the generator room. I aslo know of a cat that lost a hind leg when it fell off the roof onto the deck... I think most dogs will be fine on a boat. I've never seen one get seasick or be afraid of boats before. Just be sure to keep an eye out for them.
American Water Spaniel...and you have to love that MOP TOP of a head..reminds me of Kramer from Seinfeld!
My chihuahua is always out on my boat with me. She's great and loves fishing. I had a golden retriever, but only took him out once. He loves swimming and kept jumping in. I suggest not taking a big swimmer out, unless he's well trained to stay in boat.
While I'm a huge fan of the water dogs, I'm assuming that space and supplies are going to be at a premium. So, with all due respect to my Labradors, I'd say a small, short haired dog. Any dog, if given time and opportunity will learn to adjust to a sail boat and even enjoy water. But the thing is, the dog's more than likely not going to be swimming along side, regardless of breed. So, again, a small, short haired dog that doesn't take up too much space and doesn't eat or drink too much of your fresh water. Have you considered a cat? Cat's have a big time maritime heritage!
I have a miniature pinscher and a husky who LOVES the water! when I take them to the lake they jump right in. It's all about how you train them. If they are around the water at a young age its more likey they will like it. Just be sure whatever dog you get that you don't pressure them to like the water. I started by taking my miniature pinscher with me to the lake and when she watched me go into the water she wanted to go too. Then I would pick her up and put her in but only far enough so she could touch the bottom without going completely under. I would praise her once she was in the water and ever since then she does it by herself =) They have dog life jackets of all sizes that I would recommend if your taking your dog out on a boat. You can never be to careful! Esp if you can't keep your eyes on your dog at all times.
you need a small dog not a big one ... i lived on a small sailboat with my jack russell terrier for almost six months and it was fine ... even when we were sailing, i had a small tray for her to do her business ... it took me a bit to train her not to jump off the boat because she LOVES to swim :O) she loved being on the boat ... http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo349/hoolagal/scan0001-1.jpg
none!
Boxer