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In 1972, summer fun didn’t come from apps, smart devices, or inflatable jungle gyms. It came from garden hoses, squeaky screen doors, and the rhythmic tick-tick-tick of the lawn sprinkler spinning in slow circles across the yard. They’d dash through the spray, bark at the water like a mischievous squirrel, and then collapse in the grass beside you like it was the best day ever (because it was). These breeds would’ve been with you every splash of the way—ears flopping, tongues out, and joy in their souls.
Labrador Retriever
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Labrador Retrievers would have been first through the sprinkler—and then back through it seventeen more times. Their love of water is matched only by their love of people, making them the perfect partner for backyard chaos. In 1972, a Lab wouldn’t just run through the sprinkler with you—they’d try to catch the water, drink half of it, and still want to keep playing long after the hose was shut off. They’d be the type to turn every puddle into a pool party and somehow track half the lawn into the house. Labs and water were meant to be together—just like you and summer break.
Golden Retriever
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Golden Retrievers would have galloped through the sprinkler like it was their job—and smiled the entire time. These golden goofballs love any excuse to be outdoors, especially if it involves running, laughing, and soaking wet hijinks. In the golden days of the ‘70s, a Golden would have been the friend who never tired of tag, always let you win, and returned for one more splash. Their thick coats might’ve held water for hours, but they wouldn’t care—they were too busy living their best soggy life beside you.
Beagle
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Beagles would have cautiously approached the sprinkler and then become absolutely obsessed with it. Their curious nature and adventurous spirit would’ve turned that rotating arc of water into an epic opponent. They’d leap, howl, dart through the mist like tiny detectives chasing a phantom criminal, and then roll triumphantly in the dirt. Beagles in the ‘70s would’ve been the muddy, joyful whirlwind of energy your mom warned you about—always a little too loud, wet, and impossible to resist.
Boxer
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Boxers would have brought the comedy. With their spring-loaded legs and a permanent look of surprised joy, Boxers would’ve turned sprinkler time into slapstick theater. They’d pounce, spin, bark at the water like it owed them money and launch into the spray with the grace of a cannonball. In 1972, your Boxer would’ve been the neighborhood’s star performer—equal parts lifeguard, goofball, and sprinkler MVP. They’d run until their tongue flopped like a windsock and then ask if you wanted to do it again.
Cocker Spaniel
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Cocker Spaniels would’ve been right there with you—soaked ears, muddy paws, and eyes full of love. Their sweet temperament and playful side made them ideal companions for lazy summer afternoons and spontaneous sprints through the water. While not as obsessed with chaos as some breeds, Cockers would have delicately trotted through the mist, gotten adorably flustered, and then flopped down for a belly rub mid-stream. In the ‘70s, they were the soulful little buddies who showed up for the fun but stayed for the cuddles.
Saint Bernard
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Okay, Saint Bernards may not have fit through the sprinkler, but they would’ve stood right in front of it like a furry dam—blocking the water, lapping it up, and wondering what all the fuss was about. Their massive frame and sweet nature made them the calm presence amid the madness. They wouldn’t run—they’d stroll through the spray like royalty entering a car wash. In 1972, your Saint Bernard would’ve been your sprinkler squad’s big, drooly mascot—cheering from the shade, occasionally getting caught in the chaos, and always offering a soggy head to lean on during popsicle breaks.
Border Collie
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Border Collies would’ve tried to organize the entire sprinkler event—timing your laps, calculating splash trajectories, and maybe even teaching the garden hose a thing or two. These brilliant, energetic dogs don’t just play—they excel at it. In 1972, a Border Collie would’ve been the fastest through the sprinkler, the one who brought the Frisbee, and the first to notice the ice cream truck down the block. If Fun had a team captain, it would’ve worn black and white fur and answered, “Good dog.”
Boston Terrier
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Boston Terriers would’ve made you laugh until you nearly passed out. With their cartoonish faces and hilarious energy bursts, these compact dynamos would’ve zipped through the sprinkler like they were chasing a ghost. They’d bark at the spray, slip on the wet grass, bounce back up, and keep going. In 1972, a Boston would’ve been the friend who showed up in tube socks and a grin, never took a break, and somehow got the dirtiest even though they were the smallest.
Australian Shepherd
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Australian Shepherds would’ve had a blast—and ensured you did, too. These playful herders would’ve zig-zagged through the water, encouraged your friends to join in, and ensured no one was left out. They’d treat sprinkler time like a job (a very fun one), making sure everyone stayed moving, laughing, and fully soaked. Back in the ‘70s, Aussies would’ve thrived on the chaos—spinning in circles, catching spray mid-air, and rounding up the fun like expert party planners on four legs.
Dachshund
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Dachshunds wouldn’t just run through the sprinkler—they’d run under it. Their low-to-the-ground stature gave them a front-row seat to every puddle, mud patch, and grassy splash zone. They’d bark at the hose, chase the spinning water, and do that signature wiggle when they got too wet and needed to express their feelings. In 1972, your Doxie would’ve been small but mighty—equal parts rebel and rascal, with zero concern for staying clean.
Poodle
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Poodles—especially Standard Poodles—would’ve brought style, sass, and serious sprinkler swagger. They’d float through the spray like elegant ballerinas, hop and spin joyfully, and then look great afterward. Even Toy and Miniature Poodles would’ve gotten in on the action, prancing through puddles like runway models with a goofy side. In the ‘70s, Poodles were the cool kids of the dog park—and they’d definitely know how to make a splash.
The Dogs Who Soaked Up Summer—And Your Lawn
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These dog breeds never minded getting drenched, never hesitated to track mud through the house, and definitely didn’t flinch when the hose water hit like a blast of Arctic air. They were there for every joyful shriek; every slip-and-slide fail, and every waterlogged memory that made summers unforgettable. If one of these dogs spent the summer of ’72 by your side, then your sprinkler wasn’t just a sprinkler—it was a portal to pure joy, unfiltered friendship, and the kind of fur-soaked fun that lasts a lifetime.
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