Are dogs natural swimmers? Tips and Tricks

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While you may have assumed that all dogs are natural swimmers, this isnt necessarily true. Yes, some dog breeds do well when theyre in water, but other dog breeds may be more likely to struggle in the water no matter how much they dog paddle. Take a look at the list below of dog breeds that cant swim.

Cream-colored pug in harness walking on a beach at sunset.As a rule, dog breeds that cant swim tend to have some common characteristics, says American Kennel Club (AKC). For example, brachycephalic breeds — those with flat faces or extremely short snouts — are generally unsuited for swimming because its too easy to get water up their noses, making them a drowning risk. Dogs with large, barrel-shaped bodies struggle to stay afloat, as do dogs with long bodies and short legs. Dogs with long coats or thick double coats can also struggle with swimming. Finally, some breeds simply cannot withstand the shock to their system brought on by a plunge into cold water.

Wondering which dog breeds cant swim? Here are some of the more commonly known dog breeds that might prefer staying on land. If you have one of the following dog breeds listed below, it might be worth reconsidering those regular beach trips.

Both English bulldogs and French bulldogs possess the triple threat of flat faces, barrel-shaped bodies and short legs. In other words, bulldogs simply arent made for swimming. Only one of these traits would make swimming a challenge for these dogs, imagine having all three! So, in the land of dog breeds that cant swim, bulldogs are king.

While pugs might enjoy wading and splashing in shallow water, their flat faces make breathing a challenge during the best of times. Add in the exertion of trying to keep their head above water, and its hard to get pugs to stay above water. For many brachycephalic breeds, including pugs, keeping their faces above water means tilting their heads back so far that their back ends dip too low, says PetGuide.

Despite belonging to the active terrier group, the bull terriers combination of short legs and a deep chest makes it struggle to stay afloat. Even the breeds close cousin, the Staffordshire bull terrier, who is a much larger dog, wouldnt necessarily make a better swimmer as the dense, heavy muscle and oversized head on this breed also presents a challenge for these dogs in the water.

Besides the fact that the body of a basset hound isnt designed for swimming (with their large heads and short legs that make it difficult to stay afloat), the large, floppy ears that are the trademark of this breed are prone to infections when water gets in the ear canal.

This is another large, athletic breed you might think would be a natural-born swimmer. But the flat face on the boxer makes swimming just as dangerous for these dogs as it is for the more diminutive pug. The struggle to breathe and keep their noses above water means boxers may tire quickly and run the risk of drowning if in the water too long.

Despite having an affinity for water, neither the Cardigan Welsh corgi nor the Pembroke Welsh corgi are strong swimmers. This is due to the combination of a long body, barrel-shaped chest and disproportionately short legs. So, its best to let them enjoy splashing in shallow water.

As with corgis, the elongated body and short legs of dachshunds make them poor swimmers. Even swimming in shallow water can tire the dachshunds little legs out to the point of danger. Keep a close eye on them when theyre around any amount of water.

Like many of the smaller breeds, shih tzus have a number of disadvantages when it comes to swimming. Not only can the shortened muzzle and small legs make it difficult to keep their nose and mouth out of the water, but their long, full coat can weigh this breed down and also cover the face, making breathing even more of a challenge. These little dogs can also catch a chill from spending too much time in the water.

A lot of people believe that all dogs are born with the ability to swim instinctively. It can be a deadly misconception.

Turns out there are three types of dogs: those who can swim, those who can swim but need help, and those who have a unique ability of sinking like a rock in any aqueous situation.

Dogs are born with a lot of natural instincts. Given the fact that there is a swimming style we all know as the “doggy paddle,” wouldn’t it make sense that swimming was one of these natural instincts?

Many dogs, if held above water, will automatically start their doggy paddle in the air. They see water, and their legs start cranking in that familiar, peddling motion. It seems like all you need to do is drop them in and watch them go.

If you have a dog who has the physical ability to swim but not the nerve to back it up, you can slowly introduce them to the idea of swimming. You can try encouraging your dog by going into a swallow part of the water and seeing if your dog follows.

Can Dogs That Don’t Have Webbed Feet Swim?

The thin membrane on your dog’s toes is called webbing.

Even though all dogs have webbed feet, some breeds have prominent webbing between their toes.

Breeds with prominent webbing tend to be more natural or better swimmers. But can dogs that don’t have webbed feet swim as well?

Webbing provides stability for walking and additional help for swimming in water.

If your dog does not have prominent webbed feet, they can still swim, but it would not be a good idea for them to swim. They are not natural swimmers like the Newfoundland, Portuguese Water Dog, Otterhound, German Shorthaired Pointer, and the Labrador Retriever. All of these dogs have wide, webbed feet, making it easier for them to doggie paddle in water like a pro.

Do all Dogs Know How to Swim: Dog Swimming Classes

I went to a doggie beach last week. I observed a variety of dogs. Most were just splashing about in the water that wasn’t too deep for them. Fewer dogs were paddling in deeper water. One or two dogs (bigger dog breeds) were swimming further from shore out as their owners got them to fetch the balls or sticks they had thrown to them to fetch. It made me question if all dogs find swimming comes naturally.

Are dogs natural swimmers? No, not all dogs are natural swimmers. Some dogs naturally paddle to keep them afloat as soon as you put in the water. But this does not hold true for all dog breeds.

So which breeds take to water very naturally and make good swimmers? That’s what this article will explore in detail. But please note, although swimming comes naturally to some dogs, it doesn’t mean those dogs want to swim. Sometimes, it comes down to preference, just like with humans.