9 Dog Breeds That Struggle With Swimming

Who doesn’t love to bring their pet along on vacation? Many enjoy extended getaways near lakes or rivers, often taking their pups with them. However, it’s a myth that all dogs are natural swimmers. Not all breeds enjoy splashing around in the water—some are even afraid of it. 

Pups love to swim but not all dogs are born swimmers, some are even afraid of it. Some larger dog breeds thrive in water and some show aversion to water. Breeds with longer legs tend to handle swimming quite well as compared to breeds with smaller legs.

Learning how to swim ensures every dog stays safe in the water. While breeds like Labrador Retrievers are strong swimmers, others, such as Bulldogs, may struggle and can’t swim well. It’s vital to provide training and supervision, regardless of your dog’s natural swimming ability. Prioritize water safety to help your dog learn to swim and enjoy water activities safely.

Why Some Dog Breeds Can’t Swim

Some dog breeds don’t cherish being around water and have difficulty staying afloat due to their low body fat. dogs with big flat faces and short snouts, such as Bulldogs and Pugs, typically don’t excel at swimming.

Additionally, dogs with thick coats or lots of fur around their bodies face difficulties as swimmers because their fur absorbs water, becomes heavy, and impedes their ability to stay afloat. Breeds such as Huskies and Malamutes, known for their dense double coats, may find swimming challenging. 

Certain breeds are naturally adept at swimming due to their physical build, while others may find it more challenging. To ensure your dog’s safety, it is essential to provide life jackets. Teaching your dog to dog paddle should be a top priority for developing strong swimming skills.

Here are some commonly known dog breeds that can’t swim. If you have any of these breeds, you should take precautionary measures to ensure your pup’s safety.

9 Dog Breeds That Can’t Swim

1. Chow Chow

Dog Breeds With The Strongest Bite Force

The Chow Chow has a history spanning almost 2,000 years. Their thick, stunning coat is also the reason they dislike water—it becomes wet and heavy as soon as they enter it. As a result, these pups prefer to stay on dry land. Chow Chows are least obident pups so remember to train them well before taking them out on your adventures and vacations.

So if you are thinking of taking your Chow Chow on a boat ride, make sure to bring a life jacket for them. Here’s some advice for your Fluffy dog: its thick coat can make them overheat in the summer, so be a responsible pet parent and cool them off with a hose now and then.

Be sure to put a safety net around your home pool if you have one. This will help keep your kids and Chow Chow safe from accidents. Also, never force your dog, as you might end up scaring him.

2. Boxer

Boxers are mainly bred for guarding and herding purposes. They are also used as military dogs in modern times. Due to their muscular build and weight, they are not comfortable in water, as their broad chest and powerful body are not suitable for swimming.

Moreover, If you take a look at their overall body structure, you will notice that boxers have short snouts, which makes breathing difficult. They can’t hold their breath for too long underwater, so it’s risky. The boxer is not your floppy-eared dog, but they have short ears, so water can also get in them.

Additionally, these guard dog breeds can still enjoy the water, whether it’s from a hose or a small pool. Boxers love cooling off with water, especially during the summer season.

3. Bulldog

Dog Breeds With The Strongest Bite Force

Bulldogs are not typically known as water dogs because they were bred for other purposes, such as hunting. Also known famously for bullbaiting, these short-legged pups are not great swimmers. These muscular dogs have quite a reputation for being protective of their families worldwide.

Moreover, with their short bodies and muscular structure, swimming is a challenge for these dogs. Furthermore, the bulldog’s cute short snout makes it difficult for them to breathe underwater. However, they still enjoy cooling off, so don’t forget to give them a cool shower.

The doggy paddle is the natural swimming style for most dogs. However, bulldogs, with their small feet, are unable to propel enough force, so they normally start to drown. Therefore, pet parents must be very alert whenever playing near a pool or pond.

4. Bull Terrier

Unlike some breeds that have been historically bred for swimming and water retrieval, Bull Terriers don’t have an instinct for swimming. They may require more training to become comfortable in the water. These athletic dogs enjoy walks and runs, but they may not be comfortable near water. 

Bull terriers have slightly larger heads than most dogs, making it more challenging to stay afloat in water. As a result, it is crucial to properly supervise bull terriers when they are near or in water. This dog breed is among the friendliest dog breeds out there and you can train them to swim or stay afloat in a short period.

Teaching your Bull Terrier to swim is similar to teaching a child, especially in shallow water. Remember to have your pup wear a life vest. With proper training and guidance, your Bull Terrier can learn to swim. Just remember not to be too hard on them.

5. Maltese

The Maltese toy dog breed is celebrated worldwide for its stunning coat and irresistible charm. These confident little dogs have a long history, yet they face challenges in water due to their thick coat, which becomes wet and heavy, hindering their ability to swim effectively.

This breed doesn’t enjoy water as much because of its short limbs and muzzles compared to dogs with larger muzzles. Their small, cute legs don’t generate enough force to propel them forward in water.

Maltese dogs may initially struggle in the water, but they can learn to float with proper supervision and care. Just ensure they stay in shallow water. Also, check out Maltese as an indoor companion and find out why they are among the best indoor dog breeds out there.

6. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are adorable lap dogs that love socializing and playing with toys and children. Due to their small size, they may struggle with swimming.

Moreover, These puppies are poor swimmers due to their short legs and other physical characteristics, such as their flat faces. Their beautiful coat may look good at first, but it quickly becomes heavy and hinders their ability to stay afloat when wet. It is best to keep them away from water, especially when they are young puppies.

These adorable and sensitive dogs are prone to catching a cold if they stay in water for too long, so it’s important to stay alert. When dealing with hot weather, it’s crucial to cool them down by hosing them once a day.

7. Corgi

Corgis are, athletic, confident, and love to play on land but when it comes to water they may panic in the water so dog owners must be careful. Corgis are not dogs are natural-born swimmers but they do fairly well the the other breeds because of them being easily trainable.

I remember taking my Corgi dog, Max, to the lake for the first time. He was eager and curious, but as soon as he went in, I could see him struggling to swim, even though the water was no higher than his chest. 

Furthermore, If your corgi still gets excited near water and loves swimming, you can organize other fun water activities and confidently teach your dog to swim safely. Just make sure the water temperature is normal and use dog life jackets.

8. Pug

pug

Pugs are adored worldwide especially among dog breeds in the UK because they make such cuddly family pets. Due to their flat, wrinkled face and small bodies, they struggle with swimming because of these physical traits.

If you’ve ever seen a Pug, you might already know that they have short legs, which makes it difficult for them to paddle in water. This puts them at risk of drowning.  So stay near them when they’re in the water.

Additionally, Pugs often experience respiratory health issues, so it’s important to keep them safe from activities like swimming, ensuring that the water is no higher than about 6-8 inches. Pugs enjoy swimming in shallow water and are surely not built for water sports.

9. Basset Hound

These dogs were primarily bred for hunting due to their exceptional sense of smell. However, their unique physical characteristics, which include short legs, long backs, and deep chests, make swimming a real challenge for them.

Basset hounds are known for their beautiful floppy ears, which are a trademark feature. It’s important to be cautious because their ears can get infected if water enters the ear canal. Additionally, these cute pups can easily panic and may end up hurting themselves if their owners are not present.

To ensure your dog’s safety, it’s essential to bring a life jacket if you choose to vacation near a pool or lake. This way, your dog can explore and have a great time without any worries. This rare dog breed needs a lot of care so don’t let them go out without any supervision.

Final Word

When thinking about dog breeds that may not have a natural talent for swimming, it is crucial to prioritize your dog’s safety when they are near water, regardless of their breed. It is essential to introduce your dog to swimming slowly and to always supervise them to ensure their confidence and safety in the water.

With patient guidance and positive reinforcement, many dogs can come to enjoy water activities. It is also important to have fresh drinking water available at all times, especially during outdoor activities, to keep your dog hydrated and in good health.

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