What Dog Breeds Can’t Swim?
non-swimming dog breeds

Splish, Splash, Stay Safe! Dog Breeds That Can’t Swim

Imagine a sunny afternoon by your pool–a perfect setting for relaxation–and you want your family pet to join in the fun. But not every dog can splash around with boundless energy, since not all dogs are instinctive swimmers. Some breeds, despite their love for water, simply aren’t equipped to paddle efficiently. Understanding which dog breeds can’t swim can be a lifesaver, especially if you have a pool and pets.

Having a dog doesn’t make you an expert on dog breeds, so let us help explain which dogs should stay far from your pool without a life jacket.

Dogs That Can’t Swim

1. Pug

Pugs – as adorable as their little smushed faces and compact bodies are – aren’t built for swimming. Their short snouts make breathing difficult while paddling, and their stocky build doesn’t lend itself well to buoyancy or making a paddling motion with their legs.

Due to these traits, Pugs can tire easily in water, increasing the risk of drowning. It’s crucial for Pug owners to carefully monitor their pets near pools and provide proper safety equipment, like life jackets.

2. Basset Hound

With their long bodies and short legs, Basset Hounds don’t exactly look like good swimmers. In this case, their looks were not deceiving. This breed struggles with balance and propulsion in water, making swimming a challenging task. Their low center of gravity and heavy bones mean they can easily sink. Owners should be aware of these traits when choosing the right accessories for their pool.

3. Boxer

Boxers are athletic, but their muscular physique can work against them in water. Their deep chests and powerful limbs are excellent for land activities, but they can lead to difficulties in staying afloat. Boxers thrive with exercise, so engaging them with land games and ensuring they’re safe around pools is imperative.

4. Bulldogs

Both English and French Bulldogs share a common struggle with swimming. Their short, stout frames and brachycephalic (short-nosed) faces hinder effective swimming. These breeds also tire quickly, which poses a serious risk when swimming. Owners of Bulldogs should prioritize water safety by keeping them away from deep water or ensuring they wear a life jacket.

5. Corgi

Corgis may be famous for their adorable appearance and herding skills, but swimming isn’t their forte. With short legs and long bodies, they face challenges similar to Basset Hounds. Their dense bodies are prone to sinking, so Corgi owners should be vigilant and use flotation devices when near water.

6. Dachshund

Known for their elongated bodies and short legs, Dachshunds have a unique build that isn’t conducive to swimming. Their small stature means their bodies sit lower in the water, which can lead to struggles with buoyancy.

Despite their playful and adventurous nature, Dachshunds should be closely supervised around water and provided with life jackets if they want to try their paw at swimming.

7. Shih Tzu

These charming, toy-sized dogs with luxurious coats often face challenges in the water due to their small frames and short muzzles. Shih Tzus are not strong swimmers because their dense coats can become waterlogged, weighing them down.

Owners need to keep a close watch on these dogs and ensure they are safe when near water, as well as opting for shallow, controlled environments if swimming is desired.

8. Maltese

Maltese dogs, characterized by their petite size and long, flowing fur, can struggle in aquatic settings. Their lightweight bodies and heavy coats can make staying afloat difficult. The breed’s small size further increases the risk of tiring quickly in the water.

To protect these delicate companions, owners should avoid deep waters and make use of appropriate flotation devices if swimming is necessary.

9. Scottish Terrier

Scottish Terriers, or Scotties, have a rugged, solid build that is more suited for land activities than aquatic adventures. With their short legs and heavy-set bodies, they often find it challenging to propel themselves efficiently through water.

While they have a brave demeanor, their swimming ability is limited, and extra precautions should be taken to keep them safe around water. Owners should always prioritize supervision and consider protective gear for these beloved pets.

10. Pekingese

Pekingese dogs are known for their regal appearance and distinctive lion-like manes, but they’re not natural swimmers. Their compact, brachycephalic bodies make it difficult for them to stay afloat and breathe comfortably while swimming.

These dogs can tire quickly due to their short snouts and thick coats. Owners should ensure that their Pekingese dogs are never left unattended around water. You should go so far as to consider using flotation devices if swimming is attempted.

11. Chow Chow

Chow Chows are recognized for their unique appearance with a dense double coat and broad, powerful build. Their buoyancy is compromised by their heavy bodies, and the dense fur can become waterlogged, weighing them down significantly.

Chow Chow owners should take extra precautions to keep these dogs safe around water, opting for shallow wading areas rather than swimming.

12. Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Despite being athletic and energetic, Staffordshire Bull Terriers often have difficulty swimming. Their muscular build and deep, wide chests can impede their ability to stay buoyant in water.

They do not naturally take to swimming and, therefore, require careful supervision and safety measures when near pools or open water. Owners should ensure that these dogs wear life vests for any swimming activities.

13. Lhasa Apso

Lhasa Apsos are small, sturdy dogs with long, flowing coats that aren’t ideally suited for swimming. Their size and coat can make them less buoyant, increasing the risk of accidents in water. To ensure their safety, Lhasa Apso owners should keep an eye on them around water and consider using flotation aids if swimming cannot be avoided.

Contact Aqua Leisure Pools and Spas For Help With Your Pool

Understanding which dog breeds can’t swim is a crucial step in ensuring your pet’s safety around water. By identifying breeds that may struggle, you can take the necessary precautions to protect them from potential hazards. Implementing safety tips like life jackets, gradual water introductions, and constant supervision will keep your furry friends safe while enjoying their time by the pool.

Don’t wait until it’s too late to prioritize your pet’s safety around water. For those interested in making their pools dog-safe or learning more about pool solutions, check out Aqua Leisure’s offerings. With a variety of fiberglass swimming pools, Aqua Leisure prioritizes durability and safety while providing an enjoyable swimming experience for both owners and pets. Contact us today for more information.

Posted by Aqua Leisure Pools & Spas in Pools