Reviewed by Dr. Fiona Lee
Swimming comes naturally for many dogs, but that doesn't mean all dogs can swim. Some dogs may need encouragement or swimming lessons to become comfortable in the water, and certain health conditions may affect a dog's ability to swim.
It's really important to understand your dog's unique swimming ability and comfort level around water so you can keep your pup safe on your daily walks and adventures. Even a natural swimming breed may not enjoy being in the water or ever learn to swim, so don't assume they'll love it just because of their breed.
The Natural Swimmers: Breeds Built for the Water
Certain dog breeds are inherently drawn to water due to their genetic makeup and evolutionary history. For example, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers and Irish Water Spaniels both have waterproof coats that help them stay warm in icy lakes and rivers.1 Other dogs, like the Labrador Retriever, have been bred for a sporting purpose (to retrieve waterfowl) and have become expert swimmers through this breeding, even developing webbed toes and a broad tail to power them through the water.2
Water-loving breeds include:1
- American Water Spaniel
- Barbet
- Boykin Spaniel
- Chesapeake Bay Retriever
- Curly-Coated Retriever
- English Setter
- Flat-Coated Retriever
- Irish Water Spaniel
- Labrador Retriever
- Lagotto Romagnolo
- Newfoundland
- Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
- Otterhound
- Portuguese Water Dog
- Spanish Water Dog
- Standard Poodle
The Non-Swimmers: Breeds Less Inclined To Take the Plunge
Not all dogs are enthusiastic about water, and some breeds may even find swimming challenging due to physical traits. Pugs, for example, have very flat snouts that cause breathing problems, making them panic in water. Corgis and Dachshunds both have long bodies and short legs, which can make them physically unable to stay afloat when swimming. Their stunted legs are the result of a shared mutation that has been purposely bred into their genome.3
Examples of breeds that may struggle in the water include:4, 5
Factors Affecting a Dog's Swimming Ability
While your dog's breed may affect their swimming ability, their personality and life experiences also play a big role in their comfort around water. That's why it's important to safely introduce your dog to water early, when they're still a puppy, so they have good associations with water and swimming.6
You can teach your dog to swim by encouraging them to enter the water—throw a toy or get in with them. Being in the water with your dog also allows you to teach them how to exit the water safely and to monitor them closely for signs of exhaustion, the leading cause of drowning in dogs.7 Start in shallow bodies of water, and equip them with a canine life jacket or flotation device.
However, even with swimming lessons, health conditions like arthritis, heart disease or epilepsy may make swimming too risky or unadvised, particularly in older dogs.8
Understanding Your Dog's Comfort Level in the Water
Your dog's ability to swim and enjoyment of swimming is closely related to their breed and genetics, and some dogs are just more suited to swimming than others. For example, Labrador Retrievers love to splash through the water to claim their prize and return it to their owner, and Newfoundlands have innate skills that make them good at water rescues.1
Key signs your dog likes the water
With careful observation, you may see the following signs that your dog enjoys swimming:
Eager approach
A dog excitedly approaching the water is a positive sign. Tail wagging, ears perked up and a happy demeanor suggest a willingness to explore the water.
Playful behavior
Dogs that enjoy swimming often exhibit enthusiastic behavior in the water. This can include chasing waves, splashing around or even playfully interacting with other dogs in the water.
Willingness to enter water
If a dog willingly enters the water without hesitation, it indicates a level of comfort. Dogs that enjoy swimming may even initiate water play on their own.
Relaxed body language
A dog that is comfortable in the water will display a relaxed body posture. This includes a loose tail, ears in a natural position and a lack of signs of stress or anxiety.
Repeated returns
Dogs that enjoy swimming may repeatedly return to the water after getting out. This behavior suggests they find the experience enjoyable and want to continue playing in the water.
Natural paddling
Dogs with a natural affinity for swimming often exhibit instinctive paddling movements in the water. This can include coordinated leg movements and a buoyant body position.
Key signs your dog dislikes the water
If your dog doesn't like the water at all, they might make it clear through their behavior and actions. For example, they may:
- Back away, try to run or even hide when they see water.
- Appear tense, with a stiff posture, raised hackles or a tucked tail.
- Lift their paws to avoid getting their feet wet.
- Refuse to enter the water, even if you encourage them to do so.
Helping Your Dog Stay Safe in the Water
Even if your dog seems like a natural swimmer, it's important to always monitor them closely around water, use canine life vests where appropriate and properly dry them off to prevent dry, itchy skin and ear infections.9
Remember that all bodies of water—whether swimming pools, lakes or the ocean—can pose risks for your pet. It can be very difficult for dogs to exit pools safely, so you must take time to teach your dog how to safely find the steps to get out. Swift rivers, canals and oceans with strong currents can be particularly dangerous, so always exercise caution. Even dogs that are strong swimmers can become fatigued in rushing water.
Wherever your dog likes to splash, make sure you have plenty of drinking water with you, and discourage your dog from lapping where they swim. Chlorinated pool water, saltwater and stagnant water all pose health hazards for your pooch.9
Pets Best Is Here to Help
The next time you're considering taking your dog to the beach or the lake, take your furry friend's swimming ability and comfort into account, and you can discover newfound adventures together.
Don't forget that Pets Best dog insurance policies include access to our 24/7 Pet Helpline, where you can get advice from a veterinary expert anytime of day or night.
Sources/Citations
1. “Just Add Water! 16 Dog Breeds That Can Swim Easily," Jan Reisen (6/2023), American Kennel Club, https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/breeds-that-are-born-to-swim/, accessed February 21, 2024.
2. “Labrador Retrievers Facts You May Not Know," Mary Robins (2/2024), American Kennel Club, https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/fun-facts-labrador-retrievers/, accessed March 12, 2024.
3. “PCYT1A Missense Variant in Vizslas with Disproportionate Dwarfism," Odette Ludwig-Peisker et al. (12/2022), Genes, https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4425/13/12/2354, accessed March 12, 2024.
4. "Can All Dogs Swim? And How to Help Them Swim Safely," Liz Coleman (3/2024), Rover, https://www.rover.com/blog/can-all-dogs-swim/, accessed March 12, 2024.
5. "I'm a dog expert and these are the 8 non-swimming breeds that should never be allowed in water," Maria Okanrende (9/2023), Daily Mail, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-12458549/Im-dog-expert-8-non-swimming-breeds-never-allowed-water.html, accessed March 12, 2024.
6. “Go Swim! Introducing your Dog to Water Fun!" Shannon Viljasoo (3/2023), McCann Professional Dog Trainers, https://www.mccanndogs.com/blogs/articles/go-swim-introducing-your-dog-to-water-fun#, accessed February 21, 2024.
7. “How To Avoid Losing Your Pet to Secondary Drowning," (5/2022), Metropolitan Veterinary Center, https://www.metrovetchicago.com/services/blog/how-avoid-losing-your-pet-secondary-drowning, accessed February 21, 2024.
8. “Dos and don'ts of dog water safety," VCA Animal Hospitals, https://vcahospitals.com/urgent-care/health-and-safety-tips/dos-and-don-ts-of-dog-water-safety, accessed February 21, 2024.
9. “How to swim safely with your dog," (7/2023), BC SPCA, https://spca.bc.ca/news/swimming-safely-dog/#, accessed February 21, 2024.