Dogs, like any other creature, have both strengths and weaknesses. That why some are kind and lovely family pets while some are professionally trained to do human’s jobs. Overall, they are human’s best friends.
In this post, we’re sharing 12 dog breeds that are not good at swimming. This doesn’t mean that these dogs do not enjoy playing in the water. They are just unskilled swimmers. And, don’t forget to put on a life vest for them when they want to chill in the sea or in the pool. Although these dogs were not born swimmers, they perform well at other fields. Just love and treat your dogs the way they deserve.
1. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are known for their sad-looking. Large heads, dense bone structure, long, thick torsos and disproportionately short legs, making them bad swimmers. Not just that, their ong, floppy ears also trap water and provide the perfect environment for infection-causing yeast and bacteria.
2. Bulldog
Well, many videos of surfing Bulldogs out there may fool you! Bulldogs have excellent balance, but their huge heads, deep chests, dense bodies, and short legs make swimming very difficult. In addition, these guys are brachycephalic, and prone to breathing difficulties – especially during exercise.
If these guys love joining you at the beach or by the pool, just wear a life vest for him.
3. French Bulldog
These guys have all the same physical limitations of their English Bulldog cousins, albeit to a lesser extent. Just make sure they’re monitored closely for signs of distress while enjoying the water.
4. Pug
Pugs have all the same body traits as tiny Bulldog. This means that these guys are not born swimmers. Another brachycephalic breed, the Pug has a short snout, narrow nostrils and an elongated soft palate that can block the airway during exercise or excitement.
Because their faces are flat, Pugs must tilt their heads far back to ensure their noses and mouths stay above the waterline. As a result, their body becomes vertical rather than horizontal, and they must paddle even harder to keep from sinking.
5. Daschund
Daschunds are remarkable athletes on land, but it doesn’t mean they also perform well in the water. These sassy little hot-dogs are relatively lightweight with longer muzzles, so they do not face the respiratory issues that affect Brachycephalic breeds.
However, their long bodies and short legs require these dogs to work extremely hard and exhaust quite quickly when swimming. This poor endurance and short stature makes drowning a very real risk – even in shallow water.
6. Pekingese
Having a flat, brachycephalic facial structure and short legs, Pekingese find it extremely risky to swim. In addition, these dogs are not particularly strong, muscular or athletic and tire quickly during exercise.
Fit your pooch with a life vest is a must!
7. Boxer
Boxers have long legs and powerfully muscled bodies, making them look like natural-born swimmers. Actually, these dogs are predisposed to many of the same respiratory problems as their smaller, flat-faced cousins. This breed is considered brachycephalic, so they may struggle to keep their noses and mouths above water or face respiratory distress and over-exertion if left to swim for too long.
However, Boxers love to run and splash in the shallows, so let them enjoy the water in a kiddie pool, a sprinkler or a game of fetch!
8. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Corgis are also very athletic and powerful – on land. But their dense, barrel-shaped bodies and short legs are what prevent them from playing water sports well.
If they want to join you in water, let them enjoy splashing in the shallows, wading in a kiddie pool, or sniffing the sea air from the safety of your boat.
9. Bull Terrier
The athletic Bull Terriers are unfortunately born swimmers. Their dense, solidly muscled body and short legs can make swimming a challenge.
Not just that, these guys have a large, heavy head that tends to be disproportionate to his body, making it difficult to hold above water as he paddles.
10. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus have short legs, flat face and dense coats that can weigh them down in the water or cover their face, making breathing harder. That’s the reason why these little dogs may panic in the water.
11. Chow Chow
Chows were born as bad swimmers. They have thick, dense coat, deep chest, short legs and flattened muzzle. While in water, these dogs are easy to get over-exertion, respiratory distress and water-logging.
Additionally, their notoriously stubborn nature and you have a potential seaside disaster!
12. Shar Pei
Shar Peis’s shorter muzzles and narrowed nostrils are what make swimming challenging to them. In addition, their wrinkly skin and short, tight ears trap moisture and are notoriously prone to infections. Romping in the sand is a much safer choice for these pups!