The Dog Breeds That Donโ€™t Like Water

BY | September 26 | COMMENTS PUBLISHED BY
The Dog Breeds That Donโ€™t Like Water

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Certain breeds of dogs such as Golden Retrievers and Labrador love getting wet. The moment they see a kiddie pool, lake, sea, or any water body, they don’t think twice about jumping in. While this may sound surprising to you, there are breeds of dogs that don’t like water at all. These canines prefer to soak in the sun rather than get wet. Certain breeds of dogs such as Golden Retrievers and Labrador love getting wet. The moment they see a kiddie pool, lake, sea, or any water body, they don’t think twice about jumping in. While this may sound surprising to you, there are breeds of dogs that don’t like water at all. These canines prefer to soak in the sun rather than get wet.Here are seven dog breeds that dislike water:

  1. Boxers: According to the American Boxer Club, these canines are not known to be good at swimming. Due to their deep chest and lack of tail, they don’t have the build to swim, unlike other canine breeds. On the other hand, you can teach them how to swim if you are willing to put in the effort (treats and time).
  2. Basset Hound: Basset Hounds are not natural swimmers because of their short legs and stocky and long bodies. When they are in water, the back part of their body starts to sink while the front half floats. As a result of this, Basset Hounds are in an inefficient and uncomfortable vertical position.
  3. Dachshund: Dachshunds find it quite hard to swim because of their short legs and long bodies. Due to this body structure, they have to put in extra effort to stay afloat and swim. If you put a Dachshund in water, it won’t be comfortable because its feet can’t touch the ground. However, with patience, you can teach Dachshunds to like water.
  4. Hairless Chinese Crested: As these breed of canines lack hair for insulation, they are extremely sensitive to colder temperatures. It is easy for them to feel cold when they are in water. On top of that as canines have a higher body temperature, Hairless Chinese Crested will feel cold faster than normal.
  5. Maltese: Maltese are another breed of dogs that don’t like getting into water bodies. When they become older, their tracheas weaken. As a result of this, it is much harder for them to breathe in old age. Swimming is a strenuous activity, making it hard for Maltese. Bathing them is the only way to get them near water.
  6. Greyhound: Although Greyhounds are the fastest breed of canines in the world, they can’t use that ability when they are in water. They loose balance when they are in water, making it harder for them to swim. At the same time, their lanky, skinny, and long legs make it harder to swim and stay afloat.
  7. Pomeranian: When it comes to activities that require high levels of agility, Pomeranians are excellent. However, it is a completely different story when you put them in water. Due to their short legs, they find it hard to swim.

These are the dog breeds that don’t like water. If you have any questions regarding this topic, feel free to leave a comment below!

5 Dog Breeds That Prefer To Stay Away From The Water

Most people expect their furry companions to be good swimmers. That might not always be the case. It is natural to want your dog to accompany you to the beach and maybe cool off with a swim in the lake. But not all dogs are great swimmers. In fact, some breeds prefer to stay as far away from the water as possible. Although these dogs are adorable, dog parents should take special care to leave them at home or someplace safe when going somewhere with water.Breeds that don’t do very well in water are typically ones that have smaller frames with stubby legs. The way some dogs are built puts them in danger of sinking to the bottom as soon as they enter the water. Here are 7 dog breeds that are not great swimmers while they’re still adorable.

  1. Pugs: These adorable little dogs are famous for their squished in faces and quirky snorts. Dogs that look like this are more commonly known as brachycephalic dogs. These dogs would need to tilt their head upwards in order to stay afloat and doing that would lead to the rest of their body to point downwards, which makes them achieve a vertical position while they’re in the water, causing them to sink.
  2. Dachshunds: Although Dachshunds can be taught to swim, they aren’t the best contenders in the water. Their stubby legs make it very hard for them to paddle properly. These adorable pets prefer other fun activities inland. They’re especially good at burrowing, hunting, and fetching.
  3. Basset Hounds: Basset hounds currently hold the record for having the world’s longest ears. Basset hounds have a dense bone structure and short legs. They can still hunt and track inland as long as there’s no water in the way. Although they can swim, they aren’t really good at it. They carry two-thirds of their entire body weight in the front of their body and that makes it difficult for them to stay afloat.
  4. Bulldogs: These are dogs that also fall into the brachycephalic category. Known to be sturdy and dense, they do much better when they’re not in the water. They have short legs that make paddling a big hurdle. It also makes supporting their weight very difficult.
  5. Maltese: These are indoor dogs that are satisfied sitting on your lap and looking cute. This breed is capable of swimming and even paddling but there are certain health conditions that may arise from too much time in the water. The Maltese breed is more at risk for acquiring arthritis, rheumatism, and chills. Taking this breed on a swim with you can worsen his predisposed conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What breed of dog cannot swim?

Many dog breeds cannot swim. These include pugs, French bulldogs, dachshunds, greyhounds, hairless Chinese crested, Shih Tzu, and basset hounds. Their inability to swim depends on various factors. In some cases, these dogs cannot swim because they are too heavy. In other situations, it is the dog breed’s standard height that gets in the way of their swimming. Apart from physical builds, health issues can also prevent a dog from swimming. Some of the breeds mentioned above, although can swim, are not too fond of it mostly because of their physical build. These dogs are not good swimmers, which is why they are often considered in the category of dogs that cannot swim.

Do basset hounds like water?

No, basset hounds do not like water. Like many other dog breeds, basset hounds have physical limitations that prevent them from swimming properly. These dogs have short legs and a dense bone structure. Because of such limitations, their ability to swim like many other dog breeds is almost always put to the test. Basset hounds can swim, but they are not that good at it. Because of that, this dog breed is often considered in the category of dogs that cannot swim.

What dog likes water the most?

Many dogs are good swimmers, and hence, you can say that they like water and enjoy being in it. These dog breeds include the Irish water spaniel, Lagotto Romagnolo, Newfoundland, otterhound, Gordon setter, Brittany, Portuguese water dog, etc. Their ability to swim depends on their physical build and health. Dogs that are too short, too heavy, have a dense bone structure, or have certain health issues, are not good swimmers, and do not like water. However, dogs that enjoy water almost always have a good physical build with little to no health issues.

Should you throw your dog in the pool?

You should never throw your dog in the pool forcefully. Instead, you should let your dog decide whether or not it wants to get in the pool. It is also up to the dog to decide how deep into the water it wants to go. Remember to check on chlorine and pH levels if your dog is getting into the pool. You must also make sure that the pool drains are not clogged with your dog’s hair.

Is swimming stressful for dogs?

No, swimming is not stressful for dogs. However, certain dog breeds are not fond of swimming or getting into the water in any capacity. For these dog breeds, swimming can get stressful.

Do some dog breeds hate water?

Yes, some breeds are known for being less enthusiastic about water activities than others due to their physical or behavioral characteristics. For instance, many smaller breeds, like Chihuahuas or Pomeranians, may be reluctant to enter cold water due to their reduced tolerance for it. Bulldogs and breeds with short muzzles, such as pugs, may have trouble breathing and may struggle in the water. Breeds with large bodies or short legs, like basset hounds or dachshunds, may also struggle to swim and feel uneasy in deeper water. Additionally, certain breeds may be less interested in aquatic sports because of a propensity to specific habits. For instance, many terrier breeds were originally bred for hunting rodents on land and may not have been exposed to water-based activities. They may most likely prefer to stay on dry land, where they feel more confident and comfortable.

Is there a breed of dog that can’t swim?

Yes, because of their physical makeup, some dog breeds have more trouble swimming than others. As previously said, breeds with short legs, hefty bodies, or short muzzles may struggle in the water. This group includes several of the breeds described, including basset hounds, French bulldogs, and pugs. It's crucial to remember that while some dogs might not be natural swimmers, the majority can learn to swim with the right instruction and direction. It is critical to observe dogs near water and provide them with necessary safety precautions to safeguard their well-being, regardless of their swimming abilities.

Do dogs like being in the water?

Whether or not a dog enjoys being in the water depends on a variety of factors, including their breed, temperament, and past experiences with water. Some dogs love being in the water and will happily swim and play for hours, while others may be more hesitant or even fearful of the water. Breeds that were originally developed for aquatic sports, such as retrievers or spaniels, may have a natural love for water and like swimming and retrieving items from the water. Other breeds, like poodles and Portuguese water dogs, were developed with swimming in mind and frequently prefer the water. However, it's essential to keep in mind that every dog is unique and could have certain preferences when it comes to water. Some dogs may be afraid of or avoid the water because they have had unpleasant experiences with it in the past, such as getting caught in a current or going through a traumatic event.

What dog fur repels water?

Breeds with coats that are water-repellent or quick-drying include the Airedale, Newfoundland, Labrador Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, and Otterhound. These dogs are noted for their love of the water. For instance, the Newfoundland has a thick, double coat that keeps them dry and protects them from the cold. Another well-known breed that enjoys being in the water, the Labrador Retriever, has a short, dense coat that keeps them warm and dry while swimming. Irish Water Spaniels are a fantastic alternative for persons with allergies because of their characteristic curly coat, which is both water-repellent and hypoallergenic. Similarly, breeds with oily or greasy coats, such as the Basset Hound or Bloodhound, may also be more resistant to water due to the natural oils in their skin and fur. You should keep in mind, however, that while some dog breeds may have more water-resistant coats than others, no dog is completely waterproof, and all dogs should be supervised around water to ensure their safety.

Should I Push My Dog In Water?

No, you should not. Pushing your dog into the water is not advised and might be dangerous. When it comes to swimming, dogs vary in their comfort and skill levels, and putting them into the water against their will can result in distress and anxiety. For dogs, swimming may be a beneficial and joyful experience, but it should always be introduced gradually and under supervision. It's crucial to keep in mind that not all dogs are adept swimmers, and some can even be afraid of the water. It is ideal to introduce your dog to swimming in a careful and friendly manner, as this will ensure their comfort and foster trust. Consult a veterinarian or a professional dog trainer if you have any worries or questions regarding your dog's swimming ability or comfort in the water. They can offer advice and aid in designing a swimming schedule that fits your dog's particular requirements and capabilities.

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