As a dog owner, you may have encountered a furry friend who doesn’t enjoy water as much as others do. While some dog breeds are known for their love of swimming, others have an aversion to it. In this article, we’ll discuss 15 dog breeds that don’t like the water and the characteristics of the breed that make them poor swimmers.
It’s essential to note that every dog has a unique personality, so their attitude towards water can depend on past experiences. A traumatic or scary experience with water can make a dog fearful or hesitant towards water, even if they are breeds that typically love to swim.
However, in this article, we’ll focus on the breed characteristics that may make them less likely to enjoy swimming. These include factors such as breathing problems, body shape, and size, sensitivity to cold temperatures, and a dislike of getting wet.
Without further ado, let’s dive into the 15 dog breeds that are the worst swimmers:
#1 – Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin is a toy breed that is known for its long, flowing coat and delicate appearance. Despite their regal appearance, they are not fans of the water. Their small size, short legs, and lack of stamina make swimming difficult for them.
#2 – Pug
The Pug is a brachycephalic breed, which means they have a shortened head and snout. This can make it difficult for them to breathe, especially when they are exerting themselves. Additionally, their short legs and stocky build make swimming a challenge.
#3 – French Bulldog
Like the Pug, the French Bulldog is a brachycephalic breed that can have breathing difficulties. Their heavy build and short snout also make swimming difficult for them.
#4 – Pekingese
The Pekingese is a small breed with a long, flowing coat. Their short legs and low energy level make swimming difficult for them, and their long coat can become waterlogged and weigh them down.
#5 – English Bulldog
The English Bulldog is a muscular breed with a short, stocky build. Their body shape, combined with their short legs and heavy build, make swimming difficult for them.
#6 – Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is a slender and elegant breed that was originally bred for hunting small game. While they are agile on land, their thin coat and lean body make swimming difficult for them.
#7 – Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is a fluffy, medium-sized breed that is known for its blue-black tongue and lion-like appearance. Their heavy coat can become waterlogged and weigh them down, making swimming difficult.
#8 – Chinese Shar-Pei
The Chinese Shar-Pei is a medium-sized breed with a wrinkled, distinctive appearance. While they are strong and athletic, their short legs and heavy build can make swimming a challenge.
#9 – Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a small breed with a long, flowing coat. Their short legs and low energy level make swimming difficult for them, and their long coat can become waterlogged and weigh them down.
#10 – Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso is a small breed that was originally bred as a guard dog in Tibet. Their small size, short legs, and low energy level make swimming difficult for them.
#11 – Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is a scent hound that is known for its long, droopy ears and sad eyes. Their short legs and long body make swimming a challenge, and their heavy, floppy ears can become waterlogged and weigh them down.
#12 – Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is a tiny breed with a big personality. Their small size and short legs make swimming difficult for them, and they may be intimidated by the water.
#13 – Maltese
The Maltese is a small breed with a long, silky coat. Their short legs and low energy level make swimming difficult for them, and their long coat can become waterlogged and weigh them down, making it even harder for them to swim.
#14 – Pomeranian
The Pomeranian is a small breed with a fluffy, thick coat. Their small size and short legs make swimming difficult for them, and their thick coat can become waterlogged and weigh them down in the water.
#15 – Boxer
The Boxer is a muscular, medium-sized breed that was originally bred for working on farms. While they are athletic and strong, their short snout and heavy build can make swimming a challenge for them.
It’s important to remember that every dog is an individual, and some may love the water despite their breed’s tendencies. However, if you’re considering a dog breed that doesn’t like the water, it’s essential to take extra precautions to ensure their safety and comfort around bodies of water. Whether that means investing in a life jacket, keeping them on a leash around open water, or simply accepting that they might prefer to stay on dry land, understanding your dog’s needs and preferences is key to keeping them happy and healthy.