Are Dogs Born to Swim?

Although it's already past the start of autumn, the summer heat still lingers, spreading its warmth. Air conditioning, cold drinks, ice cream, and a refreshing swim seem to be the perfect way to cool off during the summer. Many dog owners, in addition to regularly grooming their pets, take their dogs swimming during the summer. While we all know about the unique “dog paddle” swimming style and how many dogs are great swimmers, the question remains: are dogs born knowing how to swim?

The answer is—no, not all dogs are born knowing how to swim. Take the French Bulldog as an example. As one of the iconic short-legged breeds in the pet world, it doesn't perform well when it comes to swimming. This is because breeds like the French Bulldog, Corgis, and Dachshunds have large heads in proportion to their bodies, which naturally puts more strain on them in the water. This means that their short legs, combined with their large heads, make it difficult for them to maintain balance in the water without guidance, and they even run the risk of water entering their nasal passages. On the other hand, larger breeds like Golden Retrievers and Huskies, with their long limbs and sturdy bodies, are naturally more adept at swimming. However, this doesn't mean that simply throwing a dog into the water will teach it how to swim. The "dog paddle" is actually an instinctual movement where dogs mimic their land-based actions in the water. Some larger breeds with well-developed limbs and quick reflexes tend to adapt to water more easily, which leads to the misconception that "just throwing the dog in water will make it swim." Just like humans, dogs (and even cats) need time to adapt to unfamiliar environments, and swimming is no different. In real life, we often hear sad stories of dogs that drown while learning to swim, and there are even reports of people maliciously tossing dogs into water as a form of entertainment. Teaching a dog to swim requires guidance and time; it’s not as simple as throwing them into the water! We can help dogs by using professional swimming pools, dog life vests, and other aids. It’s important to guide them slowly with tools, rather than throwing them into the water and expecting them to learn through panic. It’s also crucial to note that dogs’ stamina differs from humans, so owners should observe their pets closely and not push them until they become exhausted. Friendly advice: Teaching a dog to swim is a gradual process. In the early stages, you can use toys or grooming sessions to calm your dog’s nerves, along with floatation devices such as life vests to guide them. Take things step by step and avoid overexerting them!