Can All Dogs Instinctively Swim? The Surprising Truth About Canine Swimming Abilities

Have you ever heard someone say “all dogs can naturally swim”? I used to believe this myth too! After all, we named a swimming technique after them – the doggy paddle! But after my friend’s pug nearly drowned at a lake party last summer, I started wondering if this common belief is actually true.

The answer might surprise you Not all dogs can swim naturally, despite that popular belief that they’re all born with some magical “swimming gene”

The Swimming Myth Debunked

While most dogs will instinctively start paddling if they find themselves in water, that doesn’t mean they can actually swim effectively or safely. For many dogs, that paddling motion is the full extent of their swimming abilities – and sometimes it’s not enough to keep them afloat.

As Stanley Coren, PhD explains in Psychology Today, some dogs might paddle frantically but still:

• Cannot keep their heads above water
• Have no idea how to propel themselves toward shore
• Struggle to stay afloat due to their body structure

I discovered this the hard way when I took my sister’s French Bulldog to the beach. He jumped in after a ball and immediately started to sink despite his little legs paddling like crazy. I had to rush in and rescue him!

Which Dogs Are Natural Swimmers?

Some breeds are truly born to swim. They have special adaptations that help them move through water effortlessly, including:

• Water-shedding coats
• Webbing between their toes
• Proportional bodies that float well

According to veterinary experts, these breeds typically excel at swimming:

Many of these breeds were specifically bred to work in and around water – retrieving game from lakes, rescuing people, or assisting fishermen Their bodies evolved for swimming efficiency

Which Dogs Struggle to Swim?

On the flip side, certain dog breeds have physical characteristics that make swimming difficult or even impossible. My neighbor’s bulldog sinks like a stone, and now I understand why!

Dogs that typically struggle with swimming include:

• Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds – Their short muzzles make it hard to keep their nose above water while swimming

  • Pugs
  • French bulldogs
  • Boxers
  • Pekingese

• Short-legged, long-bodied dogs – They lack the leg power needed to stay afloat

  • Dachshunds
  • Basset hounds
  • Corgis

• Barrel-chested dogs with narrow hips – Their weight distribution makes them front-heavy in water

  • Bull terriers
  • Staffordshire bull terriers

• Dogs with dense, heavy coats – Their fur becomes waterlogged

  • Chow chows
  • Sharpeis

• Tiny toy breeds – Generally prefer laps to swimming laps!

  • Shih Tzus
  • Many other toy breeds

Why Some Dogs Can’t Swim: It’s All About Body Structure

The ability to swim well depends heavily on a dog’s physical structure. Here’s why some dogs struggle:

Head and Face Shape

Dogs with flat, broad faces (like pugs or bulldogs) must position their bodies almost vertically in water to keep their nose and mouth above the waterline. This makes it extremely difficult to stay afloat.

Similarly, breeds with disproportionately large or heavy heads must work extra hard just to keep their heads up, leaving little energy for actual swimming.

Leg Length and Body Shape

Have you ever seen a dachshund try to swim? Their tiny legs often can’t generate enough power to keep their long bodies afloat. And dogs with barrel chests and narrow hips (like basset hounds) tend to tilt forward in water, making swimming nearly impossible.

Coat Type

Some breeds have thick, dense coats that become waterlogged and heavy enough to drag them under. What was meant to keep them warm on land becomes a liability in water.

The Psychology of Swimming

Interestingly, not all swimming issues are physical. Some dogs that should be perfectly capable swimmers just don’t like water!

In the Psychology Today article, the author mentions his Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever who—despite being from a breed known for loving water—refused to enter a lake while all the other Tollers happily splashed around. The dog would just run along the shore barking!

Just like humans, dogs have individual preferences. Some love the water, while others avoid it at all costs. And that’s perfectly ok!

Teaching Your Dog to Swim Safely

If you’re wondering whether your furry friend can join you for a dip, here’s how to safely introduce them to swimming:

1. Never throw your dog into water – This creates panic and trauma
2. Start with shallow water – Let them explore at their own pace
3. Use a doggy life vest – These provide safety and confidence
   • Choose one with a handle on top for easy rescues
   • Get your dog comfortable wearing it before swimming
4. Lead by example – Get in the water yourself to show them it’s safe
5. Use positive reinforcement – Treats and praise work wonders!
6. Stay close – Be their lifeguard, especially during early swimming attempts
7. Watch for fatigue – Dogs may not know their limits

We took this approach with our lab mix who was initially terrified of water. After three weekends of gradual introduction, she’s now the first one in the lake!

Essential Swimming Safety Tips for Dog Owners

Swimming isn’t just about whether your dog can paddle—there are other safety concerns to keep in mind:

Beware of Hazards

• Blue-green algae – This can be deadly if ingested (watch for pond scum and foul smells)
• Dangerous water conditions – Strong currents, large waves, cold water
• Hidden obstacles – Sharp objects, submerged branches, sudden drop-offs
• Pool chemicals – Always rinse your dog after swimming in chlorinated water

Signs Your Dog Is in Trouble

Watch for:

• Excessive panting
• Head barely above water
• Frantic paddling without forward movement
• Trying to climb on anything (or you!)

Post-Swim Care

After swimming, be sure to:

• Rinse your dog thoroughly (especially after ocean or pool swimming)
• Check ears for water (to prevent infections)
• Dry them well, especially breeds prone to skin issues

Dogs Who Don’t Swim Can Still Enjoy Water

My corgi can’t swim to save his life, but he LOVES splashing in shallow water! Many non-swimming breeds enjoy water play as long as they can touch the bottom.

Consider these alternatives for non-swimming dogs:

• Kiddie pools with just a few inches of water
• Sprinklers to run through
• Water toys that don’t require deep water
• Dog-specific water parks with shallow areas

Swimming Gear for Dogs

If you want to help your non-swimming breed enjoy the water safely, consider these products:

• Doggy life jackets – Essential for breeds that struggle to swim
• Paw protectors – Shield paws from hot sand and sharp objects
• Water toys that float – Give them something fun to chase
• Ramps for pools – Help dogs exit water easily

The Bottom Line

While the “doggy paddle” is named after our canine friends, not all dogs are natural swimmers. A dog’s swimming ability depends on their:

• Breed characteristics
• Body structure
• Personal preferences
• Previous experiences with water

I’ve learned that assuming all dogs can swim can lead to dangerous situations. My friend’s pug incident taught me to be more careful, and now I always bring a doggy life vest when we head to the lake.

Whether your dog is a natural-born swimmer or prefers to stay on dry land, the most important thing is keeping them safe while still having fun. And remember – never force a reluctant dog into water!

What about your furry friend? Are they a water lover or do they prefer to keep their paws dry? Share your experiences in the comments below!

Dogs that are poor swimmers, or cannot swim at all, often have body structures that prevent buoyancy and efficient movement in water, including heavy chests, short legs, and flat faces. Breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs, Basset Hounds, Dachshunds, and Shih Tzus are particularly challenged by their anatomy. For these dogs, safety precautions like using life vests and keeping them away from deep water are essential.

No, not all dogs can swim instinctively, as their ability depends on their breed, physical structure, and comfort level with water. While many dogs have a natural paddling motion when in water, it’s a myth that all dogs are born natural swimmers. Breeds like Retrievers and Spaniels often excel due to adaptations like strong legs and webbed feet, while stocky, brachycephalic, or deep-chested breeds, such as Bulldogs or Dachshunds, may struggle and need extra support, like a life jacket, to stay afloat.

Dog breeds that often dislike water include Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, and Shih Tzus, largely due to their physical build which can make swimming difficult or dangerous. Other breeds like Dachshunds, Basset Hounds, and Bull Terriers also struggle in water due to short legs, heavy bodies, or deep chests.