Can Dogs Swim?

If you regularly spend a good amount of time on the Internet, you’ve probably already seen videos and clips of dogs expertly treading on the water.

However, let’s get one thing cleared up: not all dogs are natural swimmers.

I know, I know – it seems surprising, isn’t it? In this article, we’ll talk about common misconceptions about dogs and swimming.

Can dogs swim?

Here are three things you may not have realized about dogs and swimming.

Some dog breeds simply weren’t born to be swimmers. For instance, Dachshunds will have a pretty hard time swimming due to their short legs and long bodies. Bulldogs, who are bred to be top-heavy and have uneven weight distribution, will find it more difficult as well.
Dogs still need a life jacket in the water. Even those breeds that seem to be fully capable of swimming will still be better off with some kind of dog flotation device. Luckily, life jackets are pretty affordable, like this one from Outward Hound or this one from the EMUST store.
Dogs can also take swimming lessons. There are many trainers who offer this service to dog owners, especially those who own a pool or lead an active lifestyle.