Summer Heat is Here Again — Thoughts on Dogs and Swimming
With the recent arrival of the scorching summer, the daily high temperatures have become unbearable, making many of us want to go swimming to cool off. From a young age, most people know about a swimming style called the "dog paddle", which has led many to wonder: are all dogs naturally good swimmers?
Actually, this is not the case. Just like humans, some dogs are not very comfortable in the water. Breeds such as Corgis, Dachshunds, Shih Tzus, Pugs, and French Bulldogs, for example, tend to find swimming more challenging due to their natural body shape or shorter airways. Because of these factors, swimming can be quite strenuous and might not be very suitable for them.
If your dog is a total "landlubber", there's no need to push them to swim. Every dog has its own personality and natural disposition, and quite a few dogs are actually afraid of water.
Before training your dog to swim, it's important for owners to understand their dog's temperament. Don't assume all dogs can swim naturally and throw them into the water casually, as this can often backfire.
Of course, there are dog breeds that are naturally better swimmers. The following article will introduce the top 6 swimming champions in the dog world. Let's take a look!
1. Golden Retriever
Many families love keeping Golden Retrievers because of their obedient nature, gentle temperament, and high intelligence. However, what many owners don't realize is that Golden Retrievers were originally bred as hunting dogs, specifically for hunting waterfowl by rivers and streams.
Because of this heritage, Golden Retrievers are natural swimming champions. They can withstand cold water temperatures and are skilled at hunting and tracking injured prey in the water. If owners occasionally take their Golden Retrievers to play in the water, these dogs will absolutely enjoy it.
Originally bred as waterfowl hunting dogs, Golden Retrievers are born swimmers by nature.
2. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever, very similar to the Golden Retriever, is also an excellent swimmer. Labradors are naturally strong swimmers, and if you look closely, you'll notice that their toes are webbed! Their double-layered coat is short and straight, offering a good degree of water resistance. Their thick, sturdy tails resemble those of otters and act like rudders to help steer while swimming.
In some ways, compared to the Golden Retriever's feather-like tail, the Labrador's tail is better suited for swimming, and they truly enjoy being in the water. With a thick, solid tail and a short, straight double coat, Labradors are naturally built for swimming.
3. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland dog, a breed that may be less commonly seen in some regions, is well-known for its exceptional swimming ability. As a working breed, these dogs are large and incredibly strong. Their thick coats protect them from the icy cold seawater, while their long, wide, and webbed feet make them natural-born swimmers.
In addition to their physical traits, Newfoundlands are intelligent and loyal, boasting outstanding swimming skills and strength. Today, they are increasingly recognized as maritime rescue dogs.
Perhaps the most famous story involves a Newfoundland dog in 1919, who pulled a lifeboat along the beach and helped rescue 20 stranded people, bringing them to safety. Born swimmers with dense fur, Newfoundlands thrive even in cold water, moving through it as easily as if they were fish.
4. Portuguese Water Dog
Although at first glance the Portuguese Water Dog might be mistaken for a Poodle due to their somewhat similar appearance, the two are actually completely different breeds. The Portuguese Water Dog originated along the coast of Portugal and was traditionally raised by fishermen.
Besides being excellent swimmers, these dogs are even known to dive underwater to help their owners retrieve lost fishing gear or to drive fish towards the nets. Their swimming ability is truly remarkable.
The most famous Portuguese Water Dog in the world was probably Bo, the family dog of former U.S. President Barack Obama. Bo was chosen by the Obama family because of his short coat and low shedding qualities. His adorable appearance also won the hearts of many. Unfortunately, Bo passed away from cancer in May of this year.
The Portuguese Water Dog is not only a great swimmer but an exceptional diver as well, making it a breed with outstanding aquatic skills.
5. Spanish Water Dog
The Spanish Water Dog, similar to the Portuguese Water Dog with its curly coat, is clearly a strong swimmer just by its name. However, the Spanish Water Dog is more than just an excellent swimmer—it is also an effective herding dog capable of driving sheep, and it even assists fishermen with underwater tasks. It is truly a versatile working dog.
Spanish Water Dogs enjoy close interaction with humans and can serve as reliable watchdogs. Moreover, their affectionate nature and friendliness toward children make them a popular indoor companion in families abroad.
With a loving and friendly temperament, the Spanish Water Dog is not only a versatile working dog but also a loyal family companion.
6. The Standard Poodle: More Than Just Elegant Appearance
Although most people associate the Standard Poodle with a noble and elegant appearance—often seen in many dog beauty contests—this perception can be misleading. Many assume that these dogs are only suited to stand gracefully as showpieces on land.
In reality, Standard Poodles were originally bred as hunting dogs, skilled at retrieving ducks, waterfowl, and other game from water. So, don't be fooled by their distinguished posture; they actually love playing in water and are excellent swimmers.
Despite being synonymous with fashion and sophistication, the Standard Poodle is truly a hidden aquatic expert.
Six Dog Breeds Naturally Born to Be Swimming Champions
This article introduces six dog breeds that are naturally gifted swimmers. We wonder if your furry friend is among them!
Swimming offers numerous benefits for dogs, such as muscle strengthening and maintaining a healthy physique. Most importantly, it's a fun way to beat the heat together with your owner.
Nowadays, besides mountain streams, riversides, and beaches, there are many specially designed natural swimming pools for dogs. These pools are free of chlorine and other chemical additives, ensuring that dogs who love to swim can play safely and worry-free.
If your dog is new to swimming, it's best to introduce water gradually to help them get comfortable playing in it, and then slowly start training them to swim.
Of course, if your dog belongs to one of the breeds mentioned above, there's usually no need to worry. When it comes to water play and swimming, they might just surprise you by being even better than you!
