Dogs and Swimming
Dogs and Swimming
A question I am often asked during the summer is whether or not all dogs instinctively know how to swim. Many breeds of dogs, such as Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and Portuguese Water Dogs are both physically built and genetically wired for swimming, while many other breeds do not fare nearly as well. Dogs with deep chests, such as Boxers, Weimaraners, and Great Danes are naturally top heavy, and may or may not be strong enough to make up for this natural imbalance. Brachycephalic, or “smushy-faced†breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers tend to be very poor swimmers and are common victims of drownings. While some of these dogs may enjoy the water, my recommendation is to only allow swimming if the dog is wearing a life-vest, on a leash, and very closely supervised.

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