These Breeds Struggle in Water More Than You’d Expect
Some dogs take to water like fish, effortlessly gliding through waves and paddling without a care. Others? Not so much. While it might be easy to assume that all dogs are natural swimmers, the reality is that some breeds face serious challenges when it comes to staying afloat. Their body structure, breathing limitations, or sheer lack of buoyancy can turn a quick dip into a dangerous struggle.
This doesn’t mean these dogs can’t enjoy water safely, but it does mean owners need to be extra cautious. Life jackets, shallow water play, and close supervision are key to keeping these pups safe around lakes, pools, and beaches. If you’ve got one of these breeds, don’t expect them to be the next Michael Phelps of the dog world. Here are 12 breeds that just aren’t built for swimming.
Bulldogs Struggle to Stay Afloat Due to Their Heavy Build
With their barrel-shaped bodies, short legs, and flat faces, Bulldogs are simply not equipped for water. According to Sit Means Sit, their unique anatomy makes keeping their heads above water a serious challenge.
Bulldogs have a deep chest and a high muscle-to-fat ratio, which makes them dense and prone to sinking. They lack the stamina needed for prolonged swimming and tire quickly. Even in shallow water, these dogs require a life jacket to stay safe. Without one, they are at extreme risk of drowning. Owners should always supervise them closely near water.
Pugs Struggle With Swimming Because of Their Breathing Issues
Pugs may have adorable, smushed faces, but those flat snouts make swimming difficult. As stated by IHeartDogs, their short nasal passages force them to tilt their heads back when in water, which throws off their balance and causes their rear end to sink.
Unlike long-snouted breeds that can keep their noses above the surface, Pugs have to work twice as hard to breathe. This extra effort quickly leads to exhaustion, making swimming dangerous. Their compact bodies also provide little buoyancy, further increasing their struggle. Even if they enjoy splashing around, always keep a Pug in a life vest when near water.
Basset Hounds Are Too Heavy and Short-Legged to Swim Well
Basset Hounds may be great at tracking scents, but they are terrible swimmers. According to Rover, their short legs and long, heavy bodies make staying afloat nearly impossible.
These dogs have dense bone structures that weigh them down in water. Additionally, their long ears can trap moisture, leading to frequent ear infections if they get wet too often. Because of their build, Basset Hounds should never be left unattended near deep water. If they do need to be in water, a properly fitted life jacket is a must to prevent sinking.
Dachshunds Struggle in Water Due to Their Long Bodies
Dachshunds may be fearless on land, but their elongated bodies and tiny legs make swimming a challenge. As noted by Dogster, their body shape creates resistance in the water, requiring them to work harder just to stay afloat.
Because of their short limbs, Dachshunds can’t generate enough paddling power to keep up with other breeds. They tire quickly and are prone to sinking. Their deep chests also add weight to their front, making balance difficult. If your Dachshund enjoys water, a snug life jacket and shallow play areas are the best way to keep them safe.
Boxers Overheat and Tire Quickly When Swimming
Despite their athletic nature, Boxers are not great swimmers. Their deep chests, short muzzles, and high-energy levels make water activities risky. Boxers often overheat due to their brachycephalic skulls, which makes efficient breathing difficult.
Boxers also have minimal body fat, meaning they lack natural buoyancy. When they swim, they exert more energy than other breeds just to stay afloat. This leads to rapid exhaustion, putting them at risk of drowning. Always monitor Boxers near water and ensure they have a way to exit safely if they become tired.
Corgis Are Not Built for Swimming Due to Their Proportions
Corgis may be energetic and lively, but their stocky, long-bodied build isn’t ideal for swimming. Their short legs don’t provide much propulsion, which makes moving through water a struggle.
While some Corgis may enjoy wading in shallow areas, they lack the stamina for extended swimming. Their thick coats can also become heavy when wet, adding to their difficulties. Life vests and controlled environments are essential for keeping them safe in water.
Greyhounds Are Not Built for Cold or Deep Water
Despite their speed on land, Greyhounds don’t perform well in water. Their low body-fat percentage provides little insulation, and their lanky frame offers poor buoyancy.
While some dogs are natural-born swimmers, these breeds struggle due to their unique anatomy and physical limitations. Their lack of buoyancy, short snouts, or sheer body weight make swimming a dangerous activity without proper precautions. Owners of these breeds should be extra cautious near water, ensuring they have access to flotation devices, safe environments, and proper supervision.
Shih Tzus Face Serious Challenges When Swimming
Shih Tzus have long, flowing coats that become heavy when soaked, making it difficult for them to stay afloat. Their short legs also make swimming inefficient, forcing them to expend more energy just to stay above water.
This breed’s brachycephalic skull further complicates things, as they must tilt their heads back to breathe, causing an awkward and exhausting swimming posture. Owners should be extremely cautious and provide a well-fitted life vest if their Shih Tzu is near water.
Bull Terriers Are Prone to Sinking Due to Their Dense Bodies
Bull Terriers are muscular and compact, making them fantastic runners but terrible swimmers. Their stocky build gives them poor buoyancy, and their short legs provide minimal propulsion in water.
Even if they are high-energy and eager to play, swimming is not their strong suit. They tire quickly, and without support, they risk sinking. If they must be in water, a flotation device is crucial for their safety.
French Bulldogs Have Almost No Swimming Ability
French Bulldogs share many of the same swimming struggles as their English Bulldog relatives. Their heavy, compact bodies and short snouts make it nearly impossible for them to swim without assistance.
Due to their brachycephalic nature, they also struggle to breathe while swimming, making water play particularly dangerous. A properly fitted life vest is an absolute must if they are near pools or lakes.
Staffordshire Bull Terriers Struggle to Stay Afloat
Staffordshire Bull Terriers are strong, muscular dogs, but their dense bodies make floating difficult. They tend to sink rather than paddle, and they tire out quickly in the water.
Even though they are agile and athletic on land, their structure is simply not suited for swimming. Supervision and flotation support are essential whenever they are near water.
Mastiffs Sink Quickly Due to Their Heavy Frames
Mastiffs are one of the heaviest dog breeds, making swimming an extreme challenge. Their large, muscular frames provide little buoyancy, and their sheer size causes them to tire quickly in water.
Due to their limited endurance and difficulty maneuvering in water, Mastiffs are better suited to staying on dry land. If they must be around water, constant supervision and a life vest are necessary for their safety.
A dog’s inability to swim doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy the water—it just means safety measures must be in place. Investing in a well-fitted life vest, keeping swimming sessions brief, and avoiding deep or rough waters can make all the difference. At the end of the day, knowing your dog’s limitations and respecting their comfort level in water ensures they stay safe while still having fun.