Five dog breeds that can’t swim well, if at all

Most dog owners assume their pets can swim if ever faced with water, but that’s not always the case. Some dog breeds struggle immensely or cannot swim at all due to their physical structure. Understanding which breeds these are and why they can't swim well is vital for any responsible dog owner, helping to keep your furry friend safe around water, even if swimming isn’t something you plan to do regularly.

Like human babies who instinctively float, most dogs naturally paddle when put into water, relying on instinct rather than training to stay afloat. However, for certain breeds, their body shape and conformation make it extremely difficult or impossible to keep their heads above water and breathe properly, leading to a high risk of drowning if they enter deep water.

Even if your dog has never shown an interest in swimming, it’s important to observe their behaviour with water and test their abilities safely under supervision. For some breeds, particularly those with heavy, stocky builds or flat faces (brachycephalic breeds), water can be a severe hazard.

If you want to know if your dog is one of the breeds that can’t swim well, read on. Here are five specific breeds that generally struggle to swim due to their distinctive anatomy, along with explanations and safety advice.

The English Bulldog

The English Bulldog is renowned for its charming appearance but sadly, is one of the poorest swimmers among dogs. Their heavy, muscular front-heavy build, short legs, and large head make buoyancy difficult to achieve. On top of that, their flat face (brachycephalic muzzle) hampers their ability to keep their nose above water to breathe.

Because of all these factors, English Bulldogs are at significant risk of sinking quickly once in water that’s deeper than their chest. They tire rapidly and cannot effectively paddle forward. For English Bulldog owners, it’s crucial to avoid letting their dog into deep water and to supervise closely near all bodies of water.

The French Bulldog

The French Bulldog, a close relative of the English Bulldog, faces similar challenges. While a bit more agile, their large heads, flat faces, and shorter legs mean they are also not natural swimmers. They tend to pitch forward in water, making it hard to keep their face above the surface and breathe properly.

French Bulldogs require the same kind of cautious supervision around any water as English Bulldogs. Owners should consider a well-fitted life jacket designed for Bulldog breeds if introducing them to water for any reason, ensuring safety for their limited swimming ability.

The Basset Hound

The Basset Hound has a notably long body and very short legs as a result of dwarfism genetics, and while their long nose is more typical, their short limbs limit propulsion in the water. Their heavy, stocky frame and low-to-the-ground build challenge their ability to stay afloat and move forward efficiently.

While some Basset Hounds might paddle around shallow water, don’t expect them to swim confidently or for long periods. Owners should prevent them from venturing into deep water to avoid risky situations.

The Dachshund

Like the Basset Hound, the Dachshund has a long back and short legs — features linked to a form of dwarfism. They are lighter in body compared to Bassets but still face significant obstacles in swimming due to these proportions.

Dachshunds might be capable of some paddling in very calm, shallow water, but they are unlikely to have good endurance or the ability to swim effectively, especially if the water becomes deep.

The Pug

The Pug is another breed with a flat face and compact, stocky body. Their short, narrow noses make breathing difficult when their face dips under water. Additionally, their legs are shorter and more finely boned, contributing to a tendency to pitch forward and struggle to keep their head above water when swimming.

While some healthy, leaner Pugs with less extreme flat faces might manage light swimming, most Pugs should be kept away from deep water and always supervised when near water bodies.

Safety Tips for Owners of Breeds That Can't Swim

For owners of the breeds above, there are critical safety measures to take when your dog is near water:

• Never leave your dog unattended near pools, ponds, or any deep water. Bulldogs in particular can sink quickly due to their body shape.
• Fit your dog with a properly fitting life jacket designed for their breed. This specially designed gear supports their heavy fronts and helps them keep afloat and breathe easier.
• Install physical barriers like pool fences to prevent unsupervised access to pools or water features in your home.
• Avoid deep, rough, or fast-moving water such as lakes, rivers, or the sea, where rescue could be difficult.
• Introduce water very cautiously and only under close supervision if you want to involve your dog in water activities.
• Always be ready to assist immediately if your dog struggles in water.

Following these tips is essential to protecting breeds with physical limitations that make swimming dangerous. Responsible pet ownership means understanding and respecting your dog's specific needs and risks.