Dogs That Can't Swim
If you have a dog breed that can't swim, it doesn't mean they can't enjoy the water. Buy and use a flotation vest for your dog, and vests are reasonably cheap compared to losing your dog.
Basset Hounds' have squat bodies that make it difficult for them to swim. Low to the ground with short legs, Basset Hounds move slowly. They carry two-thirds of their body weight in the front of their bodies. This uneven distribution of weight makes the Basset Hounds a poor swimmer when they are in the water.
Bulldogs should wear a life vest and have supervision when they are in any water. Their large, heavy bodies can sink like a stone. Add to that the breed's typical respiration difficulties, and Bulldogs can drown in a matter of minutes.
The famously fluffy Chow-Chow has very thick fur, which is either rough or smooth. While the topcoat can vary, all chow chows have wooly undercoats to insulate against cold weather. This undercoat helps to keep chow chows warm in the water, but the double layer of thick fur can become waterlogged. The dense hair weighs down the Chow-Chow, increasing its chance of drowning while in water.
The Dachshund's long, low-slung body works against it when swimming. The Dachshund's signature short, stubby legs don't provide it with enough thrust to stay afloat. It also struggles to keep its head above water due to its short neck.
The Maltese are tiny dogs with a square and compact body. Although not conducive to strong swimming, its body can manage in water. The danger for this breed is that it can become easily scared or cold if swimming for an extended period. If that happens, its chances of drowning increase.
The
Pekingese is a small lapdog that is stocky and muscular. The Pekingese thick, heavy coat undercoat and long and straight overcoat hinder its swimming ability. The dense fur can become saturated with water quickly, causing the Pekingese to sink and drown.
Pugs' small bodies make it a challenge for them to swim. Their weight and short legs work against them when they are in the water. Not all Pugs like to swim, so that they may avoid the water. You should monitor when they do swim, though, because they tire easily and could drown.
Although the Scottish Terriers like water, their heavy body and short legs combine to make them a poor swimmer, Scotties also have a heavy coat that can become waterlogged. This breed should never be left by water unsupervised because they can sink when trying to swim.
The Shih Tzu has a short snout and a short neck. Because of this, the Shih Tzu struggles to keep its head above water when trying to swim. It also has human-like hair that gets very heavy when wet. Never leave a Shih Tzu swimming unattended because they can tire quickly while in the water.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier has a hefty and muscular body. This breed's body is not ideal for swimming. Its head is disproportionate to its body, creating an uneven distribution of weight. This disproportionate body makes it hard to swim since their heavier heads keep the dogs naturally tipping forward in the water.
