1300 489 873Especially in the summer it is great to take your furry friend for a walk and let them get refreshed in the water. The general impression of dogs is that they love the water and swimming, in fact there are dogs which do not like the water and cannot even swim at all.
Good swimmers
There are certain breeds which are known for loving the water: Retriever, Labrador, Newfoundland, German Shepherd, Jack Russel terrier, Spanish and Portuguese water dogs, Poodle, Setter and Maltese.
Dogs that generally do not like the water are Great Danes, Rhodesian Ridgebacks and Dalmatian dogs, however, they still can swim properly if they want to. Pugs, Basset hounds, Greyhounds and bulldogs which are usually not good swimmers, and should be well supervised if they are at the beach or near a pool. It is important to consider that there are always exceptions and some of the the breeds considered bad swimmers can swim quite well. 
How to help my dog getting used to the water
- Go to a quiet place and slowly bring your dog into the water. If possible go in the water with him and hold him tight in the beginning.
- Bring his favourite toy and play with it in the water
- Do not force your dog and take your time
- If you find out that your pooch is not able to swim, it does not mean he cannot enjoy the water. Maybe think about buying a life jacket for your
dogs.
Tell your minder in advance if your dog is a good swimmer or not and in that way they will know to let them near the water or not.
