ASKDQ: WHY DO SOME DOGS LOVE TO SWIM AND OTHERS DON’T?

Q: Why do some breeds love swimming and others don’t?

A: Some dogs are just born loving water, and while whether or not your dog likes water is largely due to his personality, some of the preference is tied to his genetic make-up.

Some breeds of dogs love water because they were originally bred to be used for water activities. Some of these breeds have even developed physical characteristics that serve them well in the water. For example, Labrador Retrievers have more webbing between their toes to help them to swim.

Some of the top water-loving dog breeds include the Labrador Retriever, the Golden Retriever, the Standard Poodle, the Newfoundland and the German Shorthaired Pointer. Dog breeds that are less likely to love water include the brachycephalic breeds, as their flat faces make it more difficult to breathe when swimming, or dogs whose body types make staying afloat more difficult.

Having said this, each dog is different and whether or not your pooch likes to swim ultimately depends on his unique personality!

 

Scroll to Top