Dogs with short snouts cannot swim

Not all dog breeds can swim, as some dogs may have issues and should never be near deep waters.

But before that, check out the three tips to know if your dog is not a natural swimmer:

1. He has a larger and heavier chest.
2. He has short legs.
3. He has a short snout (brachycephalic).

Brachycephalic dogs have many health problems related to the respiratory system. This is because their airways are short, and the air doesn’t have much time to cool down before reaching the lungs. They cannot cool themselves efficiently since they don’t sweat like humans and are more prone to overheating than dogs with longer snouts.

Due to these respiratory obstructions, brachycephalic dogs pant a lot! They are prime candidates for “heat strokes” and need extra care when entering the pool.

Also, pay attention to your dog’s snoring to know when it becomes abnormal!

Now, let’s see the dog breeds that cannot swim:

10. Pug
    A brachycephalic dog breed, the short snout of this little one can cause breathing difficulties. This not only hinders its ability to swim for any length of time but also makes it difficult for him to keep his snout above water.
    
11. Dachshund
    Although this dog breed is relatively lightweight and has a longer snout, it doesn’t mean it doesn’t face the same water problems as a Pug or Bulldog. But the short legs of this breed mean it will never be a strong swimmer. Water activities should be in a kiddie pool with water not exceeding their shoulders. That said, they can drown even in shallow waters, so always keep an eye on them.
    
12. Maltese
    Even though this small dog breed doesn’t carry the typical problematic traits of non-swimmers like lighter weight, smaller chest, and a full snout, it may experience challenges related to water play, such as shivering, arthritis, and rheumatism. To ensure that all play is safe and fun for this tiny dog, stick to solid ground with fetch and catch games.
    
13. Bulldog
    This dog breed meets all the criteria for non-swimmers. Its short snout means it is considered a brachycephalic dog. Additionally, the heavy chest, large head, and short legs mean it will never be able to swim fast enough to support its own weight. If it is near water, pet owners should ensure that it is always supervised and wearing a life jacket.
    
14. Basset Hound
    While this dog breed holds a record for having the world’s longest ears, unfortunately, they are not flotation devices and, therefore, do not offer support if this big boy finds himself in deep waters. In fact, its large head, dense bone structure, and disproportionately short legs mean it is unable to stay afloat for any period. With long ears that may be prone to waterborne infections, this native tracker is not a good swimmer.
    
15. Chow Chow
    While we tend to consider dogs natural swimmers, the Chow is an exception. The deeper chest, shorter legs, and flatter snout can also cause breathing difficulties. Additionally, its thicker and heavier coat can become completely soaked. Extra care should be taken with this dog breed.
    
16. Corgi
    This small dog breed is robust and has a longer snout. But the dense body, large chest, and short legs mean it will never be a strong swimmer. Since they love water, it’s best to fill a kiddie pool during warmer weather.
    

Read more:

• See 7 curiosities about the Pug
• 5 Skin Problems with the Pug, learn how to care
• How to clean dogs’ teeth without hurting them

1. Boxer
   Another one of the short-snouted dogs that cannot swim is the Boxer. Although its long legs may make it seem like swimming would be a great option, this dog breed faces the same challenges as Boxers and Pugs, being considered brachycephalic. Its shorter snout means it will struggle to keep its head and nose above water. It may experience shortness of breath if left to swim for too long.
   
2. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
   This athletic and spirited dog loves its exercise. Additionally, its solid and dense muscle mass makes it heavier and not inclined to swimming. Add to that a head size and weight that tends to be disproportionate to its body, and you’ll find it can be very difficult for it to keep its head above water for any period.
   
3. Shih Tzu
   The first on our list of short-snouted dogs that cannot swim is the Shih Tzu. Similar to the Maltese, this is a dog breed that can quickly catch a cold. So, while it may give its best, swimming can be a struggle due to its small snout and legs. Its fuller coat can also get wet while swimming, weighing it down and making breathing difficult. And remember, tiny dogs can get scared or nervous in open waters, making the experience unpleasant.

Today you learned that short-snouted dogs cannot swim, so if you have a dog with this profile, take all necessary precautions. Enjoy the tips!