Sunday, July 15, 2012

Breeds that Can't Swim

By Allyson Westcot


Some breeds appear to have swimming in their bones. You would be pretty hard-pressed to find a retriever or water spaniel that did not take to water. But even among breeds that can routinely swim well, there may be 1 or 2 individual dogs that simply are not comfortable swimming or plain don't love it. And then there are breeds that usually can't swim, like bulldogs.

A bulldog falling into a pool or expanse of water could easily and quickly drown. Other breeds that usually can't swim well or at all include greyhounds, corgis, dachshunds and Boston terriers, among others. If you have one of those breeds, or a dog that doesn't appear to understand how to swim well, then you'd do well to invest some money in a dog life vest. Even if your dog is an expert swimmer, a life vest for dogs is nice to have available and use.

Bulldogs and similar breeds that have large chests, mostly in proportion with the remainder of their bodies, are not built to stay afloat. These dogs, like pretty much all dogs, will try to paddle when they hit the water. But in the case off bulldogs, it simply won't do much good. For your dog's safety in and around water, a dog life vest is a must.

Remember that even if you don't plan to go into the water, if he gets near to the water he could fall in. A regular dog harness might make it easier to grab your dog out of the water, but it won't help him float or swim. And even if your dog swims well, circumstances could make him struggleâ€"fatigue, cold water, surprise, age and doubt.

If your dog isn't one of the breeds that has a great deal of difficulty, you can use a dog life jacket to assist your pet in swimming. They can be particularly helpful if you are easing your dog into the water and helping him learn how to swim, as well.




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