20 Dogs That Aren’t Exactly Swimmers

Dogs have unique traits and abilities, but not all are suited for aquatic adventures. Physical features like body structure and coat type often make water activities complicated. This guide explores breeds that thrive better on land than in water.
Bulldogs: Broad Shoulders and Short Legs Create Difficulties

For Bulldogs, the combination of short legs and wide shoulders makes paddling tough. Their flat faces, characteristic of brachycephalic breeds, also make it hard to breathe in physical activity. These affectionate companions thrive on land-based activities, where their playful nature shines.
Pugs: Limited Stamina Calls for Attention

Swimming can be an exhaustion for Pugs due to their compact builds and restricted airways. These lovable dogs can enjoy splashing in shallow pools, but extended aquatic play is risky. With short legs that limit efficient movement, afloat requires significant effort.
Dachshunds: Balance Becomes a Challenge

With their long bodies and short legs, Dachshunds often find water activities tricky. The unique physique, while ideal for burrowing, hinders buoyancy. Swimming becomes an awkward and energy-draining activity for these curious little dogs.
Shih Tzus: Thick Coats Add to the Struggle

Shih Tzus face challenges in water due to their dense, water-absorbing coats. As their fur becomes heavier, efficiency in water becomes nearly impossible. The small stature of this breed further limits its endurance during aquatic play.
Boxers: Energy Demands Outweigh Strength

Muscular bodies like Boxers make swimming a labor-intensive task. While their athletic build helps on land, it requires significant energy to keep afloat. Their agility on land does not translate well to aquatic settings.
Chihuahuas: Tiny Frames and Cold Sensitivity Create Risks

Aquatic activities are no easy feat for Chihuahuas. Petite size and intolerance for cold water can tire them out quickly. Shallow pools can be fearful for this breed, and even minimal exposure can drain its limited energy reserves.
Maltese: Silky Fur Causes Drag in Water

For Maltese dogs, their long, flowing coats can absorb water and create a resistance that makes swimming hard. These delicate dogs often fare better in shallow waters, and this breed is better adapted to land-based activities.
Basset Hounds: Short Legs and Sturdy Bodies Reduce Agility

Due to their heavy torsos and short legs, dogs like Basset Hounds struggle to move efficiently in water. The disproportionate body structure limits agility and makes swimming an energy-intensive task. Stamina is another challenge for this sturdy breed.
Scottish Terriers: Dense Fur Can Weigh Them Down

Scottish Terriers have buoyancy issues because of their water-retaining coats. Their nature often leads them to explore aquatic settings, but movement becomes laborious as their fur absorbs water. Buoyancy is not a strong suit for these determined dogs.
Afghan Hounds: Long Fur Increases Resistance

The elegant, flowing coat of an Afghan Hound becomes a liability in water. As the fur absorbs moisture, it adds significant weight, complicating buoyancy. Despite their graceful appearance, they are not naturally suited for aquatic settings.
Bullmastiffs: Large Frames Create Swimming Challenges

A Bullmastiff’s large, muscular frame requires immense effort to stay afloat. Its size creates resistance in the water, making prolonged difficulty. This breed often struggles to maintain stamina during aquatic activities.
French Bulldogs: Breathing Is a Struggle in Water

Swimming is challenging for French Bulldogs due to their stocky frames and short snouts. Limited airway capacity makes breathing difficult, while their compact bodies lack efficiency in water. These combinations make extended swimming unrealistic.
Yorkshire Terriers: Small Builds Struggle in Cold Water

Fine coats and a small build make Yorkshire Terriers vulnerable to the effects of water. Cold conditions exacerbate their discomfort, and their low stamina limits the time spent swimming. Those traits make aquatic environments less attractive for this breed.
Rottweilers: Strength Isn’t Always an Advantage

The powerful physique of a Rottweiler demands significant energy to cross water. While their strength is impressive, their large frames face natural resistance when swimming. Fatigue sets in quickly and limits their time in aquatic settings.
Chow Chows: Thick Double Coats Add Discomfort

Chow Chows naturally prefer to stay dry, as their thick double coats become heavy when wet. The extra weight hampers movement, making swimming a challenge. This breed’s natural preference for dry environments reflects its physical limitations.
Papillons: Lightweight Frames Need Extra Care

These small dogs have delicate bodies that struggle in water. Their fine, silky coats absorb moisture, adding resistance and turning swimming into a strenuous activity. Endurance is limited for these lively but fragile pups.
Boston Terriers: Short Snouts Limit Efficiency in Water

The brachycephalic structure of Boston Terriers complicates their ability to swim efficiently. Breathing is restricted, while their compact bodies lack the strength needed for prolonged activity. Water settings can quickly become overwhelming.
Old English Sheepdogs: Fluffy Coats Add Resistance

Thick, fluffy fur causes significant resistance for Old English Sheepdogs in water. Wet coats become cumbersome, inhibiting their mobility and buoyancy. Despite their size, swimming is not a natural fit for these dogs.
Whippets: Lean Builds Aren’t Suited for Swimming

Lean frames and long legs give Whippets speed on land but little advantage in water. Their lack of natural buoyancy makes swimming physically demanding. Sustained water activity can be particularly tough for these sleek dogs.
Italian Greyhounds: Minimal Fur Leaves Little Protection

Thin coats and delicate bodies can feel overwhelming in the water for animals like Italian Greyhounds. The slight builds make it hard to maintain energy while swimming. This breed’s physical design prioritizes agility on land over aquatic capability.